How High Speed Travel is Changing the Way We Move Around the World

High Speed Travel

Time is of the essence, and still we spent hours trying to get from point A to point B. Just the other day, I was feeling a bit under the weather and thought I would book an Uber to get to work. Fee aside, the long wait as we were stuck there in the never-ending traffic was pure torture. And it hit me, commuting does not have to be such a daunting task anymore! Like the little Sheldon Cooper from ‘Young Sheldon’, I began my research on the fastest high speed trains in the world — and tell you what, the findings were out-of-this-world mindblowing! You will learn why, towards the end of this blog. For now, let’s find out more about the fastest high speed trains in the world.

With the support of modern technology, these high-speed railway networks reduce the travel time, thereby improving the lives of the people, both locals and tourists, while also supporting the economy. But, here’s the question, what are the fastest high-speed trains in the world?

Top 10 Fastest Trains in the World

(Based on operational speed)

1. Maglev Train Shanghai – 431 km/h

Maglev, any idea what it could mean? Maglev is a combination of the two words ‘magnetic levitation’, which is exactly what these trains are all about. They use magnetic levitation to glide over the tracks, enabling them to reach unbelievable speeds by eliminating the usual friction. Reaching a maximum speed of over 431 km/h (268 mph), the Shanghai Maglev is currently the only commercially operating high-speed Maglev train in the world, and there are so many more of these yet to come, reaching even more remarkable speeds. Maglev trains are truly reshaping high-speed travel as many believe it is the future of speed.

2. Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF – 400 km/h

China brings the prize back home with a non-maglev train, the CR400AF/BF, which is a high-speed bullet train 400 km/h (249 mph) offering a much sophisticated, improved, travel experience to all its passengers. The ‘CR’ in the name stands for China Railway, while the ‘Fuxing Hao’ translates to the ‘Rejuvenation’. The two trains have been nicknamed as ‘Dolphin Blue’ (CR400AF) and Golden Phoenix (CR400BF). Seats with adjustable headrests, power outlets, and unlimited WIFI connectivity are only few of the things that contribute to providing its passengers with a comfortable journey.

3. The ICE 3neo (Germany) – 320 km/h

The first ICE 3neo train broke records as it was built in just 12 months, and the same train entered passenger service in 2022. The train now runs at a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), with over 439 seats, 99 in first class and 340 in second class, and another 16 seats in the on-board restaurant. There are also around 16 seats in the family section and about 5 more seats in the toddler section.

4. Trains à Grande Vitesse (TGV France) – 320 km/h

Trains à Grande Vitesse, also known as TGVs, are premier high-speed trains operated by SNCF (French Railways), connecting towns and cities throughout France at speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph). Even at high speeds, it is comfortable, quiet, and smooth, making it a relaxing and satisfactory mode of transportation. Since 2017, SNCF has been marketing its TGVs under the InOui brand, which translates to “unheard of” or “exceptional” in French.

5. Shinkansen (Japanese) Bullet Train – 320 km/h

Whether it’s from Tokyo to the north of Tokyo or Tokyo to the south of Tokyo, this train allows you to get to wherever you need in very little time. Shinkansen fast trains stop at the main stations only, while the semi-fast trains make a few more stops. While you get free Wi-Fi on board, passengers are also allowed to bring their bicycles on board at no additional cost.

6. Eurostar e320 (UK/Europe) – 320 km/h

This 400m-long multi-system train operates at two different speeds. On French and Belgian high speed lines, the Eurostar e320 has an operating speed of 320 km/h, reaching the maximum speed it is meant to operate at. In the UK, however, there’s a speed limit of 300 km/h due to infrastructure limitations. These trains are resistant to both fire and water, and the train itself offers an extraordinary luxurious experience.

7. Korail KTX-Sancheon (South Korea) – 305 km/h

With over 600+ departures, this train is also capable of running at a maximum speed of 320 km/h, but the train itself operates at 305 km/h. As these trains are optimised for high capacity, there is no available restaurant on board. But, there are vending machines for you to get your food and drink from. You can enjoy a comfortably journey as the seats on this train are both spacious and comfortable.

8. Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 (Italy) – 300 km/h

With a top speed of 400 km/h, commercial speed of 360 km/h, and a certified speed of 300 km/h, this train is known for its acceleration from just zero to 300 km/h within the short time span of just 4 minutes. From beautiful internal furnishings, to air conditioning, acoustic soundproofing, and even LED lighting, this train offers it all to make the journey an unforgettable one!

9. Al Boraq (Morocco) – 300 km/h

With an operational speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), Al Boraq is the fastest train in Africa. These double-deck trains have both first and second class carriages, along with a cafe-bar. This train further connects a number of popular tourist locations/destinations around the region.

10. Renfe AVE Class 103 (Spain) – 300 km/h

While certified to operate at a speed of 330 km/h or 350 km/h, due to operational reasons, the trains run at a top speed of 300 km/h. This too has all of it from first class and second class carriages, to cafe-bars, luggage racks, and even snacks & beverages (if premium fare is paid). There are also power sockets and free Wi-Fi. Fun fact – AVE, which translates to “Spanish High-Speed,” is also the Spanish word for “bird.”

High Speed Rail vs Air Travel

The air travel industry continues to grow as people continue to travel more and more. In fact, there are many alternatives for you to choose from thanks to the competitive offerings in terms of cost, comfort, and even destinations. The massive profits they gain helps the airlines to grow further by focusing on or investing on passenger-friendly services and add-ons.

However, most of us weigh out our options when it comes to short-haul travelling. For shorter distances, we would mainly consider the cost. This is when people tend to choose land travel, and that too trains, cause what other mode of land transportation would take you from point A to point B, fast and safe?

One could ask, ‘Is high speed rail faster than flying? That’s actually a really good question!

In terms of the flight time itself, air travel might not take that long to get from one destination to another. But… taking a flight is not as simple as hopping on a train. The hassle of getting to the closest airport, spending time at checkpoints, waiting at transit destinations (if applicable), and facing potential delays, these are very time consuming. So if you really think about it, travelling by train is much more convenient — no complicated procedures, no time wasted. And you no longer have to spend hours and hours on the railway, the high-speed trains are designed just for you to save all that time!

What is Hyperloop — Can it Change the Future of Rail Travel?

Hyperloop — sounds cool, doesn’t it? That’s cause it is! Sometimes I wonder what the future would look like. 15 years ago, the current innovations and technological advancements would have sounded crazy to us. But, things keep changing, and that too, real fast. Hyperloop is one such innovation that blows your mind. No idea what it means? No worries, let’s find out!

The Hyperloop is basically a magnetic levitation (maglev) train system that uses two sets of magnets: one set repels cars over a track, causing them to hover above it, and another set propels them forward over the track. In hyperloop technology, the track is a low-pressure tube with internal vacuums that eliminate almost all of the air. Air resistance is what holds trains and planes back — can you imagine the speeds that could be met without air resistance?

Hyperloop vs bullet train — Hyperloop is 3.5 times faster than the Shinkansen (Japanese) bullet train and even faster than a Boeing 747. So. let me answer your question — can hyperloop change the future of rail travel? It sure can! Not just rail travel, hyperloop could change everything about travel that we have seen so far!

Next Stop: Tomorrow

The fastest high speed trains we talked about are listed based on their operational or certified speed levels. Some of these trains have greater maximum speeds, and there are more trains out there that have been designed to operate at greater speeds. Rail travel really keeps evolving, and it’s incredible watching it happen. High speed rail travel, if it has not been a topic of interest before, I’m sure it is now. And, guess what? It keeps getting better! With innovations like Hyperloop stepping up, the rail travel industry is not backing down anytime soon. Let me ask you one last questions as we wrap up — what do you think about Hyperloop? Could it really change rail travel, and travel in general? Let me know in the comments!