7 trains, 7 record speeds: let’s discover the fastest trains in the world and the speed at which they whizz.
THE 7 FASTEST TRAINS in the WORLD: from Asia to Europe
In a parallel universe, all the trains will run at 600 km/h, but for now, in the whole world there are only a few trains reaching certain speeds. But what are these 7 record trains and at what speed do they travel?
#7 Frecciarossa 1000: 400 km/h
In this case, being last is not so catastrophic. Let’s think about it: being the seventh among the fastest trains in the whole globe is still a fantastic result. In fact, the Italian Frecciarossa 1000 – also known as ETR 400 – can reach 400 km/h, connecting cities like Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples.
Its secret? The 16 powerful engines installed in all cars.
#6 Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF: 418 km/h
Literally “Fuxing Hao” means “rejuvenation”, and it’s another proof of the Chinese ability to overcome limits. The train, which reached 418 km/h during testing, travels daily at around 354 km/h and connects several lines, including the popular Beijing-Shanghai route.
#5 HEMU-430X: 421.4 km/h
This record-breaking train, the South Korean HEMU-430X, is currently fifth in the ranking with its speed of 421.4 km/h. Despite this, it was built to whizz at 430 km/h, a speed that – unfortunately – has never been reached.
# 4 Shanghai Maglev: 431 km/h
Also called Shanghai Transrapid for the speed at which it travels, Shanghai Maglev is the fourth fastest train in the world. The technology used is magnetic levitation and it connects not only the city of Shanghai, but the entire country.
#3 CRH380A Hexie: 486 km/h
With Shanghai Maglev and Fuxing Hao, it forms the triad of Chinese super-speed trains. CRH380A Hexie, also known as Harmony, is third in the ranking of the fastest trains in the world, with a speed of 486 km/h reached during tests. Despite this stunning performance, when traveling on commercial routes, the Chinese electric train reaches “only” a speed of about 380 km/h.
#2 TGV POS: 574 km/h
Here’s another European record train: the French high-speed train TGV POS is second in this world ranking. It seems to reach a crazy speed but, although this is true, during its regular service the train does not exceed 322 km/h.
#1 Shinkansen Series L0: 603 km/h
On the top step of the podium of the fastest trains in the world (that challenge anyone to stick their heads out the window) is the Japanese Shinkansen Series L0. This vehicle is also called a “bullet train” due to its shape and speed. It belongs to the Central Japan Railway Company and travels all over the “Land of the Rising Sun”.
Were you more surprised by the Chinese speed triad or by the Japanese “bullet train” record?
ROSITA GIULIANO
