The Fastest Train in the World

The Shanghai Maglev, located in China, holds the title of the fastest train in the world as of 2018, reaching speeds of approximately 431 kilometers per hour. This innovative train is operated by China’s railway company, and the term “Maglev” is an abbreviation of the English phrase “magnetic levitation,” referring to the technology that enables the train to float due to magnetic fields. Unlike conventional trains, it does not have wheels and runs on a magnetic field created between the train and the track. Here are some key technical features of this remarkable train:

The train accelerates from 0 to 431 km/h in just 4 minutes.
The Maglev operates exclusively for commercial purposes.
It runs solely between Long Yang Road and Pudong International Airport.
The train has a capacity of 574 seats.

Ranking of the Fastest Trains Worldwide

Currently, traveling by train in Europe is faster than by plane. Japan is also testing a new version of its high-speed trains, which is scheduled to launch for the first time in 2020. There are several options available for high-speed rail travel, and here are the top ten fastest trains in the world:

Chinese train (Shanghai Maglev) at 429.7 km/h.
Chinese train (Fuxing Hao) at 400.7 km/h.
Japanese train (Shinkansen H5) at 360.5 km/h.
Italian trains (Italo and Frecciarossa) at 354.1 km/h.
Spanish train (Renfe AVE) at 349 km/h.
Saudi train (Haramain Western) at 349 km/h.
German train (Deutsche Bahn ICE) at 330 km/h.
South Korean train (Korail KTX) at 330 km/h.
The Eurostar e320 and TGV trains at 322 km/h.
European train (Thalys) at 299 km/h.

The Significance of Trains in Our Lives

Rail transportation is one of humanity’s key innovations dating back to ancient Greek civilization. Today, it has evolved into a modern, sophisticated system utilized in local networks and across countries and continents over long distances. Here are some reasons why trains are often preferred as a mode of transport:

Among the most reliable forms of transportation in terms of safety.
Faster and less affected by common weather disruptions, such as rain and fog, compared to other transport methods.
Better organized than any other transportation option, as they have fixed tracks and schedules.
Offers uniform and regular services compared to other means of transportation.