Why fly? The world's best high-speed trains to add to your bucket-list

The inside track on fast trains around the world

Not only is travelling by train a more relaxing and scenic alternative to flying, it's also significantly more eco-friendly. A global study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that rail travel emits up to 90% less carbon dioxide per passenger compared to air travel. From iconic experiences like riding Japan's bullet trains to the TGV's swift services across France, here are some of the finest high-speed routes to inspire your next adventure.

Read on to discover the best high-speed trains that make flying redundant...

Tokaido Shinkansen, Japan

Japan is famous for its network of high-speed bullet trains, known as shinkansen, and the Tokaido line is its most popular. Trains on this line reach speeds of up to 177 miles per hour (285km/h) and connect Tokyo with the popular tourist hotspots of Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto. It was Japan's first ever shinkansen line, created in 1964 for the Summer Olympics.

Tokaido Shinkansen, Japan

In 2020, Japanese rail operators introduced a brand new train to this line: the N700S. With the ability to reach speeds of up to 225 miles per hour (360km/h) it's one of the fastest trains in the world, and connects Tokyo with Osaka in less than two and a half hours. Thanks to its lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system it's also able to run during power outages, so it can be used to ferry passengers to safety even during an earthquake.

Frecciarossa, Italy

Flying between Milan, Venice, Rome and Naples is old news thanks to Trenitalia's network of high-speed trains. Its fastest is the Frecciarossa, a vehicle capable of up to 186 miles per hour (300km/h), which can transport you from Rome to Venice in under four hours, or Milan to Rome in less than three. Not only is it more convenient than flying, the onboard experience is far superior too.

Frecciarossa, Italy

There are four classes on a Frecciarossa train, the top being Executive Class, where you'll find just eight (or 10 on a Frecciarossa 1000) passengers in leather recliners, served complimentary drinks and a two-course meal (plus a snack) by their own steward. Its cheapest class, Standard, is still a more pleasant experience than flying economy, with free wifi, power sockets and plenty of baggage space (upgrade to Premium for a complimentary soft drink on boarding).

Shanghai Maglev, China

The world's fastest train can be found in Shanghai, China, where maglev (magnetic-levitation) technology allows passengers to travel the 18.6 miles (30km) from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road metro station in just seven minutes. Maglev trains don't have wheels and there are no emissions, as magnets are used to propel the train as it hovers around three inches (7cm) above a track, so it's an environmentally friendly way to travel.

Shanghai Maglev, China

A one-way ticket on the Shanghai Maglev Train costs around £5.50 ($7), and while it doesn’t go all the way into the city centre, it has become a must-see attraction in its own right. Tourists flock to experience the thrill of watching the speedometer climb to an astonishing 267 miles per hour (431km/h).

Fuxing Hao, China

Racing along the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway, the Fuxing Hao trains cover a staggering 819 miles (1,318km) between Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao in just four and a half hours. With a top speed of 249 miles per hour (400km/h), these sleek trains make what used to be a gruelling 10 to 12 hour journey feel like a breeze. As one of the world's fastest non-maglev trains, it's no wonder this has become the go-to option for anyone travelling between these two bustling metropolises.

Fuxing Hao, China

There are three classes on the Fuxing Hao trains: economy, first and business, all of which offer internet access, reading lights for individual seats and plug sockets for charging your devices. Plus, the trains are extra intelligent, with automatic braking systems that initiate if a fault is found within the train.

Haramain Railway, Saudi Arabia

Speeding through the Saudi desert, the Haramain Railway (also known as the Western Railway) is an important rail line for Muslims all over the world, not just Saudi commuters. Connecting the country's western cities of Medina and Jeddah with Mecca, it carries tourists, locals and, at certain times of year, pilgrims to the Islamic holy city at up to 185 miles per hour (300km/h). It takes just two hours and 15 minutes to travel the entire line.

Haramain Railway, Saudi Arabia

It's estimated the railway carries 60 million passengers per year, with capacity significantly increasing during the Hajj pilgrimage. In 2022, the Saudi rail company made waves when it announced 30 positions exclusively for female train drivers on the Haramain line – a significant milestone in a country where women were only granted the right to drive cars in 2018. Over 28,000 applications were made, and the 32 new recruits joined the workforce in January 2023.

Eurostar e320, UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands

What's more exciting than a high-speed train? How about a high-speed train that travels beneath the sea? The Eurostar's e320 trains, which connect London St Pancras with Paris, Lille, Brussels and Amsterdam, are exactly that. Travelling at a top speed of 200 miles per hour (320km/h), trains descend into a tunnel beneath the English Channel between Folkestone in Kent and Sangatte, near Calais.

Eurostar e320, UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands

You can reach Paris from London in just two hours and 15 minutes, and Amsterdam in under four hours, where a world of adventure awaits – cycle along the iconic canals or indulge in some of the best bitterballen (crispy meatballs) you’ll ever taste. For a charming detour, stop in Lille and soak up the quaint, small-town feel of this French city, or continue on to Antwerp to dive into a Belgian beer experience like no other.

The Thalys network, France, Belgium, the Netherlands & Germany

An essential network of high-speed trains, Thalys connects 17 great European cities, including Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne and Dortmund in Germany. The trains travel at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour (300km/h) and it takes just short of five hours to get from Paris to Dortmund, the longest journey on the network.

The Thalys network, France, Belgium, Netherlands & Germany

Thalys' newest 'Ruby' series trains offer a travel experience that easily surpasses flying or driving. With around 19 inches (50cm) of legroom, passengers can relax in spacious seats while enjoying a range of amenities, including a bar area for refreshments and socialising. In Premium Class, travellers are treated to meals served at their seats and have access to exclusive lounges at select stations, adding an extra touch of luxury to the journey.

Al Boraq, Morocco

Africa's first high-speed train launched in 2018 to connect the Moroccan port city of Tangier to Rabat and Casablanca. Served by trains travelling up to 186 miles per hour (300km/h), the service has become an essential for Moroccan business travellers and tourists alike. On these double-decker trains, it takes around two hours to get from Tangier to Casablanca with ticket prices starting at £12 ($15) one way.

Al Boraq, Morocco

The trains have two classes, first and second, and a café-bar car where passengers can purchase soft drinks and snacks. From Casablanca, it's possible to change trains to the slower mainline services to reach Marrakesh, one of the most popular cities in Morocco, where you can visit leather tanning plants, beautiful gardens and marvel at pretty tiled mosques.

Vande Bharat Express, India

India's vast railway network has always been a crucial part of its infrastructure, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the country joined the high-speed revolution with the Vande Bharat Express. Reaching speeds of up to 99 miles per hour (160km/h), the train first connected New Delhi with the sacred city of Varanasi on the River Ganges. Now, it operates on 50 routes nationwide, offering faster travel between major cities. In 2023, the trains got a fresh look, trading their original blue and white design for a sleek orange and grey livery.

Vande Bharat Express, India

It takes around eight hours to reach Varanasi from Delhi on this line, and while it's not the fastest of high-speed trains, it's still a far more enjoyable ride than flying and is significantly cheaper at around £17.50 ($22) for a one-way ticket. Sit back, relax and watch the Indian countryside pass you by, and don't miss a cup of sweet, spicy tea from the chaiwala on board.

HS2, England, UK

Perhaps one of the most controversial railway projects in the world, the British HS2 line was originally set to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The project was divided into three phases. Phase One would connect London and Birmingham. Phase 2a would extend the line to Crewe and Phase 2b would complete the line to Manchester. However, in October 2023, the then British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that only Phase One would be built.

HS2, England, UK

The ambitious project was launched in 2009 and was greeted with much uproar regarding the time, cost and impact involved. Environmental campaigners are against the construction of the line, citing concerns over damaging areas of natural beauty and CO2 emissions. And the cost of Phase One alone has spiralled from an initial estimate of just over £19 billion ($23.3bn) to £50 billion+ ($61bn+) when it is (hopefully) completed by 2033. Once finished, the line is expected to cut travel time between London and Birmingham to around 45 minutes, offering a faster alternative for commuters and travellers.

Acela Express, USA

Amtrak, the United States' primary passenger rail service, has faced challenges with delays and cancellations, often due to freight trains having priority on shared tracks. Despite these issues, the Acela Express remains the nation's fastest train, operating at speeds up to 150 miles per hour (240km/h). To enhance its high-speed offerings, Amtrak is introducing new 'Avelia Liberty' trains. Originally slated for service in 2021, the rollout has experienced delays due to testing and certification processes, and Amtrak now anticipates these new trains will enter service in late 2024 or early 2025.

Acela Express, USA

These trains are designed to operate at speeds up to 160 miles per hour (257km/h). However, the actual reduction in journey times will depend on various factors, including infrastructure upgrades and regulatory approvals. As of now, specific details regarding the exact time savings for routes such as Boston to Washington DC have not been officially released.

AVE network, Spain

It might surprise you to learn that Spain has the second-longest high-speed rail network in the world after China, with more than 2,000 miles (3,200km) of track connecting the capital, Madrid, to many of the country's key cities. Its trains run at up to 190 miles per hour (310km/h), meaning you can get from Barcelona to Madrid in under three hours.

AVE network, Spain

The AVE route between Madrid and Seville typically takes around two hours and 20 minutes, with some services completing the journey in as little as two hours and 15 minutes. The AVE route between Barcelona and Madrid, meanwhile, takes about two and a half hours.

Chuo Shinkansen, Japan

You've got a while to wait for this one, but it will be worth it. Japan's next shinkansen line, the Chuo Shinkansen, is poised to break records with maglev technology that will propel trains between Tokyo and Osaka at a maximum speed of 314 miles per hour (505km/h). The first phase, connecting Tokyo to Nagoya, was initially slated for completion in 2027 but has been delayed to 2034. The second phase, extending from Nagoya to Osaka, is expected by 2045.

Chuo Shinkansen, Japan

Once completed, the Chuo Shinkansen will be the world's fastest train, cutting travel time from Tokyo to Osaka to just 67 minutes – a significant reduction on the two and a half hours it takes today. When it's finished you'll be able to use a JR Railpass to board the shinkansen, making exploring Japan's most enticing cities easier than ever before.

TGV, France

France's high-speed rail network TGV, which is operated by the state-owned company SNCF, is without doubt the best way to get between the country's major cities. Its ultra-fast trains, which have been enjoyed by everyone from backpackers to commuters since they were first unveiled in the 1980s, can reach speeds of up to 220 miles per hour (350km/h) and link popular destinations including Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille and Marseille.

TGV, France

In 2022, the train operator unveiled its futuristic-looking new models which will take to the rails in 2025. While they won't go any faster than current models, they are designed to accommodate more passengers, containing over 100 extra seats and roomier carriages. The new design has also been streamlined to improve energy efficiency, with 97% of materials used being fully recyclable. There will also be accessibility improvements, including a lifting platform for wheelchair users and a sound system for travellers with visual impairments.

Laos-China Railway, Laos

As the high-speed Laos-China Railway (LCR) trains race past vast farmland and deep valleys backed by impressive mountains, you might just find yourself wishing the journey would take longer. Spanning 262 miles (422km), this impressive railway line runs between Vientiane, Laos’ capital city, and Boten on the border with China. The train also stops at six Laos stations including Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, worthy of visits in their own right. Then, the railway crosses into southern China, where the majestic landscapes of Kunming (Yunnan province) await.

Laos-China Railway, Laos

Gaze at the green-clad rural views from your first-class, second-class or standard seat as the train reaches top speeds of up to 99 miles per hour (160km/h). While a bus journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes around six hours, these punctual LCR trains get you there in less than two. You can purchase tickets up to three days in advance, either via the official LCR Ticket app or in-person at the modern railway stations; a one-way fare between Vientiane and Luang Prabang costs around £16 ($20).

Jakarta to Bandung high-speed train, Indonesia

Indonesia has taken a major leap forward in transportation with the launch of its first high-speed railway, known as 'Whoosh', connecting the capital city, Jakarta, to Bandung in West Java. Officially opened in October 2023, this state-of-the-art line reduces travel time from over three hours by road to just 46 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 217 miles per hour (350km/h). The railway features key stops at Halim, Karawang, Padalarang and Tegalluar, offering a more efficient and comfortable journey for commuters and travellers.

Jakarta to Bandung high-speed train, Indonesia

Looking to the future, plans are underway to extend the high-speed network to Surabaya, situated 472 miles (760km) east of Jakarta. This extension would transform the current 10-hour car journey into a far more manageable travel experience, significantly improving connectivity across the island of Java.

Cairo fast train, Egypt

Egypt is currently constructing an expansive high-speed rail network that will transform travel across the country. Spanning approximately 1,243 miles (2,000km) of track, this ambitious system will connect Cairo, the New Administrative Capital and numerous key cities, featuring trains that can reach speeds of up to 155 miles per hour (250km/h). The first phase, known as the 'Suez Canal on rails', will link Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean, with operations expected to start by 2027.

Cairo fast train, Egypt

Future lines will extend the network to include routes from Sixth of October City to Aswan and from Luxor to Hurghada and Safaga, offering reductions in travel times and a seamless, modern transportation option for both commuters and tourists venturing beyond Cairo’s bustling streets.

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