Fastest Train Speeds in the World
From bullet trains at 320 km/h to superconducting maglev at 603 km/h — every world speed record and the fastest trains in regular service.
Absolute World Record
603 km/h/ 374 mph
Japan SCMaglev L0 · Yamanashi test track · 2015
Speed Records & Rankings
SCMaglev L0 Series
World RecordJapan 🇯🇵 · Maglev (superconducting) · 2015
Test track — Yamanashi Prefecture
Absolute world speed record for any train
603km/h
374 mph
TGV POS (SNCF)
Rail RecordFrance 🇫🇷 · Conventional wheel-on-rail · 2007
LGV Est high-speed line, eastern France
World record for conventional rail trains
575km/h
357 mph
MLX01 (JR Maglev)
Former RecordJapan 🇯🇵 · Maglev (superconducting) · 2003
Yamanashi test track
Previous world record, held 12 years
581km/h
361 mph
Transrapid 09 (Shanghai Maglev)
In ServiceChina 🇨🇳 · Maglev (electromagnetic) · 2003
Pudong Airport – Longyang Road, Shanghai
Fastest train in regular commercial service
431km/h
268 mph
CRHR CR400AF "Fuxing"
In ServiceChina 🇨🇳 · High-speed rail (wheel-on-rail) · 2017
Beijing–Shanghai HSR and other corridors
Fastest wheel-on-rail train in regular service
350km/h
217 mph
TGV Duplex / Ouigo
In ServiceFrance 🇫🇷 · High-speed rail (wheel-on-rail) · 2011
LGV network across France
Fastest train in regular European service
320km/h
199 mph
Shinkansen N700S
In ServiceJapan 🇯🇵 · High-speed rail (wheel-on-rail) · 2020
Tōkaidō, Sanyō, and Kyūshū Shinkansen
Latest generation bullet train
320km/h
199 mph
Talgo 350 / AVE S-350
In ServiceSpain 🇪🇸 · High-speed rail (wheel-on-rail) · 2006
Spanish AVE network
Top speed in testing; 310 km/h in service
330km/h
205 mph
Sources: UIC, JR Central, SNCF, CRRC. Speeds are approximate. Some records are from controlled test conditions, not regular service.
Why Can Maglev Go So Much Faster?
Traditional trains are limited by wheel-rail friction, aerodynamic drag, and track geometry. Maglev (magnetic levitation) eliminates wheel-rail contact entirely — the train floats above the track using powerful electromagnets. Without friction, the primary speed limit becomes aerodynamic drag, and in a low-pressure tube (Hyperloop concept), even that disappears.
The SCMaglev uses superconducting magnets cooled to near absolute zero, generating enormously powerful levitation forces. Japan plans to open its Tokyo–Osaka SCMaglev line at 500 km/h commercial operating speed.
Record vs Service Speed
Speed records are set under ideal controlled conditions — short sections of specially prepared track, minimal passenger loading, optimal weather. Commercial operating speeds are always lower for safety, reliability, and infrastructure reasons.
The French TGV POS reached 574.8 km/h in 2007 — but regular TGV services run at 300–320 km/h. Similarly, the SCMaglev record of 603 km/h was achieved on a test track; the planned Tokyo–Nagoya commercial service will operate at 500 km/h.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest train in the world?
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How fast is the Japanese Shinkansen?
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How fast is the Hyperloop compared to the fastest train?
How Fast Is Your Train?
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