High-speed rail networks may be a relatively new phenomenon, but for 20 countries worldwide they already form the backbone of the transport network. Although first introduced in Japan, high-speed rail was truly established in Europe during the 80s and 90s. Recently, technological advancements have pushed Asian countries up the ranks with regard to population served by the high-speed network, price per kilometer as well as operating and top speeds.
Home to a famously extensive rail network, the infrastructural changes associated with switching from normal to high-speed rail have proven particularly complex in Europe. For example, the high-speed network in the United Kingdom is expected to remain under construction until 2026, which is perhaps what happens when your railway lines date back to 1825. Similarly, despite persistent interest and rumors involving California and the Eastern seaboard, the United States has yet to embrace high-speed train technology. This ranking exclusively compares trains meeting the official high-speed criteria.
Now that the wheels are in motion nothing can slow down the high-speed revolution.
Here is the list of trains included in this video:
10. Thalys: 300km/h (186 mph)
9. Eurostar e320: 320 km/h (200 mph)
8. Korail KTX: 330 km/h (205 mph)
7. DeutscheBahn ICE: 330 km/h (205 mph)
6. Haramain Western Railway: 350 km/h (217 mph)
5. Renfe AVE: 350 km/h (217 mph)
4. Frecciarossa 1000: 354 km/h (220 mph)
3. Shinkansen H5: 360km/h (224 mph)
2. Fuxing Hao CR400AF: 400km/h (249 mph)
1. Shanghai Maglev: 430 km/h (267 mph)
Unofficial Winner: L0 Series Maglev: 603 km/h (375mph)