Human Wonder – World’s Fastest Trains [Infographic]

The Orient Express is the epitome of luxury train travel, famous for its opulence, history, and intrigue. Launched in 1883, it originally connected Paris to Constantinople (Istanbul), offering an unparalleled travel experience with lavish carriages, fine dining, and elite passengers.

It became a symbol of romance, espionage, and adventure, even inspiring Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Though the original route ceased operations, the legend lives on through Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which recreates the glamour of the past. Today, the name remains synonymous with elegance, transporting travelers back to the golden age of rail journeys. 🚂✨

But let’s go back to our topic of the day, speed speed, speed …. World’s Fastest Trains.

Trains have always fascinated me, but high-speed trains? That’s a whole different level of excitement. There’s something incredible about the idea of gliding across landscapes at breathtaking speeds, turning what used to be long, exhausting journeys into quick, smooth rides.

Looking at this infographic, I couldn’t help but be amazed by how far rail technology has come—and how different countries are pushing the limits of speed.

The Shanghai Maglev: The King of Speed

Let’s start with the absolute speed champion—the Shanghai Maglev. This beast reaches an insane 460 km/h, making it the fastest train in the world. But here’s the crazy part: it doesn’t even have wheels. Instead, it floats above the track using magnetic levitation (maglev) technology. No friction, no bumps—just pure, smooth acceleration. The Shanghai Maglev connects Pudong International Airport to the city in just seven minutes. Seven minutes! That’s shorter than some of my coffee breaks. It’s a glimpse into what the future of rail travel could be—if only maglev tech weren’t so expensive to build.

China’s High-Speed Domination: CRH Harmony & CR Fuxing

China clearly isn’t playing around when it comes to high-speed trains. Right after the Maglev, we have the CRH Harmony speeding at 380 km/h and the CR Fuxing at 350 km/h. These trains aren’t just fast—they’re the backbone of China’s 40,000+ km high-speed rail network (which, by the way, is the largest in the world).

Traveling in China must feel like being in a sci-fi movie, where you can hop on a train and be in a completely different city in just a couple of hours.

Germany’s DB-ICE 3: Engineering Meets Elegance

Switching gears to Europe, Germany’s DB-ICE 3 also runs at 350 km/h. It may not be the fastest on the list, but the ICE series is famous for its sleek design and comfort. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling through scenic European landscapes at high speeds without the hassle of airport security, this is the way to do it.

Indonesia’s Whoosh: A Game-Changer for Southeast Asia

Now, here’s an exciting newcomer—Indonesia’s Whoosh, clocking in at 350 km/h. It’s part of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail, and for a country that previously didn’t have high-speed rail, this is a huge deal.

It slashes travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from 3+ hours to just 40 minutes! Imagine how that changes daily commutes, business trips, and even tourism. Indonesia is making its mark in the high-speed rail game, and Whoosh is just the beginning.

France’s SNCF TGV & Japan’s JR Shinkansen: The OG Speedsters

When I think of high-speed trains, France’s TGV and Japan’s Shinkansen instantly come to mind. These are the OGs, the pioneers of high-speed rail. Both operate at 320 km/h, and while they may not hold the speed record anymore, they’ve been setting the standard for decades.

• The TGV is practically an icon of France, zipping across the country (and beyond) with unmatched efficiency.
• The Shinkansen—or bullet train—is legendary for its punctuality. It’s so precise that if it’s late by even a few seconds, people start talking. Plus, its safety record is insane—zero fatalities in over half a century of operation.

Morocco’s RENFE AVE: Africa’s Speed Leader

Finally, Morocco enters the chat with the RENFE AVE, running at 310 km/h. It’s Africa’s fastest train, proving that high-speed rail isn’t just for Europe and Asia. Morocco is leading the way for future developments in the region, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more countries in Africa adopting this tech soon.

Which Country Has The World’s Fastest Trains?

China is home to the three fastest trains in the world: the Shanghai Maglev, China Railway Harmony (CRH380A), and China Railway Fuxing.

Country	Name	Top operational speed (km/h)	Top operational speed (mph)	Speed record (km/h)	Speed record (mph)
China	Shanghai Maglev	460	286	501	311
China	CR Harmony	350	217	486	302
China	CR Fuxing	350	217	420	261
Germany	DB Intercity-Express 3	350	217	368	229
France	SNCF TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)	320	199	575	357
Japan	JR Shinkansen	320	199	443	275
Morocco	ONCF Al Boraq	320	199	357	222

The Future of High-Speed Rail

Looking at this lineup, one thing is clear: high-speed trains aren’t just about speed. They’re about transforming how we travel, making cities feel closer, reducing carbon footprints, and giving us a glimpse into a future where long-distance travel isn’t a hassle.

With advancements in maglev and hyperloop technology on the horizon, who knows? Maybe in a few decades, we’ll be talking about trains that hit 600 or even 700 km/h. faster than some airplanes 

Until then, I’ll keep dreaming of the day when my daily commute feels like a ride on the Shanghai Maglev.