Speed records in rail transport

This article provides an overview of speed records in rail transport. It is divided into absolute records for rail vehicles and fastest connections in the timetable.

Current speed records

File:Series L0.JPG trainset, holding the non-conventional train world speed record of {{convert|603|km/h|0|abbr=on}}]]

File:TGV World Speed Record 574 km per hour.jpg 4402 (operation V150) reaching 574.8 km/h (357 mph)]]

The world record for a conventional wheeled passenger train is held by a modified French TGV high-speed (with standard equipment) code named V150, set in 2007 when it reached {{convert|574.8|km/h|abbr=on}} on a {{convert|140|km|mi|abbr=on}} section of LGV Est line, part of the Trans-European high-speed rail network.{{cite news|title=French train breaks speed record|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/french-train-breaks-speed-record-1.650346|access-date=1 October 2013|newspaper=CBC News|date=3 April 2007|archive-date=4 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220150/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/french-train-breaks-speed-record-1.650346|url-status=live}} Japan's experimental maglev train L0 Series achieved {{convert|603|km/h|0|abbr=on}} on a {{cvt|42.8|km|mi}} magnetic levitation track in 2015.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/21/japans-maglev-train-notches-up-new-world-speed-record-in-test-run|title= Japan's maglev train breaks world speed record with 600km/h test run|date= 21 April 2015|work= The Guardian|publisher= Guardian News and Media Limited|location= United Kingdom|access-date= 21 April 2015|archive-date= 6 December 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191206145023/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/21/japans-maglev-train-notches-up-new-world-speed-record-in-test-run|url-status= live}}

Under commercial traffic and practical conditions where trains carry passengers across from one station to another, the world records for top operating speeds of maglev and single-phase trains are held respectively by China's Shanghai Maglev Train with a top speed of {{cvt|431|km/h|mph}} and CR400 Fuxing Hao at {{cvt|350|km/h|mph}}. They are followed by France's TGV Duplex, Japan's E5 Series Shinkansen and the German ICE 3 (when operating in France{{Cite web |title=ICE 3: Germany's first 300 km/h train |url=https://int.bahn.de/en/trains/long-distance-trains/ice_3 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=int.bahn.de |language=en}}) which all have maximum operating speeds of {{cvt|320|km/h|mph}} for commercial services.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ben |date=2021-12-10 |title=Flying without wings: The world's fastest trains |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-fastest-trains-cmd/index.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Past world speed records

Legend:

; Arr (Arrangement) : Disposition and number of elements forming the train.

:; Loc: One locomotive pulling one or more cars.

:; Multi: Multiple motorized elements on a single train.

:; Single: Single rail vehicle (i.e. railbus)

; Power: DC, DC 3rd rail, AC, Single phase, Triphase, Diesel-elec., Gas, Steam, Diesel-hydraulic, Propeller, Rocket, Jet

; State

:* "Proto." (Prototype)

:* "Unmod." (Unmodified from vehicles in service)

:* "Tuned" (Modified at some level for a better performance)

:* "Unknown"

=All passenger trains=

The following is a partial list of absolute world speed records for all trains designed to carry passengers, regardless of gauge, propulsion or type of rail.

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" \| Date ! scope="col" \| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" style="width:140px;"\| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" class=unsortable\| Comments
class="wikitable sortable"
\| {{Hidden sort key\|603.0}}{{convert\|603\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2015-04-21	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	L0 Series	Multi	AC (Maglev)	Proto.	Seven-car train set, manned
\| {{Hidden sort key\|590.0}}{{convert\|590\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2015-04-16	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	L0 Series	Multi	AC (Maglev)	Proto.	Seven-car train set, manned{{cite web\|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/20150416-OYT1T50132.html \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150416230147/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/20150416-OYT1T50132.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=16 April 2015 \|script-title=ja: リニア「Ｌ０系」、世界最高の５９０キロ記録 \|trans-title=L0 series maglev sets world speed record of 590 km/h \|date=16 April 2015 \|work=Yomiuri Online \|publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbunl \|location=Japan \|language=ja \|access-date=17 April 2015}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|581.0}}{{convert\|581\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-12-02	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	MLX01	Multi	AC (Maglev)	Proto.	Three-car train set. Guinness Book of Records authenticated.{{cite news \|url=http://www.sankei.com/economy/news/150416/ecn1504160038-n1.html \|script-title=ja: リニアが世界最速５９０キロ長距離走行記録も更新 \|trans-title=Maglev sets new world record of 590 km/h - Also sets new distance record \|date=16 April 2015 \|work=Sankei News \|publisher=The Sankei Shimbun & Sankei Digital \|location=Japan \|language=ja \|access-date=17 April 2015 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416093721/http://www.sankei.com/economy/news/150416/ecn1504160038-n1.html \|archive-date=April 16, 2015}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|574.8}}{{convert\|574.8\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2007-04-03	LGV Est	France	SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402	Multi	AC	Tuned	Extensive modifications. Set formed of 5 cars.{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6521295.stm \|website=BBC News \|department=Europe \|title=French set new rail speed record \|access-date=24 April 2015 \|archive-date=19 September 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919024720/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6521295.stm \|url-status=live }} Current world record on steel rails.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|568}}{{convert\|568\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2007-04-01	LGV Est	France	SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402	Multi	AC	Tuned	Set formed of 5 cars.{{Cite web \|last=à 00h00 \|first=Par Marc Lomazzi Le 31 mars 2007 \|date=2007-03-30 \|title=Le TGV bat un nouveau record à 568 km/h \|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/economie/le-tgv-bat-un-nouveau-record-a-568-km-h-31-03-2007-2007902722.php \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|website=leparisien.fr \|language=fr-FR}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|515.3}}{{convert\|515.3\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1990-05-18	LGV Atlantique	France	SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325	Multi	AC	Tuned	Extensive modifications.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|510.6}}{{convert\|510.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1990-05-09	LGV Atlantique	France	SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325	Multi	AC	Tuned	Extensive modifications.{{Cite web \|title=TGV Atlantique 325 celebrates the 32nd anniversary of its 515.3 km/h speed record. All you need to know about the record train! {{!}} RAILTARGET \|url=https://www.railtarget.eu/freight/tgv-atlantique-325-celebrates-the-32nd-anniversary-of-its-5153-kmh-speed-record-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-record-train-2611.html \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|website=www.railtarget.eu \|language=en}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|501.0}}{{convert\|501\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-11-12	Shanghai Maglev Train	China	Transrapid SMT	Multi	AC (Maglev)	Unmod.	Recorded in 2003 at a test run before the commercial operation in 2004{{cite news\|title=Transrapid stellt neuen Weltrekord auf\|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/technologie/forschung-medizin/forschung-innovation/501-km-h-im-begegnungsverkehr-transrapid-stellt-neuen-weltrekord-auf/2285514.html\|access-date=8 September 2013\|newspaper=Handelsblatt\|date=12 November 2003\|archive-date=4 October 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004212623/http://www.handelsblatt.com/technologie/forschung-medizin/forschung-innovation/501-km-h-im-begegnungsverkehr-transrapid-stellt-neuen-weltrekord-auf/2285514.html\|url-status=live}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|487.3}}{{convert\|487.3\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2011-01-10	Beijing–Shanghai HSR	China	CRH380BL	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	16-car trainset{{cite news \|author=柴永強 \|url=http://big5.china.com.cn/news/tech/2011-01/13/content_21726450.htm \|title="唐山造"動車最高速487.3公里刷新世界紀錄_中國網 \|publisher=Big5.china.com.cn \|date=2011-01-13 \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2011-09-27 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927152124/http://big5.china.com.cn/news/tech/2011-01/13/content_21726450.htm \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|486.1}}{{convert\|486.1\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2010-12-03	Beijing–Shanghai HSR	China	CRH380AL	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	16-car trainset, near Sùzhōu{{cite news \|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2010-12/03/c_12844439.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206071953/http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2010-12/03/c_12844439.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=December 6, 2010 \|title=和谐号CRH380A打破此前的世界铁路最高运营速度纪录_财经频道_新华网 \|publisher=News.xinhuanet.com \|date=2010-11-30 \|access-date=2012-02-10}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|482.4}}{{convert\|482.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1990-12-05	LGV Atlantique	France	SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325	Multi	AC	Tuned	Extensive modifications.{{Cite news \|date=1989-12-07 \|title=Avec 482,4 km/h contre 406,4 km/h à son concurrent allemand Le TGV reprend le record du monde \|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1989/12/07/avec-482-4-km-h-contre-406-4-km-h-a-son-concurrent-allemand-le-tgv-reprend-le-record-du-monde_4164785_1819218.html \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|language=fr}}
{{Hidden sort key\|443.0}} {{convert\|443.0\|km/h\|mph\|abbr=on}} \|1996-07-26 \|Tōkaidō Shinkansen \|Japan \|Class 955 Shinkansen \|Multi \|AC \|Proto \|
{{convert\|435.0\|km/h\|mph\|abbr=on}} \|2023-06-28 \|Fuzhou-Xiamen HSR \|China \|CR400AF-J-0002 \|Multi \|AC \|Proto \|8-car train with a CR450AF prototype carriage{{Cite web \|last=Tiwari \|first=Sakshi \|date=2023-07-03 \|title=At 453 KM/H, China Tests World's Fastest, New-Gen High-Speed Train That Is Safer, Energy-Efficient & Intelligent \|url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/at-453-km-h-china-tests-worlds-fastest-high-speed-train-trails/ \|access-date=2025-01-19 \|website=EURASIAN TIMES \|language=en-US}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|421.4}}{{convert\|421.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2013-03-28	Gyeongbu high-speed railway	South Korea	Hyundai Rotem HEMU-430X	Multi	AC	Proto	six-car train set, maximum speed test{{Cite web \|last=강건택 \|title=차세대 고속열차 최고시속 421㎞ 기록 \|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0006179734?sid=103 \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|website=n.news.naver.com \|language=ko}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|411.5}}{{convert\|411.5\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1974-08-14	High Speed Ground Test Center	United States	LIMRV{{cite journal \|first=R. D. \|last=Johnson \|title=Thoughts at 160 mph \|journal=Proceedings of the American Railway Engineering Association \|volume=89 \|year=1988 \|pages=330–331 \|url=https://archive.org/stream/proceedingsofann891988amer#page/n367/mode/2up \|access-date=2010-09-11}}	Loc	Gas turbine	Proto
\| {{Hidden sort key\|408.4}}{{convert\|408.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1988	LGV Sud-Est	France	SNCF TGV Sud-Est Set No. 88	Multi	AC		{{Cite web \|last=Willemin \|first=Jean \|title=30 ans deja! \|url=http://actgv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/30-ANS-DEJA.pdf \|website=actgv.fr}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|406.9}}{{convert\|406.9\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1988-05-01	Hanover–Würzburg high-speed railway	Germany	Intercity Experimental (ICE V)	Multi	AC	Proto	The first time that a railway vehicle broke the 400 km/h mark. The official world record was beaten just one year later by the French TGV.Jürgen Hörstel, Marcus Niedt: ICE – Neue Züge für neue Strecken. Orell-Füssli-Verlag, Zürich/ Wiesbaden 1991, ISBN 3-280-01994-X, p. 105–107.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|403.7}}{{convert\|403.7\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2006-07-16	Madrid-Barcelona HSL	Spain	Renfe Class 103	Multi	AC	Unmod.	Currently holds the record of the fastest unmodified AC trainset (non-Maglev) in the world.
400 km/h (250 mph) \|2019-12-14 \|Tohoku Shinkansen \|Japan \|Class E956 "ALFA-X" \|Multi \|AC \|Proto \|
\| {{Hidden sort key\|393.8}}{{convert\|393.8\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2016-02-26	AV Milano-Torino	Italy	ETR 1000	Multi	AC	Unmod.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|380}}{{convert\|380\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2007-04-03	LGV Est	France	SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4404	Multi	AC	unmod	Set formed of 10 cars -The 4404 train opens the way at 380 km/h for record breaker Tgv 4402 V150 train.{{Cite web \|title=TGV, quand tu nous tiens!... \|url=http://fbrisou.free.fr/RAIL21/Record2007.htm \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|website=fbrisou.free.fr}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|380.0}}{{convert\|380\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1981-02-26	LGV Sud-Est	France	SNCF TGV Sud-Est Set No. 16	Multi	AC	Tuned	Line voltage increased from 25 kV to 29 kV, wheels of a larger diameter, and gear ratios between motors and wheels increased.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|362.0}}{{convert\|362\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2009-02-04	Monte Bibele tunnel (Bologna-Firenze HSL)	Italy	ETR 500-Y	Multi	AC	Tuned	World record in tunnel.{{cite web \|url=http://www.corriere.it/cronache/09_febbraio_04/treno_record_galleria_8806fdfa-f2ce-11dd-8878-00144f02aabc.shtml \|title=Due record in prova per il Frecciarossa \|date=2009-02-04 \|publisher=Repubblica \|language=it \|access-date=2009-02-05 \|archive-date=2009-02-06 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206021434/http://www.corriere.it/cronache/09_febbraio_04/treno_record_galleria_8806fdfa-f2ce-11dd-8878-00144f02aabc.shtml \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|352.4}}{{convert\|352.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2004-12-16	Gyeongbu high-speed railway	South Korea	Hyundai Rotem HSR-350x	Multi	AC	Proto
\| {{Hidden sort key\|352.4}}{{convert\|334.7\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-07-30	High Speed 1	United Kingdom	Alstom Eurostar Tgv 3313/4, British Rail Class 373	Multi	AC	Unmod	The speed of 334.7 km/h was recorded at Nashenden Valley, just outside Rochester.{{Cite web\|url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/jul/31/transport.world\|title = 208mph Eurostar sets UK record\|website = TheGuardian.com\|date = 31 July 2003\|access-date = 18 May 2021\|archive-date = 18 May 2021\|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210518165815/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/jul/31/transport.world\|url-status = live}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|331.0}}{{convert\|331\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1955-03-29	"Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax	France	Jeumont-Schneider SNCF BB 9003-9004	Loc	DC	Tuned	Pulling 3 cars. Train was specially modified for the test. The track was badly damaged by the test.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|318.0}}{{convert\|318\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1974-12-08	"Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax	France	TGV001	Multi	AC	proto	TGV first prototype{{Cite web \|date=2016-10-25 \|title=Il y a 45 ans, le 1er prototype TGV sortait des ateliers de Belfort \|url=https://www.europe1.fr/economie/il-y-a-45-ans-le-1er-prototype-tgv-sortait-des-ateliers-de-belfort-2881958 \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|website=Europe 1 \|language=fr}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|303.0}} {{Convert\|303\|km/h\|mph\|abbr=unit}}	2007-09-14	Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway between Ankara and Eskişehir.	Turkey	ETR 500 Y2	Multi	AC	Unmod. \|Turkish railway speed record. Record set during testing of the high-speed railway, 18 months before revenue service began.{{cite web \|date=2007-09-14 \|title=Nuovo record di velocità del treno italiano Etr 500 in Turchia: 303 km/h \|url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Economia%20e%20Lavoro/2007/09/turchia-battuto-record-velocita.shtml?uuid=34015b4e-5f70-11dc-b5d3-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927193026/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Economia%20e%20Lavoro/2007/09/turchia-battuto-record-velocita.shtml?uuid=34015b4e-5f70-11dc-b5d3-00000e251029&DocRulesView=Libero \|archive-date=2013-09-27 \|access-date=2012-11-11 \|publisher=Il Sole 24 Ore \|language=it}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|243}}{{convert\|243\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1954-02-21		France	SNCF CC 7107	Loc	DC	unmod	{{Cite web \|last=LAMMING \|first=Clive \|date=2023-09-22 \|title=La CC-7121 et son record à 243 km/h et 1954 : les raisons d'un exploit. \|url=https://trainconsultant.com/2023/09/23/la-cc-7121-et-son-record-a-243-km-h-et-1954-les-raisons-dun-exploit/ \|access-date=2024-08-18 \|website=Train Consultant Clive Lamming \|language=fr-FR}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|303.0}}{{convert\|303\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2008-09-14	Western Main Line	Sweden	Bombardier Regina	Multi	AC	Proto.	Swedish national speed record.
293 km/h (182 mph) \|2013-11-24 \|Grodzisk Mazowiecki–Zawiercie railway \|Poland \|Pendolino ED250-001 \|Multi \|DC \|Unmod. \|Polish national speed record.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|275.0}}{{convert\|275\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1967-12-20	Northeast Corridor between Trenton and New Brunswick, New Jersey	United States	UAC TurboTrain	GTEL	--	Unmod.	--
\| {{Hidden sort key\|271.0}}{{convert\|271\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1993-10-05	Saint Petersburg — Moscow	Russia	TEP80	Loc	Diesel-elec	Proto.	Claimed,{{cite news\|url=http://www.gudok.ru/newspaper/?ID=1003529&archive=2013.11.13\|title=Обогнавшие судьбу\|last=Берзин\|first=Артур\|date=2013-11-13\|work=Гудок\|access-date=29 October 2015\|archive-date=2017-12-01\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032336/http://www.gudok.ru/newspaper/?ID=1003529&archive=2013.11.13\|url-status=live}} but no verification from an independent witness{{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwYXjxXFha0 \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/wwYXjxXFha0 \|archive-date=2021-12-21 \|url-status=live\|title=Рекордные испытания ТЭП80-0002 05.10.1993.TEP80 world speed record 271 km/h\|date=19 March 2009\|work=YouTube\|access-date=24 April 2015}}{{cbignore}}
{{Hidden sort key\|256.3}}{{convert\|256\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} \|2002-06-12, 2002-07-10 \|Madrid - Barcelona, Olmedo-Medina del Campo \|Spain \|Talgo XXI \|Multi \|Diesel-elec \|Proto. \|Claimed by the company for both dates.{{Cite web \|last=Talgo \|author-link=Talgo \|title=Talgo XXI \|url=https://www.talgo.com/ \|access-date=2022-10-28 \|website=talgo.com \|language=es-ES \|archive-date=2022-10-28 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028093949/https://www.talgo.com/ \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|title=Talgo: History \|url=http://www.talgo.com/htm/historia101.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418011624/http://www.talgo.com/htm/historia101.htm \|archive-date=18 April 2008 \|access-date=2 June 2008 \|publisher=www.talgo.com}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|245.0}}{{convert\|245\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1980	Rosslyn to De Wildt South Africa	South Africa	South African Class 6E	Loc	DC	Proto.	High speed pantographs was tested for British rail on locomotive number E1525. The idea was abandoned thereafter.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|238.0}}{{convert\|238\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1987-11-01	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	Class 43 (HST)	Multi	Diesel-elec	Modified	Current official diesel speed record listed in 2006 Guinness Book of Records{{cite web \|title=Class 43 High-Speed Train, also known as the InterCity 125, is unveiled at National Railway Museum in York. \|url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/about-us/press-office/high-speed-locomotive-sir-kenneth-grange-joins-national-railway-museum \|website=Railway Museum \|date=11 November 2019 \|access-date=11 December 2019 \|archive-date=11 December 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211132546/https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/about-us/press-office/high-speed-locomotive-sir-kenneth-grange-joins-national-railway-museum \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|230.4}}{{convert\|230.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1973-06-12	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	HST prototype	Multi	Diesel-elec	Proto.	{{cite web\|url=http://www.traintesting.com/HST_prototype.htm \|title=Testing the prototype HST in 1973 \|publisher=traintesting.com \|access-date=29 April 2009 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915204316/http://www.traintesting.com/HST_prototype.htm \|archive-date=15 September 2009}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|205.0}}{{convert\|205\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1936-02-17		Germany	DRG SVT 137 233-234 "Bauart Leipzig"	Multi	Diesel-elec	Unmod.	First diesel train faster than {{convert\|200\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20161115193715/http://www.svt-leipzig.de/geschichte.html Der SVT "Leipzig" 137 234 / 183 251-8"] retrieved 21 August 2017.Ralf Roman Rossberg: Deutsche Eisenbahnfahrzeuge von 1838 bis Heute, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1988, {{ISBN\|978-3-642-95771-0}} Seite 128
\| {{Hidden sort key\|203.0}}{{convert\|203\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1938-20-07	Bologna-Milano line between Pontenure and Piacenza	Italy	FS Class ETR 200	Loc	DC	Unmod.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|180.3}}{{convert\|202.58\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1938-03-07	East Coast Main Line between Peterborough and Grantham	United Kingdom	LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	Authenticated speed. World Steam Speed Record Holder to this day. Analysis of the original dynamometer rolls in 2018 however points to several issues with the original authentication and a sustained maximum speed of 199.36 km/h (124 mph).{{Cite magazine \|last=Andrews\|first=David\|date=2018\|title=Just How Fast Did Mallard Go?\|url=\|magazine=BackTrack \|volume=32\|issue=8\|pages=472–476\|via=}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|166.6}}{{convert\|166.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-07-20		United States	Milwaukee Road class F6 #6402	Loc	Steam	Unmod	A point between Oakwood, Illinois and Lake, Wisconsin. Also averaged {{convert\|75.5\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} on {{convert\|85\|mi}} from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, and {{convert\|89.92\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} for a {{convert\|68.9\|mi}} stretch
\| {{Hidden sort key\|164.6}}{{convert\|164.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1904-05-09		United Kingdom	GWR 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	In 1904, City of Truro may have achieved the first {{convert\|100\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} by a steam locomotive, as measured by Charles Rous-Marten.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|160.0}}{{convert\|161\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-11-30	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated {{convert\|100\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} by a steam locomotive.{{cite web\|url=http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/\|title=Flying Scotsman\|access-date=24 April 2015\|archive-date=25 April 2015\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425132034/http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/\|url-status=live}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|48.0}}{{convert\|48\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1829	Rainhill Trials	United Kingdom	Stephenson's Rocket	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	{{cite web\|url=http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/nrm_-_locomotives_and_rolling_stock/1862-5.aspx\|title=Stephenson's 'Rocket' locomotive, 1829\|publisher=The Science Museum\|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918144217/http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/nrm_-_locomotives_and_rolling_stock/1862-5.aspx\|archive-date=2007-09-18}}

=Conventional wheeled=

The following is a list of verified absolute world speed records for conventional wheeled rail vehicles.

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" style="width:50px;"\| Date ! scope="col" style="width:100px;"\| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr. ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
class="wikitable sortable"
\| {{Hs\|00574.8}}{{convert\|574.8\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2007-04-03	LGV Est	France	SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402	Multi	AC	Tuned	Set formed of 2 power cars + 3 trailers. Current world record on steel rails.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|515.3}}{{convert\|515.3\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1990-05-18	LGV Atlantique	France	SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325	Multi	AC	Tuned	Extensive modifications.
\| {{Hs\|00487.3}}{{convert\|487.3\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2010-12-03	Beijing–Shanghai HSR	China	CRH380BL	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	16-car trainset{{cite web \|author=柴永強 \|url=http://big5.china.com.cn/news/tech/2011-01/13/content_21726450.htm \|title="唐山造"動車最高速487.3公里刷新世界紀錄_中國網 \|publisher=Big5.china.com.cn \|date=2011-01-13 \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2011-09-27 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927152124/http://big5.china.com.cn/news/tech/2011-01/13/content_21726450.htm \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hs\|00486.1}}{{convert\|486.1\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2010-12-03	Beijing–Shanghai HSR	China	CRH380AL	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	16-car trainset, near Sùzhōu{{cite web\|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2010-12/03/c_12844439.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206071953/http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2010-12/03/c_12844439.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=December 6, 2010 \|title=和谐号CRH380A打破此前的世界铁路最高运营速度纪录_财经频道_新华网 \|publisher=News.xinhuanet.com \|date=2010-11-30 \|access-date=2012-02-10}}
\| {{Hidden sort key\|482.4}}{{convert\|482.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1989-12-05	LGV Atlantique	France	SNCF TGV Atlantique Set No. 325	Multi	AC	Tuned	Extensive modifications.
\| {{Hs\|00425.0}}{{convert\|421.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2013-03-28	Gyeongbu high-speed railway	South Korea	Hyundai Rotem HEMU-430X	Multi	AC	Proto	[http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&aid=0006179734&mid=shm&oid=001&sid1=103&nh=20130401193925 six-car train set. maximum speed test.]
\| {{Hidden sort key\|406.9}}{{convert\|406.9\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1988-05-01	Hanover–Würzburg high-speed railway	Germany	Intercity Experimental (ICE V)	Multi	AC	Proto	The first time that a railway vehicle broke the 400 km/h mark. The record was beaten just one year later by the French TGV.
\| {{Hidden sort key\|380.0}}{{convert\|380\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1981-02-26	LGV Sud-Est	France	SNCF TGV Sud-Est Set No. 16	Multi	AC	Tuned	Line voltage increased from 25 kV to 29 kV, wheels of a larger diameter, and gear ratios between motors and wheels increased.
\| {{Hs\|00352.4}}{{convert\|352.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2004-12-16	Gyeongbu high-speed railway	South Korea	Hyundai Rotem HSR-350x	Multi	AC	Proto
\| {{Hs\|00352.4}}{{convert\|334.7\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-07-30	High Speed 1	United Kingdom	Eurostar 3313/4, British Rail Class 373	Multi	AC	Unmod	The speed of 334.7 km/h was recorded at Nashenden Valley, just outside Rochester.
\| {{Hs\|00331.0}}{{convert\|331\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1955-03-29	"Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax	France	Jeumont-Schneider SNCF BB 9003-9004	Loc	DC	Tuned	Pulling 3 cars. Train was specially modified for the test. The track was badly damaged by the test.
\| {{Hs\|00271.0}}{{convert\|271\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1993-10-05	Saint Petersburg — Moscow	Russia	TEP80	Loc	Diesel-elec	Proto.	Claimed, but no verification from an independent witness
\| {{Hs\|00238.0}}{{convert\|238\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1987-11-01	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	Class 43 (HST)	Multi	Diesel-elec	Modified	Current official diesel speed record listed in 2006 Guinness Book of Records
\| {{Hs\|00230.4}}{{convert\|230.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1973-06-12	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	HST prototype	Multi	Diesel-elec	Proto.
\| {{Hs\|00205.0}}{{convert\|205\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1936-02-17		Germany	DRG SVT 137 233-234 "Bauart Leipzig"	Multi	Diesel-elec	Unmod.	World speed record. First diesel train faster than {{convert\|200\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}
\| {{Hs\|00202.6}}{{convert\|202.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1938-07-03		United Kingdom	LNER Class A4 No. 4468 Mallard	Loc	Steam	unknown	{{cite web\|url=http://www.wandleys.demon.co.uk/mallard.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990209134208/http://www.wandleys.demon.co.uk/mallard.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date= 9 February 1999 \|title=Mallard \|access-date=24 April 2015}}{{cite web\|url=http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~procter/SPEED.HTM\|title=World Rail Speed Records\|access-date=24 April 2015\|archive-date=8 October 2007\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008033232/http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~procter/SPEED.HTM\|url-status=dead}} Downhill grade. Data indicates peak speed {{convert\|202.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}, mean speed (half-mile) {{convert\|201.2\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}. Mallard suffered an overheated crankpin during the run, but was repaired and returned to traffic within 9 days.{{cite web\|url=http://www.lner.info/locos/A/a4.shtml\|title=The Gresley A4 Pacifics\|access-date=24 April 2015\|archive-date=20 July 2015\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720105051/http://www.lner.info/locos/A/a4.shtml\|url-status=live}} This is the standing record for a steam locomotive. Analysis of the original dynamometer rolls in 2018 however points to several issues with the original authentication and a sustained maximum speed of 199.36 km/h (124 mph).{{Cite journal\|last=Andrews\|first=David\|date=2018\|title=Just How Fast Did Mallard Go?\|url=\|journal=Backtrack\|volume=32\| issue = 8\|pages=472–476\|via=}}
\| {{Hs\|00166.6}}{{convert\|166.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-07-20		United States	Milwaukee Road class F6 #6402	Loc	Steam	Unmod	A point between Oakwood, Illinois and Lake, Wisconsin. Also averaged {{convert\|75.5\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} on {{convert\|85\|mi}} from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, and {{convert\|89.92\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} for a {{convert\|68.9\|mi}} stretch
\| {{Hs\|00160.0}}{{convert\|161\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-11-30	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated {{convert\|100\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} by a steam locomotive.
\| {{Hs\|00048.0}}{{convert\|48\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1829	Rainhill Trials	United Kingdom	Stephenson's Rocket	Loc	Steam	Unmod.

==Electric==

The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles with electric traction motors and powered by electricity transferred to the train.

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" style="width:50px;"\| Date ! scope="col" style="width:100px;"\| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr. ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
class="wikitable sortable" \|+ Speed records of electric locomotive and electric multiple unit trains
\| {{Hs\|00574.8}}{{convert\|574.8\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2007-04-03	LGV Est	France	SNCF TGV POS Set No. 4402	Multi	Single phase	Tuned	Set formed of 2 power cars + 3 trailers. Current world record.
\| {{Hs\|00487.3}}{{convert\|487.3\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2010-12-03	Beijing–Shanghai HSR	China	CRH380BL	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	16-car trainset Current record for the top speed of an unmodified production vehicle.
\| {{Hs\|00486.1}}{{convert\|486.1\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2010-12-03	Beijing–Shanghai HSR	China	CRH380AL	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	16-car trainset, near Sùzhōu
\| {{Hs\|00443.0}}{{convert\|443.0\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1996-07-26	Tōkaidō Shinkansen	Japan	Class 955 Shinkansen	Multi	Single phase	Proto
\| {{Hs\|00425.0}}{{convert\|425.0\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1993-12-21	Jōetsu Shinkansen	Japan	Class 952/953 Shinkansen	Multi	Single phase	Proto
\| {{Hs\|00425.0}}{{convert\|421.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2013-03-28	Gyeongbu high-speed railway	South Korea	Hyundai Rotem HEMU-430X	Multi	Single phase	Proto	six-car train set. maximum speed test.
\| {{Hs\|00416.6}}{{convert\|416.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2010-09-28	Shanghai–Hangzhou HSR	China	CRH380A	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	{{cite web \|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2010-09-28/113621186681.shtml \|title=沪杭高铁最高时速再次刷新纪录达416.6公里_新闻中心_新浪网 \|publisher=News.sina.com.cn \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2012-03-20 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320100316/http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2010-09-28/113621186681.shtml \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hs\|00403.7}}{{convert\|403.7\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2006-07-15	Madrid–Barcelona HSR between Guadalajara and Calatayud	Spain	Siemens Velaro E (AVE S-103)	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	15–16 July {{cite web \|url=http://www.transportation.siemens.com/ts/en/pub/newsline/newsline/press_2007/2007/22_06_2007.htm \|title=First passengers travel on world record train Velaro \|access-date=2007-07-02 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713201111/http://www.transportation.siemens.com/ts/en/pub/newsline/newsline/press_2007/2007/22_06_2007.htm \|archive-date=2007-07-13}},{{cite web \|url=http://www.siemens.com.ar/sie-prensa/ultimas/new_pruebas_velaro.htm \|title=Las pruebas técnicas lograron nuevo récord en España El tren de alta velocidad Velaro E de Siemens superó los 400 km./h \|access-date=2007-04-17 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907075713/http://www.siemens.com.ar/sie-prensa/ultimas/new_pruebas_velaro.htm \|archive-date=2008-09-07}}. Record for the top speed of an unmodified production vehicle until 2010.
\| {{Hs\|00368.4}}{{convert\|368.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2001-09-03	Hannover–Berlin between Oebisfelde and Rathenow	Germany	ICE 3 (DB BR 406)	Multi	Single phase	Unmod.	The journey was carried out as a regular approval journey, whereby according to German regulations a speed of at least 10% higher to the approval speed must be reached during the approval process. Since the train was regularly approved for 330 km/h, at least 363 km/h had to be reached during the test run.{{cite web \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKw7TxLWlDM\| title= ICE 3 Zulassungsfahrt mit 368,4 km/h \|access-date=2025-03-08}} Record for the top speed of an unmodified production vehicle until 2006.
\| {{Hs\|00203.0}}{{convert\|362\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2009-02-03	Bologna–Florence high-speed railway	Italy	ETR 500 Y1	Multi	Single phase	Tuned	Indoor Italian speed record, in the Monte Bibele tunnel on the high speed line between Florence and Bologna.{{cite web \|url=http://www.fsnews.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=a816ab482714f110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD \|title=Raggiunto in galleria il record mondiale di velocità di 362 km/h - Notizie - FSNews \|publisher=Fsnews.it \|access-date=2012-07-25 \|archive-date=2013-05-14 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514160319/http://www.fsnews.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=a816ab482714f110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD \|url-status=live }}{{cite web\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df87lMB5d18 \|title=362km/h Nuovo Record di Velocità Italiano ETR Y1 500 di RFI Alta Velocità FI-BO 3/2/09 (HD) \|publisher=YouTube \|access-date=2012-07-25}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link\|date=February 2022}}
\| {{Hs\|00357.0}}{{convert\|357\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2006-09-02	Nuremberg–Ingolstadt high-speed railway	Germany	Siemens EuroSprinter ES64U4 No. 1216 050-5	Loc	AC	Unmod.	On Nuremberg–Ingolstadt high-speed railway, locomotive owned by ÖBB, pulling one car.{{cite news\|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/taurus-puts-1955-french-speed-record-holders-in-the-shade.html\|access-date=8 September 2013\|title=Taurus puts 1955 French speed record holders in the shade\|work=Railway Gazette International\|archive-date=14 September 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914025114/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/taurus-puts-1955-french-speed-record-holders-in-the-shade.html\|url-status=live}}{{cite web \|url=https://www.transportation.siemens.de/ts/en/pub/newsline/newsline/press_2006/2006/04_09_2006.htm \|title=New world record! Siemens locomotive travels 357 kilometers per hour \|access-date=2007-04-15 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023719/https://www.transportation.siemens.de/ts/en/pub/newsline/newsline/press_2006/2006/04_09_2006.htm \|archive-date=2007-09-30}}. Record for the maximum speed of an electric locomotive.
\| {{Hs\|00352.4}}{{convert\|334.7\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-07-30	High Speed 1	United Kingdom	Eurostar 3313/4, British Rail Class 373	Multi	AC	Unmod	The speed of 334.7 km/h was recorded at Nashenden Valley, just outside Rochester.
\| {{Hs\|00331.0}}{{convert\|331\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1955-03-29	"Les Landes", between Bordeaux and Dax	France	Jeumont-Schneider SNCF BB 9003-9004	Loc	DC	Tuned	Pulling 3 cars. Train was specially modified for the test. The track was badly damaged by the test.{{cite web \| url=http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/fr/electric/dc/9000/pix.html \| title=Picture Gallery - Directory: /Pix/Fr/Electric/Dc/9000 \| access-date=2007-06-04 \| archive-date=2020-02-24 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224230429/http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/fr/electric/dc/9000/pix.html \| url-status=live }}
\| {{Hs\|00319.0}}{{convert\|319\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1979-12-07	Oyama test track	Japan	Class 961 Shinkansen	Multi	Single phase	Proto.	test track, now part of Tōhoku Shinkansen
\| {{Hs\|00286.0}}{{convert\|286\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1972-02-24	Sanyō Shinkansen	Japan	Class 951 Shinkansen	Multi	Single phase	Proto.
\| {{Hs\|00256.0}}{{convert\|256\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1963-03-30	Odawara test track	Japan	Class 1000 Shinkansen	Multi	Single phase	Proto.	Test track now part of Tōkaidō Shinkansen{{cite book \| title =プロトタイプの世界 - Prototype World \| publisher = Kōtsū Shimbunsha \| date = December 2005 \| location = Japan \| oclc=170056962}}
\| {{Hs\|00210.2}}{{convert\|210.2\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1903-10-28	Royal Prussian Military Railway between Marienfelde and Zossen	Germany	AEG Experimental three-phase railcar	Multi	Triphase	Proto.	Overall speed record. Many sources say 27 October.:de:Studiengesellschaft für Elektrische Schnellbahnen[http://www.zossen.de/index.php?id=02e60000] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715144836/http://www.zossen.de/index.php?id=02e60000\|date=July 15, 2006}}{{cite web \|url=http://www.siemens.com.br/templates/coluna1.aspx?channel=4068 \|title=Transporte Brasileiro - Mobility \|publisher=Siemens \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002164731/http://www.siemens.com.br/templates/coluna1.aspx?channel=4068 \|archive-date=2011-10-02}}
\| {{Hs\|00203.0}}{{convert\|203\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1939-20-07	Florence–Bologna "direttissima" and Bologna-Milan lines	Italy	ETR 200	Multi	DC	Unmod.	Record average speed between Bologna and Milan{{cite web\|url=http://www.interrail.publinet.it/maggio98/etr200.html \|title=Gli ETR 200 FS \|publisher=Interrail.publinet.it \|access-date=2012-07-25 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208025916/http://www.interrail.publinet.it/maggio98/etr200.html \|archive-date=2013-02-08}}
\| {{Hs\|00203.0}}{{convert\|203\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1903-10-06	Royal Prussian Military Railway between Marienfelde and Zossen	Germany	Siemens & Halske Experimental three-phase railcar	Multi	Triphase	Proto.	After railbed was improved. Some sources say 7 October, others say {{convert\|200.99\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} or an improbable {{convert\|231\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}.{{cite web \|url=http://www.tubit.tu-berlin.de/fileadmin/a3533/uploads/UE_NwB1/Bahnenergieversorgung.pdf \|title=Kein Folientitel \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2012-02-07 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207151702/http://www.tubit.tu-berlin.de/fileadmin/a3533/uploads/UE_NwB1/Bahnenergieversorgung.pdf \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|author=Hans Dόcker \|url=http://www.e94114.de/Eisenbahn/Elektrolokomotiven/Geschichte.htm \|title=Die Geschichte der Elektrolokomotive \|publisher=E94114.de \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2021-04-29 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429220641/http://www.e94114.de/Eisenbahn/Elektrolokomotiven/Geschichte.htm \|url-status=live }}
{{Hs\|00203.0}}{{convert\|180\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} \|1941 \|Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad \|United States \|Electroliner \|Multi \|DC. It used its OHEL system, not its 3rd rail system for the record run.{{Cite web \|date=November 1982 \|title=Trains_Electroliner2 \|url=http://www.mth-railking.com/PDF_Documents/Trains_Electroliner2.pdf \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928094125/http://www.mth-railking.com/PDF_Documents/Trains_Electroliner2.pdf \|archive-date=September 28, 2011 \|access-date=November 26, 2024 \|website=www.mth-railking.com}} \|Unmod. \|When the sets were received in 1941, during one test run the traction motors were allowed full field shunt to determine absolute maximum speed. It reached just over 110 mph (180 km/h), but at that speed the train reached highway crossings before the crossing gates fully closed, a dangerous situation. Thereafter, the sets were limited to 90 mph (140 km/h).{{citation \|author=John D. Horachek \|title=The Electroliner Legend -2 "We have never done better than this" \|date=November 1982 \|url=http://www.mth-railking.com/PDF_Documents/Trains_Electroliner2.pdf \|journal=Trains Magazine \|pages=48–58 \|access-date=2023-06-06 \|archive-date=2011-09-28 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928094125/http://www.mth-railking.com/PDF_Documents/Trains_Electroliner2.pdf \|url-status=live }}
{{Hs}}{{Convert\|175\|km/h\|mph\|abbr=on}} or \|1988-04-11 \|on the Waterloo to Weymouth route \|United Kingdom \|British Rail Class 442 \|N/A \|DC 3rd rail \|Unmod. \|World speed record for a 750 DC 3rd rail train.{{Cite web\|url=http://extra.southernelectric.org.uk/features/rolling-stock/442/442nse02.html\|title=Class 442 Feature - The Early Years\|website=extra.southernelectric.org.uk}}{{Cite web\|url=https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/maximum-speed-on-750v-dc-third-rail-routes.129424/\|title=Maximum speed on 750V DC third rail routes \| RailUK Forums}}
\| {{Hs\|00162.5}}{{convert\|162.5\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1901	Royal Prussian Military Railway between Marienfelde and Zossen	Germany	Siemens & Halske Experimental three-phase railcar	Multi	Triphase	Proto.	Early tests of AC power. Some sources say {{convert\|160\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} or {{convert\|162\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}.{{cite web \|url=http://www.railway.bham.ac.uk/courses/conference_1105/plenary_1-p/1_2_hughes_text_pdf.pdf \|title=Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education - University of Birmingham \|publisher=Railway.bham.ac.uk \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2008-09-12 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912155737/http://www.railway.bham.ac.uk/courses/conference_1105/plenary_1-p/1_2_hughes_text_pdf.pdf \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hs\|00161}}{{convert\|161\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-08	Northeast Corridor	United States	Pennsylvania Railroad class GG1	Loc	Single Phase	Unmod.	First streamlined electric passenger train in the world, pulling 14 coaches at sustained speeds of 161 km/h.
{{Hs\|00161}}{{convert\|156\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} \|1930 \|Cincinnati and Lake Erie Railroad \|United States \|Red Devil (interurban) \|Single \|DC \|Unmod. \|Defeated a plane in a race for publicity.{{Middleton-Interurban}} p.147
{{Hs}}{{Convert\|141.22\|km/h\|mph\|abbr=on}} \|1972-01-31 \|LIRR Main Line between Woodside and Jamaica \|United States \|R44 (New York City Subway car) \|Multi \|DC \|Unmod. \|World speed record for a subway train. When half the motors were disabled to simulate the weight of a rush-hour crowd, it still reached {{Convert\|124\|km/h\|mph\|abbr=on}}. The cars were capable of even higher speeds, as the consist was still accelerating as it approached the end of the designated test track.{{Cite web \|title=nycsubway.org: R-44 (St. Louis, 1971-1973) \|url=https://www.nycsubway.org/wiki/R-44_(St._Louis,_1971-1973) \|access-date=2023-11-26 \|website=www.nycsubway.org}}{{Cite web \|date=1979 \|title=New York City Transit Facts & Figures: 1979 \|url=https://www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/FILES_DOC/WAGNER_FILES/06.021.0058.060284.11.PDF#page=28 \|access-date=2023-11-25 \|website=NYCTA-Facts-1979 \|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit Authority \|page=18}}

==Fuel-electric==

The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles with on-board fuel to generate electricity for traction motors such as diesel-electric locomotive, diesel electric multiple unit and gas turbine-electric locomotive trains.

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" style="width:50px;"\| Date ! scope="col" style="width:100px;"\| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr. ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
class="wikitable sortable" \|+ Speed record of fuel-electric rail vehicles
\| {{Hs\|00271.0}}{{convert\|271\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1993-10-05	Saint Petersburg — Moscow	Russia	TEP80	Loc	Diesel-elec	Proto.	Has documentation and record of the speed, but no verification from an independent witness.
{{Hs\|00256.3}}{{convert\|256\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} \| 2002-06-12 2002-07-10 \|Madrid - Barcelona, Olmedo-Medina del Campo \|Spain \|Talgo XXI \|Multi \|Diesel-elec \|Proto. \|Claimed by the company for both dates.
\| {{Hs\|00238.0}}{{convert\|238\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1987-11-01	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	Class 43 (HST)	Multi	Diesel-elec	Modified	Current official diesel speed record listed in 2006 Guinness Book of Records
\| {{Hs\|00230.4}}{{convert\|230.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1973-06-12	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	HST prototype	Multi	Diesel-elec	Proto.
\| {{Hs\|00205.0}}{{convert\|205\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1936-02-17		Germany	DRG SVT 137 233-234 "Bauart Leipzig"	Multi	Diesel-elec	Unmod.	World speed record. First diesel train faster than {{convert\|200\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}
\| {{Hs\|00181.0}}{{convert\|181\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-05-26		United States	Pioneer Zephyr	Multi	Diesel-elec	Unmod.	World speed record. First streamlined diesel-electric train and the first multi-coach passenger train to reach a 181 km/h top speed.
\| {{Hs\|00177.0}}{{convert\|177\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-02-12		United States	M-10000	Multi	Gasoline-elec	Unmod.	World speed record. First streamlined gasoline-electric train and the first multi-coach passenger train to reach a 177 km/h top speed.

==Fuel-mechanic==

The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles with on-board fuel to mechanical energy to drive vehicle's wheels such as diesel-hydraulic trains and gas turbine locomotive trains that use mechanical transmission to power the drive wheels.

class="wikitable sortable" \|+ Speed record of fuel-mechanic rail vehicles
scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" style="width:50px;"\| Date ! scope="col" style="width:100px;"\| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr. ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
\| {{Hs\|00275.0}}{{convert\|275\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1967-12-20	Northeast Corridor	United States	UAC TurboTrain	Multi	Gas	unknown	{{cite magazine\|last=Barry\|first=Keith\|title=From Simple Steam to Burly Turbines: 150 Years of Great American Trains\|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/10/great-american-trains/#slideid-133271\|magazine=WIRED\|access-date=24 February 2014}}
\| {{Hs\|00129.0}}{{convert\|129\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1905	Union Pacific and Southern Pacific	United States	McKeen railmotor	Single Railcar	Gasoline Engine	unknown	First streamlined train in history with 152 units sold and used by Union Pacific and other railroad companies from 1905-1934.

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ Speed record of fuel-mechanic rail vehicles

scope="col" | Speed

! scope="col" style="width:50px;"| Date

! scope="col" style="width:100px;"| Line

! scope="col" style="width:75px;"| Country

! scope="col" | Train

! scope="col" | Arr.

! scope="col" style="width:70px;"| Power

! scope="col" | State

! scope="col" | Comments

| {{Hs|00275.0}}{{convert|275|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

1967-12-20

Northeast Corridor

United States

UAC TurboTrain

Multi

Gas

unknown

{{cite magazine|last=Barry|first=Keith|title=From Simple Steam to Burly Turbines: 150 Years of Great American Trains|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/10/great-american-trains/#slideid-133271|magazine=WIRED|access-date=24 February 2014}}

| {{Hs|00129.0}}{{convert|129|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

1905

Union Pacific and Southern Pacific

United States

McKeen railmotor

Single Railcar

Gasoline Engine

unknown

First streamlined train in history with 152 units sold and used by Union Pacific and other railroad companies from 1905-1934.

==Steam==

The following is a list of speed records for steam locomotives.

Note: All records with a faster speed than {{convert|202.6|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} (the record set by Mallard) are claimed and have not been officially verified (compare rival claims section).

class="wikitable sortable" \|+ Speed record of steam rail vehicles ! scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" style="width:50px;"\| Date ! scope="col" style="width:100px;"\| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr. ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! class="unsortable"\| Comments
\| {{Hs\|00202.6}}{{convert\|202.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1938-07-03	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	LNER Class A4 No. 4468 Mallard	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	{{cite web\|url=http://www.wandleys.demon.co.uk/mallard.htm\|title=Mallard\|access-date=24 April 2015\|archive-date=9 February 1999\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990209134208/http://www.wandleys.demon.co.uk/mallard.htm\|url-status=dead}} Downhill grade. Data indicates peak speed {{convert\|202.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}, mean speed (half-mile) {{convert\|201.2\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}. Mallard suffered an overheated center big end bearing (or crankpin) during the run, but was repaired and returned to traffic within 9 days. Mallard{{'}}s record is the standing world speed record for a steam locomotive.
\| {{Hs\|00200.4}}{{convert\|200.4\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1936-05-11		Germany	Borsig DRG series 05 002	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	Level grade.{{cite web \|url=http://www.germansteam.co.uk/german-steam/FastestLoco/fastestloco.html#05trace \|title=05 002 v Mallard. Notes on the data of the record runs: (1) 05 002 \|access-date=2015-07-15 \|archive-date=2017-12-07 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207141316/http://www.germansteam.co.uk/german-steam/FastestLoco/fastestloco.html#05trace \|url-status=dead}}
\| {{Hs\|00197.95}}{{convert\|123\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on\|order=flip}}	1934-12-27	New York Central Railroad (also B&A, THB, MC, CCC&StL)	United States	New York Central Hudson "Commodore Vanderbilt"	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	This was the first streamlined coal-fired steam train in history.
\| {{Hs\|00181.1}}{{convert\|181.1\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1935-04-05		United States	Milwaukee Road class A #2	Loc	Steam	unknown	This was the first streamlined oil-fired steam train in history. Claimed to have sustained {{convert\|112.5\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} for {{convert\|14\|mi}}. Average speed for {{convert\|136\|mi}} between Milwaukee and New Lisbon, Wisconsin was {{convert\|74.9\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}}.
\| {{Hs\|00160.0}}{{convert\|173.8\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1935-03-05	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	LNER Class A3 2750 Papyrus	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	The locomotive reached a peak speed of 108 mph and maintained a speed above 100 mph for 12.5 consecutive miles, hauling a 217-ton load that included a dynamometer car to provide an accurate record of performance.
\| {{Hs\|00166.6}}{{convert\|166.6\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-07-20		United States	Milwaukee Road class F6 #6402	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	A point between Oakwood, Illinois and Lake, Wisconsin. Also averaged {{convert\|75.5\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} on {{convert\|85\|mi}} from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, and {{convert\|89.92\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} for a {{convert\|68.9\|mi}} stretch. This trip was a test run for the feasibility of a new planned high speed passenger train service between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul via Milwaukee, which came to fruition the next year as the Hiawatha.
\| {{Hs\|00160.0}}{{convert\|161\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1934-11-30	East Coast Main Line	United Kingdom	LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	In 1934, Flying Scotsman achieved the first authenticated {{convert\|100\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} by a steam locomotive.{{refn\|The speed was measured and recorded using a mechanical device. The record was available for public inspection.\|group=note}}
\| {{Hs\|00163.68}}{{convert\|102.3\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on\|order=flip}}	1904-05-4	Exeter to Bristol Line	United Kingdom	GWR 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	This was the first independently measured and published {{convert\|100\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} by a steam locomotive.{{cite magazine \|first=H G \|last=Kendall \|title=What Happened Was This... \|page=656 \|magazine=The Railway Magazine \|date=September 1960}}{{refn\|This was recorded by Charles Rous-Marten, a highly experienced railway journalist who subsequently published his notebook. But since the times were recorded using a stopwatch they must remain unauthenticated. His stated figure of 102.3 mph comes from a single quarter-mile taking 8.8 seconds on a stopwatch with a 0.2 second minimum interval; the next step, 9.0 seconds, would equate to 100 mph. \|group=note}}
\| {{Hs\|00149.0}}{{convert\|92.3\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on\|order=flip}}	1895-10-24	Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway	United States	Brooks-built ten-wheeler and train	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	The engineer was presented with a memorial watch from the Webb C. Ball Company in a ceremony at the Brooks Locomotive Works offices on April 17, 1896.{{cite news\| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38810913/buffalo_courier/\| title=The Railway Record\| newspaper=Buffalo Courier\| location=Buffalo, NY\| date=April 18, 1896\| page=7\| quote=Average speed 72.92 miles an hour. Maximum speed 92.3 miles an hour.\| via=Newspapers.com\| access-date=November 11, 2019\| archive-date=November 11, 2019\| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111125047/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38810913/buffalo_courier/\| url-status=live}} {{open access}}
\| {{Hs\|00145.0}}{{convert\|90\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on\|order=flip}}	1895	London and North Western Railway	United Kingdom	LNWR Improved Precedent Class No. 790 Hardwicke	Loc	Steam	unmod.	{{cite magazine\|title=Record Breakers\|first=Evan\|last=Green-Hughes\|magazine=Hornby Magazine\|pages=108–111\|issue=65\|date=November 2012\|location=Hersham\|publisher=Ian Allan Publishing\|issn=1753-2469\|oclc=226087101}}
\| {{Hs\|00131.0}}{{convert\|160.9\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1893-05-10		United States	Empire State Express No. 999	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	{{convert\|112\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}} claimed, which would make it the first wheeled vehicle to exceed {{convert\|100\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web \|url=http://www.kuhf.org/cdprojects/steam/track12.html \|title=Speed \|access-date=2007-01-28 \|archive-date=2006-07-20 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720104213/http://www.kuhf.org/cdprojects/steam/track12.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite news\| url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1893/05/12/106864316.pdf\| title=GREAT SPEED Off THE CENTRAL.; Empire State Express Engine Travels at the Rate of 112 1-2 Miles an Hour\| work=New York Times\| date=1893-05-12\| access-date=2007-12-13\| archive-date=2022-02-01\| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201112426/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1893/05/12/106864316.pdf\| url-status=live}} Unauthenticated and dubious.
\| {{Hs\|00129.0}}{{convert\|80\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on\|order=flip}}	1840s	Great Western Main Line	United Kingdom	GWR Iron Duke class Iron Duke	Loc	Steam	unknown
\| {{Hs\|00064.0}}{{convert\|40\|mph\|km/h\|0\|abbr=on\|order=flip}}	1830-09	Liverpool and Manchester Railway	United Kingdom	Northumbrian	Loc	Steam	unknown
\| {{Hs\|00048.0}}{{convert\|48\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1829	Rainhill Trials	United Kingdom	Stephenson's Rocket	Loc	Steam	Unmod.
\| {{Hs\|0008.0}}{{convert\|8\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} {{Citation needed\|date=September 2013}}	1804-02-21	Merthyr Tramroad	United Kingdom	Richard Trevithick: World's first railway steam locomotive	Loc	Steam	Unmod.	On 21 February 1804 it successfully carried 11.24 tons of coal, five wagons and 70 men over the full distance, in 4 hours and 5 minutes, at an average speed of {{convert\|2.4\|mi/h\|km/h\|abbr=on}}.{{cite book\|author=Rattenbury, Gordon\|author2=Lewis, M. J. T.\|title=Merthyr Tydfil Tramroads and their Locomotives\|year=2004\|publisher=Railway & Canal Historical Society\|location=Oxford\|isbn=0-901461-52-0}}{{cite web \| url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/devil-gets-up-steam-for-dirty-1115267 \| title=Devil gets up steam for dirty work \| date=15 February 2007 \| access-date=23 December 2022 \| archive-date=23 December 2022 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223194858/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/devil-gets-up-steam-for-dirty-1115267 \| url-status=live }}

Note:

==Air propulsion==

The following is a list of speed records for rail vehicles that use air propulsion to move rail vehicles while the wheels are rolling along the track.

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" style="width:50px;"\| Date ! scope="col" style="width:100px;"\| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr. ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
class="wikitable sortable" \|+ Speed record of air propulsion rail vehicles
\| {{Hs\|00411.5}}{{convert\|411.5\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1974-08-14	High Speed Ground Test Center	United States	LIMRV	Loc	Gas turbine	Proto
\| {{Hs\|00295.0}}{{convert\|295.72\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1966-07-23	Butler, Indiana to Stryker, Ohio	United States	New York Central Budd RDC-3 M-497	Loc	Jet	Proto.	Jet aero engines (retrofitted to roof)
\| {{Hs\|00280.0}}{{convert\|280\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1928-06-23		Germany	Opel RAK III	Loc	Rocket	Proto.	Unmanned. Some sources say {{convert\|254\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} or {{convert\|290\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}. See:{{cite web \|url=http://www.boris-lux.de/04_types/41_tr/tr_history/trhi.php \|title=Lux's type collection - High Speed Trains - record runs \|publisher=Boris-lux.de \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2021-05-11 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511235818/http://www.boris-lux.de/04_types/41_tr/tr_history/trhi.php \|url-status=live }}[http://www.urbin.de/historie/historie.htm] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814223623/http://www.urbin.de/historie/historie.htm\|date=August 14, 2007}}[http://www.urbin.de/konstrukteure/valier.htm] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115215301/http://www.urbin.de/konstrukteure/valier.htm\|date=January 15, 2006}}{{cite web \|url=http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/opel.htm \|title=Opel \|publisher=Astronautix.com \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503091707/http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/opel.htm \|archive-date=2012-05-03}}{{cite web \|url=http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/O/Opel-RAK.html \|title=Opel-RAK \|publisher=Daviddarling.info \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2018-10-20 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020000152/http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/O/Opel-RAK.html \|url-status=live }}
{{Hs\|0023.0}}{{convert\|230.2\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}} \| 1931-06-21 \| Berlin–Hamburg line between Karstädt and Dergenthin \| Germany \| Schienenzeppelin \| Single \| Propeller \| Proto. \| Propeller-driven railcar with gasoline (petrol) aero engines. Could carry up to 40 passengers, still holds the land speed record for a petrol powered rail vehicle
\|{{Hs\|00140.0}}{{convert\|140\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1921-07-24	Moscow-Tula	Soviet Union	Aerowagon	Single	Propeller	Proto.	Propeller-driven railcar with a gasoline (petrol) aero engine.

Using an air cushion and a monorail, the Aérotrain set on 5 March 1974 a mean speed of {{cvt|417.6|km/h|mph}} and a peak speed of {{cvt|430.4|km/h|mph}}.

=Conventional wheeled – Narrow gauge=

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" \| Date ! scope="col" \| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
class="wikitable sortable" \|+
\| {{Hs\|00245}}{{convert\|245\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1978-10-31	Between Westonaria and Midway	South Africa	SAR Class 6E1 (No. E1525)	Loc	Single phase	unknown	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}} {{cite web \|url=http://www.speedrecordclub.com/outrail.php \|title=Speed Record Club \|publisher=Speed Record Club \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211074300/http://www.speedrecordclub.com/outrail.php \|archive-date=2012-02-11}}[http://home.intekom.com/bluegrass/sites/steamsa/historical11.html] {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615020009/http://home.intekom.com/bluegrass/sites/steamsa/historical11.html\|date=June 15, 2008}}{{cite web \|url=http://www.traintesting.com/SAR.htm \|title=Pantograph testing in South Africa \|publisher=Traintesting.com \|access-date=2012-02-10 \|archive-date=2012-02-09 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209000612/http://www.traintesting.com/SAR.htm \|url-status=live }} Scheffel bogie
\| {{convert\|210\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1999	Queensland Rail North Coast Line	Australia	Electric Tilt Train	Multi	AC	Unmod.	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}} Tilting train{{Cite web \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/worlds-fastest-on-narrow-tracks-20041117-gdk4pk.html \|title=World's fastest on narrow tracks \|date=17 November 2004 \|website=The Sydney Morning Herald \|access-date=28 June 2017 \|archive-date=6 December 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206053244/https://www.smh.com.au/national/worlds-fastest-on-narrow-tracks-20041117-gdk4pk.html \|url-status=live }}
\| {{Hs\|00175}}{{convert\|175\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1960-11-21	JNR Tōkaidō Main Line	Japan	JNR KuMoYa93 test car	Multi	DC	Proto.	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}} {{cite AV media\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlMy_aBpIhM\|title=YouTube\|access-date=24 April 2015}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link\|date=February 2022}}
\| {{Hs\|00163}}{{convert\|163\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1959-07-31	JNR Tōkaidō Main Line	Japan	JNR 151 series	Multi	DC	unknown	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}}
\| {{Hs\|00145}}{{convert\|145\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1957-09-27	JNR Tōkaidō Main Line	Japan	Odakyū 3000 series SE Romancecar	Multi	DC	unknown	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}} Shaw 1958 p.47
\| {{Hs\|00136}}{{convert\|136\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1914		South-West Africa	OMEG Rail motor coach No. «Kronprinz»	Single	Gasoline	unknown	{{RailGauge\|600mm}} Summer 1914.
\| {{Hs\|00129}}{{convert\|129\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1954-12-15	JNR Tokaido Main Line	Japan	JNR Class C62 No. C62 17	Loc	Steam	unknown	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}} Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō magazine, November 2008 issue, p.61
\| {{Hs\|00136}}{{convert\|127\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1914		Indonesia	Staatsspoorwegen SS Class 700	Single	Steam	Unmod.	{{RailGauge\|3ft6in}}{{Cite book \|last=Oegema \|first=J. J. G. \|title=De Stoomtractie op Java en Sumatra \|publisher=Kluwer Technische Boeken \|year=1982 \|isbn=978-90-201-1520-8 \|location=Deventer-Antwerpen}}

The European speed record on meter gauge was achieved in the night from 8th to 9th July 2022. A Rhaetian Railway class ABe 4/16 train made by Stadler Rail reached 163 kph during testing in the Vereina tunnel.{{Cite web |title=Rhätische Bahn: Geschwindigkeitsrekord für Meter-Spur-Bahn |url=https://www.bahnonline.ch/22492/rhaetische-bahn-geschwindigkeitsrekord-fuer-meter-spur-bahn/ |date=2022-07-24 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Bahnonline |language=de}}

=Maglev trains=

scope="col" \| Speed ! scope="col" \| Date ! scope="col" \| Line ! scope="col" style="width:75px;"\| Country ! scope="col" \| Train ! scope="col" \| Arr ! scope="col" style="width:70px;"\| Power ! scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" \| Comments
class="wikitable sortable" \|+
\| {{Hs\|00603}}{{convert\|603\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2015-04-21	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	L0 Series	Multi	AC	Proto.	Seven-car train set, manned
\| {{Hs\|00590}}{{convert\|590\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2015-04-16	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	L0 Series	Multi	AC	Proto.	Seven-car train set, manned
\| {{Hs\|00581}}{{convert\|581\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-12-02	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	MLX01	Multi	AC	Proto.	Three-car train set. Guinness Book of Records authenticated.
\| {{Hs\|00552}}{{convert\|552\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1999-04-14	Yamanashi Test Track	Japan	MLX01	Multi	AC	Proto.	Five-car train set. Guinness Book of Records authenticated.{{Citation needed\|reason=which year?\|date=September 2013}}
\| {{Hs\|00501}}{{convert\|501\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	2003-11-12	Shanghai Maglev Train	China	Transrapid SMT	Multi	AC	Unmod.	Recorded in 2003 at a test run before the commercial operation in 2004
\| {{Hs\|00411.5}}{{convert\|411.5\|km/h\|mph\|0\|abbr=on}}	1974-08-14	High Speed Ground Test Center	United States	LIMRV	Single	Cable	Proto

World fastest point-to-point average speeds in commercial operations

The following are the lists of world record average operating speeds between two stations. The average speeds are measured by the total time and the distance between the two stations.

=All commercially operated trains=

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ World record average operating speeds of trains in commercial traffic

! scope="col" style="width:50px;"| Average speed

! scope="col" style="width:50px;"| Top speed

! scope="col" | Train

! scope="col" | Type

! scope="col" style="width:75px;"| Location

! scope="col" | From

! scope="col" | To

! scope="col" | Distance

!Duration

! scope="col" | Date from

! scope="col" | Date to

! class="unsortable"| Comments

| {{convert|350|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| Fuxing (train)

| Single phase

|China

| Beijing

| Nanjing

| {{convert|1018.6|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|193 min

| 2018

| On Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway{{Cite web|url=https://english.ctrip.com/trains/schedule/g17/|title=g17 train schedule {{!}} Train times, fares & tickets {{!}} Ctrip|website=english.ctrip.com|language=en-us|access-date=2018-05-23|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143747/https://english.ctrip.com/trains/schedule/g17/|url-status=live}}

| 300 km/h (310 km/h with +10 tolerance)

| CRH380

| Single phase

|China

| Shijiazhuang

| Zhengzhou

| {{convert|383.0|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|81 min

| 2010

| On Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-2013-china-sprints-out-in-front.html|title=World Speed Survey 2013: China sprints out in front|author=DVV Media Group GmbH|work=rwg|access-date=24 April 2015|archive-date=26 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626030658/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-2013-china-sprints-out-in-front.html|url-status=live}}

| {{convert|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| TGV Duplex

| Single phase

|France

|Lorraine TGV

|Champagne-Ardenne

TGV

| {{convert|167.6|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|36 min

| 2007

| 2010

| On the LGV Est{{Cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/fileadmin/user_upload/railwaygazette.com/PDF/RailwayGazetteWorldSpeedSurvey2007.pdf |title=Railway Gazette International World Speed Survey 2007 |access-date=2007-09-06 |archive-date=2009-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731062056/http://www.railwaygazette.com/fileadmin/user_upload/railwaygazette.com/PDF/RailwayGazetteWorldSpeedSurvey2007.pdf |url-status=dead}}

{{convert|263.4

|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|E5 series shinkansen

|Single phase

|Japan

|Ōmiya

|Sendai

|{{convert|294.1

|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|67 min

|2011

|2017

|With the Hayabusa service on the Tohoku Shinkansen line{{Cite web|url=http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_tohoku_d/index.html|title=Timetable for Tohoku Shinkansen|website=www.eki-net.com|language=en|access-date=2018-07-29|archive-date=2018-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726220831/http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/Common/timetable/e_tohoku_d/index.html|url-status=dead}}

| {{convert|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| TGV Duplex

| Single phase

|France

|Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport

|Aix-en-Provence

| {{convert|289.6|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|66 min

| 2005

| 2007

| On the LGV Méditerranée{{cite news|agency=DVV Media|access-date=2018-02-15|title=World Speed Survey 2005: France regains rail's blue riband|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-2005-france-regains-rails-blue-riband.html|newspaper=Railway Gazette|archive-date=2017-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722074303/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-2005-france-regains-rails-blue-riband.html|url-status=dead}}

| {{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| Single phase

| {{convert|192.0|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|44 min

| 1997

| 2005

| Operated by 500 Series Shinkansen

| {{convert|431|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| Shanghai Maglev Train

| AC (Maglev)

| China

| {{stl|SHM|Longyang Road}}

| {{stl|SHM|Pudong International Airport}}

| {{convert|29|km|0|abbr=on}}

| 7 minutes 20 seconds

| 2003

| Average and maximum speeds during peak operation 09:00–10:45 and 15:00–15:45[http://en.shairport.com/2012-11/09/content_15904433.htm Train Info.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217050443/http://en.shairport.com/2012-11/09/content_15904433.htm |date=2015-02-17}}, Shanghai Airport Transportation maglev reference

|{{convert|310|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|Single phase

|{{convert|620.9|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

| 158 min

| 2008

| On Madrid–Barcelona high-speed rail line

|{{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|Single phase

|{{convert|143.3|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

| 37 min

| 2006

| On Cologne–Frankfurt high-speed rail lineschedule data from bahn.de

|{{convert|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|Single phase

|{{convert|186|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|50 min

|2018

|On Casablanca–Tangier high-speed rail line

|{{convert|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|Eurostar e300/e320

|Single phase

|United Kingdom, France

|London St Pancras

|Paris Gare du Nord

|{{convert|491|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|134 min

|2007

|On High Speed 1, Channel Tunnel, LGV Nord. On a trip 2007 the train took 124 min, which equals an average of {{convert|238.3|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite news | url=https://www.spiegel.de/reise/aktuell/premiere-paris-london-eurostar-hat-neuen-geschwindigkeits-rekord-aufgestellt-a-503750.html | title=Premiere Paris-London: Eurostar hat neuen Geschwindigkeits-Rekord aufgestellt | newspaper=Der Spiegel | date=4 September 2007 | access-date=25 November 2022 | archive-date=25 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125212658/https://www.spiegel.de/reise/aktuell/premiere-paris-london-eurostar-hat-neuen-geschwindigkeits-rekord-aufgestellt-a-503750.html | url-status=live }}

| {{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|ETR500, Frecciarossa 1000, ETR575 "Italo"

| Single phase

|Italy

|Milano Centrale

|Bologna Centrale

| {{convert|214.7|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|61 min

| 2008

| On Milan-Bologna high speed railway

|{{convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

|TGV

|Single phase

|France

|Gare de Lille Europe

|Charles de Gaulle Airport

|{{convert|203.4|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|48 min

|1995

|1997

|On LGV Interconnexion Est and LGV Nord.{{cite news|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-1997.html|title=World Speed Survey 1997|last1=UK|first1=DVV Media|newspaper=Railway Gazette|access-date=2018-02-15|archive-date=2018-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216093708/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-1997.html|url-status=dead}} Historical

| {{convert|161|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| Steam

| {{convert|126.0|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|58 min

| 1939

| 1971

| {{convert|78.3|mi}} in 58 minutes,{{Scribbins-Hiawatha-2007}} Milwaukee Road class F7. Historical

| {{convert|148.7|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}

| Cheltenham Spa Express

| Steam

|United Kingdom

|Swindon

|London

| {{convert|124.3|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}

|65 min

| 1932

| 1933

| {{convert|77.25|mi}} in 65 minutes. Claimed by the Great Western Railway at the time to be the world's fastest train. Now operated by GWR in 49 minutes with Class 800 Hitachi Intercity Express Train.{{cite news|url=https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17956020.gwr-timetable-transformation-means-faster-journeys-seats-extra-services/|title=GWR timetable transformation means faster journeys, more seats and extra services|newspaper=Swindon Advertiser|access-date=2020-05-19|archive-date=2019-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009100704/https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17956020.gwr-timetable-transformation-means-faster-journeys-seats-extra-services/|url-status=live}} Historical

References

External links

[http://www.record2007.com/ TGV 2007 record]
[http://www.entreprise-sncf.com/communiq/communiq739.html TGV 2007 record - SNCF Press release] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928014757/http://www.entreprise-sncf.com/communiq/communiq739.html |date=2007-09-28 }}, [http://www.entreprise-sncf.com/communiq/communiq741.html SNCF Press release 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508213639/http://www.entreprise-sncf.com/communiq/communiq741.html |date=2007-05-08}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070406173748/http://www.alstom.com/home/news/event/v_150/index.EN.php?languageId=EN&docId=&dir=%2Fhome%2Fnews%2Fevent%2Fv_150%2F Alstom V 150], [https://web.archive.org/web/20070406175014/http://www.alstom.com/pr_corp/2007/corp/41789.EN.php?languageId=EN&dir=%2Fpr_corp%2F2007%2Fcorp%2F&idRubriqueCourante=15445 Alstom Press release]
[https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL0364103520070403 Reuters TGV record], [https://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=47404&src=040307_0904_ARTICLE_PROMO_also_on_reuters Reuters TGV record video]
[https://archive.today/20030808135340/http://www.germansteam.info/fastestloco.html Fastest steam locomotive]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20040117061545/http://www.rdecom.army.mil/rdemagazine/200401/dl/200401_RDECOM_magazine.pdf RDECOM magazine 'Super Roadrunner' breaks land speed record]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20090202185338/http://www.holloman.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=6130 846 TS HYPERSONIC UPGRADE PROGRAM (contains World Speed Record video)]
[http://www.railfaneurope.net/misc/fastest.html World Speed Survey 1997]
{{in lang|fr}} [http://tgv16orange.free.fr/videos.html Retrouvez sur cette page les chiffres clés des records sur rail dans le monde]
[http://www.railway.bham.ac.uk/courses/conference_1105/plenary_1-p/1_2_hughes_text_pdf.pdf Railway developments worldwide]
[http://www.railwaygazette.com/fileadmin/user_upload/railwaygazette.com/PDF/RailwayGazetteWorldSpeedSurvey2007.pdf World Speed Survey 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731062056/http://www.railwaygazette.com/fileadmin/user_upload/railwaygazette.com/PDF/RailwayGazetteWorldSpeedSurvey2007.pdf |date=2009-07-31}} Railway Gazette International September 2007
[http://www.maglev.net/fastest-trains Photos of the fastest trains]