Fastest Trains in the World
Below is a list of the fastest trains globally, along with their maximum speeds:
- The Shanghai Maglev in China, which has reached a maximum speed of approximately 431 kilometers per hour. This train operates on magnetic levitation technology.
- The Fuxing Hao train, which achieved a top speed of 401 kilometers per hour and can accommodate up to 556 passengers.
- The Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed rail, boasts a maximum speed of about 360 kilometers per hour, ranking it among the fastest commercial trains in the country.
- The Italo and Frecciarossa trains in Italy, reaching maximum speeds around 354 kilometers per hour.
- The Renfe AVE train in Spain, which has attained speeds of 349 kilometers per hour and is widely used for long-distance travel between major Spanish cities.
- The Haramain train in Saudi Arabia connects Medina and Mecca, reaching speeds of 349 kilometers per hour to serve nearly three million passengers annually.
- The Deutsche Bahn train in Germany, with a maximum speed of around 330 kilometers per hour.
- The Korail train in South Korea, which also achieves a top speed of approximately 330 kilometers per hour.
- The Eurostar E320 and TGV trains in Europe, both of which have reached maximum speeds of about 322 kilometers per hour.
- The Thalys train, which operates between France and Belgium, reaches a maximum speed of 299 kilometers per hour.
A Brief History of Trains
Historians trace the origins of trains back to around 600 BC, when the Greeks created grooves in limestone to facilitate the movement of cart wheels. However, with the rise of the Roman Empire around 146 BC, these tracks fell into disrepair and eventually disappeared. It wasn’t until the 16th century that a modern era of rail transport began, marked by steam-powered trains developed by Germans who installed wooden tracks for easier movement.
By the 18th century, train manufacturers replaced wooden tracks with iron rails and began producing iron wheels. In the early 19th century, British engineer John Birkinshaw invented wrought iron, a material that proved more durable and reliable than the cast iron previously used in rail construction.
Entering the modern age, the first high-speed train debuted in Japan in 1964, sparking a global revolution in rapid rail travel. This innovation inspired countries including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavian nations, Belgium, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and the United States, highlighting the advent of electric motors and advanced technologies that enable trains to reach speeds of up to 515 kilometers per hour.
Types of Trains
Steam Trains
Steam trains primarily rely on coal as fuel, burning it to produce heat that boils water to create steam. This steam pressure helps move pistons, which, like those in car engines, provide the force needed to turn the wheels that run on the tracks.
Electric Trains
Electric trains are known for being environmentally friendly and relatively quiet, making them a preferred choice since their invention in the 19th century. These trains harness electrical energy supplied through a third rail or overhead electric wire running alongside the track.
Diesel Trains
Diesel trains utilize diesel fuel as their primary energy source, burning it in generators to produce electricity that powers electric motors.