World's 10 fastest trains

China is the world leader when it comes to operating fastest trains. Two of the world’s fastest trains belong to China.  

Other fastest trains belong to Asian and European countries.  A French high-speed train, TGV holds the world record hitting a top speed of 574.8km/hr. However, its operational speed is 300-320 kmph.

Take a look at the 10 fastest trains in terms of operational speed according to railway-technology.com…

Shanghai Maglev

The Shanghai Maglev Train or Shanghai Transrapid with an operational speed of 430km/hr and average speed of 251 km/hr is a magnetic levitation train launched in China in 2003.

Built as a joint venture by Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, it is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. The maglev train runs on a magnetic cushion between the vehicle and track.

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Harmony CRH 380A

Another train from China, Harmony CRH 380A with a maximum operational speed of 380 kmph, is currently the second fastest operating train in the world.

Developed by China South Locomotive & Rolling Stock Corporation, CRH380A is one of the four Chinese trains designed for the new standard operating speed of 380 km/hr.

The 8-car train-set recorded a top speed of 416.6 km/h (258.9 mph) during a trial run.

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AGV Italo

With a maximum operational speed of 360 km/hr, AGV Italo started operations in April 2012.

Designed by Alstom, the Automotrice à grande vitesse, AGV is a standard gauge high-speed electric multiple unit train.

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Velaro E

Spain’s Velaro E hit a high speed of about 400 kmph during its test trips in Spain.

The train has an operational speed of 350 kmph.

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Talgo 350

Talgo 350, which initially entered service with the name RENFE AVE Class 10, achieved a maximum speed of 365 km/hr during its trial run. 

The train has a maximum operational speed of 350km/hr.

T350 was developed by Patentes Talgo (Tren Articulado Ligero Goicoechea Oriol) and manufactured by Patentes Talgo in collaboration with Bombardier Transportation.

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E5 Series Shinkansen Hayabusa

E5 Series Shinkansen Hayabusa trains, which entered service in March 2011, with an initial maximum speed of 300 km/hr.

Manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industry (KHI) and Hitachi, the fastest train in Japan, it hit a highest speed of about 400 km/hr during trials.

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Euroduplex

Built by Alstom, Euroduplex is the third generation of TGV Duplex, which started operations in December 2011. 

These double-decker trains have a speed of 320 km/hr.

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TGV Duplex

Manufactured by Alstom and Bombardier, TGV Duplex can reach maximum speeds of 300 kmph to 320 kmph.

With two seating levels, 508 passengers can travel in the train.

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ETR 500 Frecciarossa 

ETR 500 Frecciarossa Trains started service in 2008. The trains are designed for a maximum speed of 360 km/hr and currently run at 300 km/hr on high speed lines.

The cars are equipped with climate control and sound insulation, and feature ergonomic seats to provide maximum comfort.

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THSR 700T

The Taiwan's high-speed rail (THSR) 700T is high-speed electric multiple unit trainset

The trains manufactured in Japan have a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour.