The ten fastest operational high-speed trains in the world, ranked by their maximum recorded operating speed — from China's 431 km/h maglev to Italy's 300 km/h AGV.
Quick answer: 1. Shanghai Maglev (Transrapid SMT), 2. CR400 Fuxing (Beijing–Shanghai HSR), 3. Zefiro 380 (CRH380A/B), 4. ICE 3 (DB Class 403/406), 5. Talgo 350 (AVE S-102/S-112), 6. TGV (SNCF), 7. Shinkansen E5 / H5 Series (Hayabusa), 8. Eurostar e320 (Siemens Velaro), 9. KTX-Sancheon (Hyundai Rotem), 10. Alstom AGV (NTV Italo).
High-speed rail has reshaped travel across Europe and Asia, cutting city-to-city journeys from hours to minutes. The fastest trains on the planet are a mix of magnetic levitation (maglev) and conventional steel-wheel-on-rail technology, with speeds that would have seemed unimaginable a generation ago. This list ranks the ten fastest operational high-speed trains by their maximum recorded operating speed — the speed at which the train runs in regular commercial service or, in some cases, the certified maximum from test runs that informed commercial operations. Special test-track records (e.g., 603 km/h by Japan's maglev L0) are excluded unless they translate into operational service.
China's maglev train connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road station at a commercial operating speed of 431 km/h, with bursts up to 453 km/h. It is the fastest operational passenger train in the world, using German Transrapid electromagnetic levitation technology.
China's Fuxing 'Rejuvenation' series runs at 350 km/h in regular service on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line, with a certified design speed of 400 km/h — the fastest conventional steel-wheel train in commercial service.
China's CRH380 family entered service in 2010 with a commercial operating speed of 350 km/h on routes like Beijing–Shanghai, though they were originally designed and certified for 380 km/h.
Germany's Intercity-Express 3 has a maximum operating speed of 330 km/h on the high-speed line between Frankfurt and Cologne. It was the first ICE to use distributed traction (powered axles across the train).
Spain's distinctive 'Pato' (Duck)-nosed high-speed trains serve the Madrid–Barcelona–Figueres corridor at up to 330 km/h, making them among Europe's fastest.
France's Train à Grande Vitesse runs at 320 km/h on the LGV Est and LGV Méditerranée lines. It holds the world speed record for a conventional train at 574.8 km/h, set on a test run in 2007.
Japan's E5 and H5 series Shinkansen reach a maximum commercial speed of 320 km/h on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines. Their long 10 m noses are designed to reduce tunnel boom.
Eurostar's e320 fleet built by Siemens runs at 320 km/h under the English Channel and through France, connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
South Korea's KTX-Sancheon operates at up to 305 km/h on the Gyeongbu and Honam high-speed lines. Introduced in 2010, it is built with Korean-developed technology.
Italy's AGV entered service in 2012 running at 300 km/h with a design speed of 360 km/h. It is the world's first high-speed train to use distributed power exclusively, freeing interior space for passengers.
| # | Name | Max speed (km/h) | Type | Country | Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai Maglev (Transrapid SMT) | 431 | Maglev | China | 2004 |
| 2 | CR400 Fuxing (Beijing–Shanghai HSR) | 350 | Electric multiple unit | China | 2017 |
| 3 | Zefiro 380 (CRH380A/B) | 350 | Electric multiple unit | China | 2010 |
| 4 | ICE 3 (DB Class 403/406) | 330 | Electric multiple unit | Germany | 2000 |
| 5 | Talgo 350 (AVE S-102/S-112) | 330 | Talgo articulated | Spain | 2005 |
| 6 | TGV (SNCF) | 320 | Electric multiple unit | France | 1981 |
| 7 | Shinkansen E5 / H5 Series (Hayabusa) | 320 | Electric multiple unit | Japan | 2011 |
| 8 | Eurostar e320 (Siemens Velaro) | 320 | Electric multiple unit | UK / France / Belgium | 2015 |
| 9 | KTX-Sancheon (Hyundai Rotem) | 305 | Electric multiple unit | South Korea | 2010 |
| 10 | Alstom AGV (NTV Italo) | 300 | Electric multiple unit | Italy | 2012 |
Trains are ranked by maximum operating speed in kilometres per hour (rank 1 = fastest). Only trains currently in revenue passenger service (or that have completed revenue testing and entered service) are included. Speeds are drawn from official operator specifications, manufacturer data, and Wikipedia's 'List of high-speed trains' article. Test-track-only records are excluded. Where multiple speed tiers exist within a train family, the highest commercial operating speed is used. All speeds have been cross-checked against at least two sources.
The Shanghai Maglev holds the title for fastest commercial service at 431 km/h (peak 453 km/h). The world speed record for a conventional train is 574.8 km/h, set by a modified TGV in 2007.
The CRH380 trains were originally designed and certified for 380 km/h but now operate at 350 km/h following China's 2011 speed reduction policy. The 380 figure was the design speed, not the current commercial speed.
Yes. Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains float above the track using electromagnets, eliminating friction and allowing higher speeds. Conventional high-speed trains ride on steel rails and use electric traction. Maglev can go faster but requires entirely separate infrastructure.
Japan's L0 Series maglev reached 603 km/h in a 2015 test, but it is not yet in revenue service. China is also developing a 600 km/h maglev line between Shanghai and Hangzhou. Once operational, both would surpass the current record.