Fastest Train in the World – Speed Records & Rankings

When people ask about the fastest train in the world, the answer depends on how speed is measured. Test records, commercial services, and different rail technologies all produce different leaders. France, Japan, and China each hold a claim, and the landscape is shifting quickly as new prototypes push toward 450 km/h.

The absolute speed record for any train belongs to Japan’s L0 Series maglev, which reached 603 km/h during a test run in 2015. For conventional steel-wheel trains, France’s TGV V150 holds the mark at 574.8 km/h, set in 2007. In daily passenger service, China’s CR400 Fuxing operates at 350 km/h, the highest routine commercial speed in the world.

These numbers are often confused. Many travelers assume the Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest, or that a record speed is the same as what passengers experience. Understanding the differences is essential for any accurate comparison.

What is the fastest train in the world in km/h?

The answer depends on whether you are looking at a one-time test or a regular passenger timetable. Below is a quick overview of the key figures, followed by a fact table and essential insights.

Overview of speed records

Key insights on speed records

• The speed record (574.8 km/h) is over 15 years old and held by France, but China leads in commercial speed. The TGV record remains unbeaten for absolute speed, while China’s CR400 Fuxing runs at 350 km/h daily.
• The “fastest train” depends on whether you measure record or regular service. Maglev trains like the Shanghai Transrapid reach 431 km/h in service, but the TGV holds the non‑maglev record. These categories are often conflated.
• By 2026, China aims to launch the CR450, targeting 450 km/h commercial service. This will likely reclaim the absolute commercial speed crown and shift discussions toward “2026 fastest train” queries.
• The bullet train (Shinkansen) is not the fastest. It maxes at 320 km/h, behind China’s CR400, France’s TGV, and Japan’s own maglev (L0 series test record: 603 km/h).

Snapshot of world speed records

The table above shows that the fastest ever recorded train (L0 Series Maglev) is a maglev test, while the fastest wheeled record (TGV) is also a test. For passengers, the CR400 Fuxing is currently the leader. Wikipedia’s list of speed records provides further detail on each entry.

Which country has the fastest train in the world?

France – holder of the wheeled speed record

France’s TGV V150 set the world record for a conventional rail train at 574.8 km/h in 2007 on the LGV Est line. This remains the fastest speed ever achieved on steel wheels. Standard commercial TGV services operate at up to 320 km/h. The SNCF’s TGV network is one of the oldest high‑speed systems in Europe.

Japan – absolute speed leader with maglev

Japan’s L0 Series maglev holds the all‑mode speed record at 603 km/h, achieved in a 2015 test run. The Central Japan Railway Company operates the maglev test line where future commercial service on the Chuo Shinkansen is planned for the 2030s, targeting 505 km/h. Current Shinkansen trains, such as the E5 and N700S, run at 320 km/h in regular service.

China – leader in commercial passenger speed

China operates the world’s fastest trains in daily passenger service. The CR400 Fuxing reaches 350 km/h on lines such as Beijing–Shanghai. The Shanghai Maglev, a commercial maglev, runs at 431 km/h on its short airport route. China also has the largest high‑speed rail network, exceeding 40,000 km. According to Futura Sciences, China is the only country where conventional trains regularly operate at 350 km/h.

Country comparison table

What is the fastest passenger train in the world?

The CR400 Fuxing leads daily operations

For passengers buying a ticket today, the fastest train is China’s CR400 Fuxing, which regularly runs at 350 km/h. These trains entered commercial service in 2017 and are the backbone of China’s high‑speed network. The Interesting Engineering report notes that the CR400 has been tested at speeds above 400 km/h, but its approved commercial maximum is 350 km/h.

Is the bullet train the fastest in the world?

No. The term “bullet train” refers to Japan’s Shinkansen, which tops out at 320 km/h. This puts it behind the CR400 Fuxing (350 km/h), the Shanghai Maglev (431 km/h), and test records from France and Japan. The Shinkansen is fast, but not the world leader.

Top 10 fastest trains in the world

A ranking depends on the category. If we consider absolute records, the top three are: 1) L0 Series maglev (603 km/h test), 2) TGV V150 (574.8 km/h test), 3) CR400 Fuxing (350 km/h service). For commercial passenger services, the top five are: CR400 Fuxing (350 km/h), Shanghai Maglev (431 km/h), TGV (320 km/h), Shinkansen (320 km/h), and Italy’s Frecciarossa (300 km/h). The snapshot table in the first section provides the key numbers.

What is the fastest train in the world 2026?

China’s CR450 promises 450 km/h service

The CR450 is China’s next‑generation high‑speed train, designed for commercial operation at 400 to 450 km/h. As of 2025, the train has already reached 450 km/h in pre‑service trials. According to Futura Sciences and Interesting Engineering, the target launch year is 2026, though testing and certification are still ongoing.

Other future contenders

Japan’s Chuo Shinkansen maglev line is planned for commercial service at 505 km/h, but its opening has been delayed to the early 2030s. France is working on the TGV M, which may eventually run at 350 km/h. For now, the 2026 milestone belongs to China’s CR450.

What is the timeline of world train speed records?

1. 2007 – French TGV sets world record: 574.8 km/h on conventional rails.
2. 2015 – Japanese L0 Series Maglev hits 603 km/h in test run.
3. 2017 – Chinese CR400 Fuxing enters commercial service at 350 km/h.
4. 2021 – China operates the world’s largest HSR network (40,000+ km).
5. 2024 – CR400 fleet dominates top speed rankings for passenger trains.
6. 2026 – Expected launch of CR450 with target 450 km/h commercial speed.

Which speed records are certain and which are still uncertain?

What do absolute records and commercial speeds mean?

Absolute records are one‑off achievements on specially prepared test tracks. The TGV and L0 records fall into this category. Commercial speeds are the maximum speeds at which trains operate in daily passenger service, as approved by railway authorities. The two are often conflated. China’s dominance in commercial speed is driven by massive infrastructure investment and a policy of deploying the fastest trains on new dedicated lines.

What are the sources behind these speed records?

The current world speed record for a train on steel wheels is held by the French TGV at 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph).

— hsrail.org

CR400 Fuxing series can run up to 350 km/h in commercial service.

— Wikipedia / multiple official sources

Japan’s L0 Series Maglev holds the all‑mode record: 603 km/h.

— Central Japan Railway Company

China plans to launch CR450 in 2026 with a top speed of 450 km/h.

— China State Railway Group (target subject to change)

What is the bottom line on the fastest train in the world?

If you mean the fastest ever recorded train, it is the Japanese L0 Series maglev at 603 km/h. If you mean the fastest conventional train, it is the French TGV at 574.8 km/h. If you mean the fastest passenger train in regular service, the current leader is China’s CR400 Fuxing at 350 km/h, with the CR450 expected to push that to 400 km/h if deployed as reported. For a broader look at modern automotive technology, you may also be interested in information like the Renault Captur For Sale – Complete UK Buyer’s Guide 2025 and Nissan Recalls Engine Failure – Check VIN, See Affected Models – though these are unrelated to rail, they show how transportation technology evolves across sectors.

Frequently asked questions about the fastest train in the world