Speed is one key reason behind people preferring planes over trains for commuting. In order to save time, people spend extra money on flight tickets. But modern-day trains are set to change this with their high-speed capabilities. The introduction of engine-less and bullet trains has transformed the railway sector around the world and trains are no longer associated with slow speed. Japan has been spearheading the movement that led to the introduction of fast-pace trains. Technology has enabled the engineers in designing trains that offer more luxurious journeys than a plane. The modernisation of railway industries around the world has not only decreased the time of travel but have also helped in maintaining the balance railway and air travel industries.
With the Bullet trains in Japan breaching the 300 kmph, and the hyperloop concept coming into existence in several countries, the airline’s industry is set to face tough competition from the railway’s industry globally. Here we will see the 9 fastest trains in the world.
9. Korail KTX 205 miles/h: Korail KTX is South Korea’s high-speed train that runs at a speed of 205 miles/hr. The train runs between Incheon International airport and the coastal town of Gangneung. The total time taken by the train to cover this distance is just 2 hours. The train was inaugurated during the 2019 Winter Olympics. The train reduced the travel time between the two destinations by 4 hours.
8. Tagalog 217 miles/h: Tagalog is a Spanish train that runs between Barcelona and Madrid. With a speed of 217 miles/h, it is one of the fastest trains not only in the country but the entire world. Comprising 12 passenger cars and two driving cars, the train is capable of handling pressure waves. The train has four classes namely First Class, Club Class, Coach Class and Bistro Class.
7. Siemens Velaro 217 miles/h: Germany is known for its engineers and engineering skills. This has been a constant since the last century. Siemens Velaro is one fine example of Germany’s cut-throat technology. It is a Spanish train built by German engineering company Siemens. The electric train that runs at 217 miles/h covers 385 miles between Barcelona and Madrid in just 2 hours 30 minutes. It can carry 404 passengers and has been operational since 2007.
6. AGV Italo 223 miles/h: AGV Italo is the fastest train in Europe and one of the fastest in the world. The train runs between Rome and Naples at a speed of 223 miles/h. It takes the train less than an hour to cover 140 miles. The train is also eco-friendly and mostly made up of reusable products. The train has been made by French company Alstom. Italy purchased 25 of these trains in 2008.
5. Shinkansen E5 and H5 224 miles/h: Slightly faster than AGV Italo, Shinkansen is the fastest high-speed train in Japan. The train runs between Tokyo and Aomori which are 444 miles apart from each other. It takes the high-speed train just 2 hours and 56 minutes to cover this distance. The train is equipped with a fully active suspension system that offers the passengers a very comfortable journey.
4. Maharaja’s Express 150 kmph: Touted as the ‘Richest Train In India’, the Maharaja’s is a superfast luxury train that offers a world-class journey experience to its passengers. This train is not just about speed but also a royal experience. The train travels at a speed of 150 kmph. Food, accommodation and everything else is included in the fare.
3. Harmony CRH 380A 236 miles/hr: Harmony CRH 380A is an electric and multiple-unit train owned by the Chinese Railways. The train has been running between Shanghai and Nanjing since 2010. One of the fastest in the world, Harmony CRH 380A travels at a speed of 236 miles/h. It can carry 494 passengers and offers some high-class facilities.
2. Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF: 249 miles/hr: China has done some remarkable progress in the railway sector and the Fuxing Hao is proof of it. It is the fastest non-maglev train in the world. The train runs from Beijing to Shanghai. CR400AF and CR400BF are two trains that are also known as the ‘Dolphin Blue’ and the ‘Golden Phoenix’. These trains travel at a speed of 249 miles/h covering 819 miles in just 5 hours in comparison to the 10 hours taken by traditional trains.
1. Shanghai Maglev: Shanghai Maglev is the fastest train on the planet. Operational in China since 2004, the train runs between Pudong International Airport to Longyang rd. station. It is a short distance train that travels at a speed of 430 km/h covering a distance of 19 miles in just 7 minutes. The fare ticket of the train is $8 per person.
