The World’s 10 Fastest Trains

From Japan to Morocco to China, these passenger trains travel at speeds of up to 311 miles per hour.

1 minute read

August 14, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

White Shinkansen high-speed rail train passing through green fields with water and Mount Fuji in background in Japan.

A Shinkansen train passes Mount Fuji in Japan. | munduuk / Adobe Stock

In a slideshow on Jalopnik, Collin Woodard lists the world’s 10 fastest trains — none of which are in the United States.

In Italy, the Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 runs at speeds of up to 242 miles per hour. Morocco’s ONCF Al Boraq has a travel speed of 199 mph, with a top speed of 222 mph. Japan’s famous JR Shinkansen also travels at 199 mph, with a top speed of 275 mph.

The top three fastest trains in the world are all in China: the Shanghai Maglev takes the top spot with a travel speed of 286 mph and a top speed of 311 mph.

By contrast, most Amtrak passenger routes have a maximum speed of around 79 mph, with some exceptions like the Acela Express, which can travel at up to 150 mph in some areas. On most routes, the average travel speed is between 50 and 70 mph.

FULL STORY: These Are The Fastest Trains In The World

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 in Jalopnik

Transportation World Trains Passenger Rail High-Speed Rail Maglev Train Travel View More

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