February 17, 2022, 12:22 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Environmentalists recommend traveling by train rather than by plane. After all, the climate impact of train travel is significantly better. To make train travel as uncomplicated as possible, increasing emphasis is placed on the speed of high-speed trains. Which ones are currently leading the pack: TRAVELBOOK provides an overview.
The fastest train in the world currently runs in Japan, although China is close on its heels. Japan’s fastest “rail machine” reaches 374 mph. However, the train is still in the testing phase and is expected to hit the tracks in a few years. The competition in China is almost as fast. Even though most of the world’s fastest trains currently come from Asia, there are also two frontrunners in Europe. We present the top 8 and their manufacturers.
Overview
1. L0 Series Maglev (Japan)
The unique shape of the train is designed to help achieve maximum speed by reducing air resistance, explains the manufacturer on its website. To make the journey as comfortable as possible, the express features particularly comfortable seats. The interior design of the train is kept bright and friendly. The train’s top speed is 374 mph.
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2. CRRC Qingdao Sifang 2021 Maglev (China)
The 373 mph machine moves with a special technology based on the power of two magnets, without being slowed down by friction, as noted in the trade magazine “Railway Technology.” The train runs on its wheels up to 93 mph. However, from this speed, it begins to levitate. This technology is known in Germany as Transrapid but was never commercially used there.
More information can be found here: China unveils new high-speed train
3. TGV POS (France)
The TGV trains from the French manufacturer Alstom are known as the fastest trains in Europe. They reach a top speed of 357 mph. To stay true to “French chic,” Alstom had the interior design of the trains created by fashion designer Christian Lacroix. The exterior features metallic tones, while the interior boasts bright colors and asymmetrical shapes.
4. CRH380A Hexie (China)
The fish shape of the CRH380A Hexie also makes it one of the fastest trains in the world. Like the L0 Series Maglev, its unique shape reduces air resistance, allowing the train to reach top speeds of 302 mph. The train is equipped with very luxurious suites, offering travelers great comfort. A separate car provides guests with meals, snacks, and a cocktail bar.
5. Shanghai Maglev (China)
The Shanghai Maglev is the oldest train running on a magnetic levitation track. The train’s route starts at Pudong Airport and reaches Longyang Road within 7 minutes. The machine can travel up to 267 mph on the magnetic track. Incidentally, parts of the vehicle are supplied by German manufacturers Siemens, Thyssen Krupp, and Max Bögl.
6. HEMU-430X (Korea)
Ranked sixth among the fastest trains in the world is the HEMU-430X. Completed in 2012, the Korean rail machine travels up to 267 mph. The train was built over five years, with costs exceeding 60 million.
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7. Fuxing Hao CR400AF (China)
The Fuxing Hao CR400AF travels daily at 221 mph on routes such as Beijing to Shanghai but can also reach up to 260 mph. It is nicknamed “Blue Dolphin,” a name it once earned from its silver-blue color design. When a further version of the train changed the design to red and silver, the nickname also changed to “Red Dolphin.”
8. Frecciarossa 1000 (Italy)
The high-speed train Frecciarossa from the Italian manufacturer Trenitalia reaches 245 mph and travels through several Italian cities, including metropolises like Milan and Rome. The manufacturer is particularly proud of the train’s sustainability in CO2 emissions and production.
