Fastest High Speed Trains in the World
Train technology has an interesting history that began over 200 years ago. Since the first fully working steam locomotive hit the tracks in 1804, locomotives have become faster and more capable with innovations enabling passengers to cross borders and make longer commutes in record times. Today, many high speed trains are operating around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the fastest and most exciting.
1. Shanghai Maglev Train
Reaching top speeds of 268 mph, the Shanghai Maglev is the fastest commercial train in the world. In operation since 2004, it uses a technology known as magnetic levitation to catapult between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the outskirts of central Pudong. This journey of 18.6 miles (30km) - which would take around 22 minutes by car - takes just over eight minutes. What’s really cool about ‘Maglev’ trains is that they do not have wheels or tracks. Instead, a very large number of magnets are used to lift and float these trains down guideways without ever touching them.
2. CR400AF Fuxing (China)
The CR400AF Fuxing is a Chinese electric high-speed train that’s designed to cruise at 217 mph but can actually reach a top speed of 261 mph. It forms part of China’s expanding high-speed rail network with Fuxing trains being well known for their speed, safety and energy efficiency. They connect major cities throughout China including Beijing and Shanghai.
3. TGV POS (France)
Built for France’s high-speed rail lines and operated by the French national rail company SNCF, the TGV POS can reach top speeds of 199 mph. The TGV POS links France with Germany and Switzerland. In Switzerland, it travels from Basel to Zurich in just 53 minutes - a journey of 46 miles (74km) - and it can reach Lausanne from Paris - a 435-mile (700km) trip - in less than four hours. The journey would take almost six hours by car.
4. Shinkansen (Japan)
The Shinkansen, also known as the ‘bullet train’ is a passenger train which zooms across Japan’s high-speed railway network. With top speeds of 199 mph, the Shinkansen is designed to get passengers from A to B as quickly as possible while offering a safe, unique and efficient travel experience. Shinkansen train lines include the Akita, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Kyushu and Yamagata. Popular routes include Tokyo to Nagano, Tokyo to Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima.
5. Eurostar E320
The Eurostar E320 connects London with Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. It provides an alternative to air travel and can also reach up to 199 mph. It’s a top choice for British tourists looking to visit well-known attractions in France such as the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris. Passengers can travel between the English and French capitals in just two hours and 16 minutes.
If you’re interested in trains and you enjoy London musicals, don’t miss Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit production Starlight Express. Among the London musical tickets available at KX Tickets, Starlight Express tells the heartwarming story of a determined and competitive steam locomotive battling against modern high speed trains. These London play tickets are selling fast, so buy yours today.
