Fastest Trains in the World

Operating Speed: 268 mph
Record Speed: 311 mph
Launch Date: 2003

Racing along a scant 19 miles from Pudong International Airport to the Longyang Road Station of the Shanghai metro system, the world’s fastest commercial train is also the only magnetic levitation specimen on our list. The SMT’s top operating speed of 268 mph makes it faster than any NASCAR, Indy, or Formula One race car. Those interested in learning more about the technology can pop into the Maglev Museum at Longyang station (admission is free with a Maglev ticket).