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Photos: Top fastest trains in the world with speed and innovation combined

High-speed railways like Japan’s Shinkansen and France’s TGV offer a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly travel alternative to flying.

Published: Aug 15, 2024 01:23 PM EST

Sujita Sinha

13 days ago

CRH380A at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station

Wikipedia Commons

For those craving speed beyond the limits of legal driving or the fastest roller coasters, consider experiencing some of the world’s fastest trains. While U.S. high-speed rail remains limited, international travel offers the chance to ride trains reaching nearly 200 mph.

High-speed railways, including Japan’s Shinkansen and France’s TGV, have revolutionized transportation by providing a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to flying.

These trains have not only reduced travel times and promoted economic growth but are also becoming more affordable with budget options emerging in Europe.

Countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, China, and Japan feature extensive high-speed rail networks. Here are some of the fastest trains globally.

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Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000
In Italy, Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 travels at a cruising speed of 186.4 mph, with a top speed of 242 mph. The Frecciarossa 1000 also boasts a well-crafted interior that combines elegance with exceptional travel comfort. The spacious corridors, ergonomic seats, soundproofed vibrations, and LED lighting enhance the passenger experience. Additionally, ample luggage space is available in both the overhead bins and ground-level compartments in select coaches.
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Korail KTX-Sancheon
In South Korea, Korail KTX-Sancheon travels at a cruising speed of 190 mph, with a top speed of 262 mph. The KTX-Sancheon is South Korea's second commercial high-speed train and the first to be designed and developed domestically.
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Renfe AVE 103
In Spain, Renfe AVE 103 travels at a cruising speed of 193 mph, with a top speed of 251 mph. The trains were built by Siemens as the second model in the company's Velaro series.
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ONCF Al Boraq
In Morocco, ONCF Al Boraq travels at a cruising speed of 199 mph, with a top speed of 222 mph. When service launched in 2018, travel time between Casablanca and Tangier was reduced from 4 hours and 45 minutes to just 2 hours and 10 minutes.
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JR Shinkansen
In Japan, JR Shinkansen travels at a cruising speed of 199 mph, with a top speed of 275 mph. The Shinkansen employs advanced technology to achieve high speed, safety, and comfort, setting a global standard for high-speed rail and influencing railways worldwide.
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SCNCF TGV
In France, SCNCF TGV travels at a cruising speed of 199 mph, with a top speed of 357 mph. France's TGV network transports around 110 million passengers annually.
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DB ICE
In Germany, DB ICE travels at a cruising speed of 205 mph, with a top speed of 229 mph. As the flagship of Deutsche Bahn, Germany's state railway, ICE trains offer fixed fares for station-to-station travel due to their higher level of comfort.