What Is the Fastest Train Speed?
World records, commercial records, and the technology pushing trains beyond 600 km/h — a complete guide to the fastest trains ever recorded.
The fastest train speed ever recorded is 603 km/h (375 mph) — achieved by Japan's SCMaglev L0 on a test track in 2015. In regular commercial service, the Shanghai Maglev holds the record at 431 km/h (268 mph).
- World record (any train): 603 km/h — SCMaglev L0, Japan (2015)
- Commercial service record: 431 km/h — Shanghai Maglev, China
- Conventional rail record (test): 574 km/h — TGV POS, France (2007)
- Fastest conventional rail (service): 350 km/h — CRRC Fuxing, China
World record
SCMaglev L0, 2015
Commercial record
Shanghai Maglev
Rail record
TGV POS, 2007
World record (mph)
603 km/h converted
All-Time Train Speed Records
SCMaglev L0 Series
Japan · 2015
603 km/h
375 mph
TGV POS
France · 2007
574 km/h
357 mph
Transrapid TR-09
Germany · 1993
500 km/h
311 mph
Shanghai Maglev
China · Ongoing
431 km/h
268 mph
CRRC CR400AF
China · Ongoing
350 km/h
217 mph
TGV / Euroduplex
France · Ongoing
320 km/h
199 mph
Maglev vs. Conventional Rail: Why Maglev Is Faster
No Wheel-Rail Friction
Maglev trains float on magnetic fields — there's no physical contact with the track. This eliminates wheel-rail friction, which is the primary limit on conventional train speeds above 400 km/h.
Aerodynamic Design
At 500+ km/h, aerodynamic drag becomes the dominant force. Maglev trains use fully enclosed, ultra-streamlined shells with minimal protrusions to cut through air resistance.
Sealed Tube Operation
Some next-generation maglev concepts operate in partial vacuum tubes (Hyperloop-style), which could theoretically allow speeds above 1,000 km/h by eliminating air resistance entirely.
Future Speed Potential
Japan's Chuo Shinkansen maglev is planned to operate at 505 km/h in commercial service by the late 2020s. Hyperloop projects aim for 700–1,200 km/h using maglev in vacuum tubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Train Speed Resources
How Fast Is a Bullet Train?
Speeds and comparisons for all high-speed rail systems.
MaglevHow Fast Is a Maglev Train?
Magnetic levitation speeds and commercial maglev systems.
GuideHow Fast Do Trains Go?
Complete speed ranges for all train types.
ToolTest Your Train Speed
Measure your actual speed with GPS in real time.
How Fast Is Your Train?
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