Train Speed Comparison
Compare train speeds across different types, countries, and eras. From local metro services to record-breaking maglev trains, see how the world's railways stack up.
Quick Answer
Train speeds vary enormously by type: local and metro trains operate at 40-100 km/h, intercity services reach 160-250 km/h, high-speed rail runs at 250-350 km/h, and maglev trains can exceed 431 km/h. Your actual speed depends on the train type, route, and infrastructure.
- Local and metro trains: 40-100 km/h (25-62 mph)
- Intercity services: 160-250 km/h (99-155 mph)
- High-speed rail (TGV, Shinkansen, ICE): 250-350 km/h (155-217 mph)
- Maglev trains: 350-431+ km/h (217-268+ mph)
- Speed records exceed 570 km/h but are not used in regular service
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Speed Records
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Data Points
Speeds and services
Speed by Train Type
The table below shows the typical operating speed range for each major category of train service. These are commercial service speeds — the speeds passengers actually experience — not test or record speeds. Within each category there is considerable variation depending on the specific train, country, and route. For example, a modern metro system in a major city may be faster than an older commuter rail service, and a Japanese Shinkansen cruises at the top end of the high-speed range while some European high-speed services operate closer to the lower end.
Train Speeds by Type
| Train Type | Speed Range (km/h) | Speed Range (mph) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local / Metro | 40–100 | 25–62 | London Underground |
| Commuter | 60–130 | 37–81 | NJ Transit |
| Regional | 120–200 | 75–124 | DB Regional |
| Intercity | 160–250 | 99–155 | Amtrak Acela |
| High-Speed | 250–350 | 155–217 | TGV / Shinkansen |
| Maglev | 350–431+ | 217–268+ | Shanghai Maglev |
Country-by-Country Comparison
Different countries have taken vastly different approaches to rail speed. Japan pioneered high-speed rail with the Shinkansen in 1964, France followed with the TGV in 1981, and China has since built the world's largest high-speed network. Meanwhile, the UK and USA focus largely on conventional rail with some high-speed corridors. Here are the top four countries by maximum commercial train speed.
China — 350 km/h (217 mph)
China operates the world's largest high-speed rail network with over 42,000 km of track. The CR400 Fuxing runs at 350 km/h between Beijing and Shanghai, and the Shanghai Maglev reaches 431 km/h on its airport shuttle route.
Japan — 320 km/h (199 mph)
The Shinkansen network connects major cities at up to 320 km/h. The upcoming ALFA-X test train targets 360 km/h for commercial service, and Japan's SCMaglev has reached 603 km/h in testing for the Chuo Shinkansen line.
France — 320 km/h (199 mph)
France's TGV services operate at up to 320 km/h on the LGV network. The TGV holds the conventional rail speed record of 574.8 km/h set in 2007. The network connects Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and beyond.
Spain — 310 km/h (193 mph)
Spain has Europe's longest high-speed rail network at over 3,600 km. The AVE services operate at up to 310 km/h, connecting Madrid to Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga with journey times competitive with air travel.
Train Speed Comparison FAQ
Related Train Speed Resources
Train Speed Test
Measure your own train speed with GPS and compare it to the benchmarks above.
GuideHow Fast Do Trains Go?
A comprehensive guide to train speeds around the world and through history.
RecordsFastest Train Speed
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ConverterTrain Speed Converter
Convert train speeds between km/h, mph, m/s, and knots instantly.
Test Your Own Train Speed
Curious how your train compares? Run a free GPS speed test on your next journey and see where your train ranks against the data above.
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