How Fast Are High Speed Trains in Europe? | Fastest Trains Speed Comparison

France’s TGV was introduced in the 1970s, marking the beginning of high speed rail in Europe, following Japan’s Shinkansen. With the Eurostar and Trans-Alpine routes included, its network already covers more than 20,500 km, and another 14,500 km are being built. As a result, Europe has one of the most sophisticated and extensive HSR systems in the world.

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The Best High Speed Trains in Europe

Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world. Depending on the nation, rail line, and train model, the speed limit of high speed trains in Europe vary in each country. The majority of high speed trains typically run between 250 and 320 km/h (155 and 200 mph). Modernized track networks, strict safety regulations, and superior engineering have made it possible to sustain such speeds.

Here is a brief overview of the typical European train speed:

Regular Trains In Europe

Normal Speed: 80-120 km/h – 50-70mph
Top Speed: 160 k/h 99mph

High Speed Trains In Europe

Normal Speed: 250-300 km/h – 155-186 mph
Top Speed: 320 km/h – 199mph

Note: The answer to the question of “how quick high speed trains in Europe are?” is straightforward: they are extraordinarily rapid in comparison to conventional rail services.

Top 10 European High Speed Trains

High speed trains in Europe usually run at 250 km/h (155 mph) to 360 km/h (224 mph). There have even been test runs to that have exceeded 400 km/h (249 mph). When taking into consideration airport delays, rail travel is often faster than flying, with the average speed of commercial trains in Europe being approximately 300 km/h (186 mph). Even you can check it from a train speed test speedometer in your mobile from Fastesttrains.

Germany – DB ICE 3

Max speed in km/h: 330
Max. speed in mph: 205
Routes: Cross-border between Frankfurt and Cologne, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands

France – SNFC TGV

Max speed in km/h: 320
Max. speed in mph: 199
Routes: International routes between Paris, Lyon, and Marseille

Spain – Renfe AVE Class 103

Max speed in km/h: 310
Max. speed in mph: 193
Routes: Madrid to Barcelona

France/UK – Eurostar e320

Max speed in km/h: 320
Max. speed in mph: 199
Routes: London to Paris, Paris to Brussels, Brussels to Amsterdam

Italy – Trenitalia ETR1000

Max speed in km/h: 300
Max. speed in mph: 186
Routes: Milan to Rome and then Naples, Turin to Salerno

Russia – RZD Sapsan (Velaro RUS)

Max speed in km/h: 250
Max. speed in mph: 155
Routes: Moscow to Saint Petersburg to Nizhny Novgorod

Switzerland – SBB Giruno (RABe 501)

Max speed in km/h: 250
Max. speed in mph: 155
Routes: Milan to Zurich (Via Gotthard Tunnel) Germany/Austria

Spain – Renfe Avant S114

Max speed in km/h: 250
Max. speed in mph: 155
Routes: Madrid to Segovia and to Valladolid, Barcelona to Lerida

Spain Hybrid – Renfe Talgo 250

Max speed in km/h: 250
Max. speed in mph: 155
Routes: Madrid to Galicia (non- Electrified sections)

Note: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK has the most fastest trains in Europe and even some of them has the world records on their names.

Test speeds: ICE 3 reached 368 km/h, AVE S103 reached 403.7 km/h, and TGV set a world record of 574.8 km/h.

Distinctive Qualities Of High Speed Trains in Europe

The AVE S103 has a glass divider for the driver’s perspective.
The Talgo 250 continuously changes its gauge.
The Eurostar e320 is built to be safe in the Channel Tunnel.

AVE S-103, which is 310 km/h in Spain

Alta Velocidad Española, or high speed train Spain AVE S-103, travels at 310 km/h (193 mph). The 621-kilometer trip from Madrid to Barcelona just takes two hours and thirty minutes.

TGV POS is the fastest train in Europe, travelling 360 km/h

At 360 km/h (224 mph) in commercial operation, fastest train France “TGV” POS is the fastest train in Europe. It is mostly operated by SNCF between Paris and Strasbourg, cutting the trip time to just 1h 15mints.

Important TGV POS Features

Maximum velocity: 360 km/h (224 mph)
Operator: France’s SNCF
Route: Paris to Eastern France is the main route.
Technology: Dual-voltage electric system

Map of the European High Speed Rail System

The vast high speed rail network in Europe includes important routes such as:

TGV Paris-Lyon-Marseille, France
Italy’s Rome, Milan, and Venice—the Frecciarossa
Spain’s Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville: AVE
ICE in Cologne, Frankfurt, and Berlin, Germany
Brussels-Paris-London (Eurostar)

map of the european high speed rail system

A Europe rapid train map is a must when organizing a rail journey across Europe. Here are some important links to accommodate high speed trains in Europe:

Name of train	Routes	Time duration
Eurostar	London to Paris	2h and 15 mints
Thalys	Paris to Brussels	1h and 22m
AVE	Barcelona to Madrid	2h and 30m
Frecciarossa	Rome to Florence	1h and 30 mint

Note: For regional travel, this high speed train network in Europe is the preferred option over flying since it enables passengers to go between cities in a matter of hours.

Important Railway Network included in European Fast Trains Routs

How Fast Are Bullet Trains in Europe Compared to Asia?

Asia has even faster trains and somehow is ahead of high speed trains in Europe, with the fastest reaching 360 km/h:

Shanghai Maglev

The fastest speed of train in China is 460 km/h (286 mph)

China’s Fuxing Hao is 350 km/h (217 mph).

Japan’s Shinkansen

Fastest train in Japna is Shinkansen 320 km/h (199 mph)

Nonetheless, Europe is a pioneer in realistic high speed travel thanks to its extensive rail network and cross-border connectivity.

Europe’s High Speed Rail Future

A number of future initiatives seek to increase speeds even more:

Experimental Hyperloop: Potential top speeds of 1,000 km/h (621 mph)
Expected speed at Renfe Avril (Spain): 380 km/h (236 mph)
German-made DB ICE 4: Enhanced efficiency @ 265 km/h (165 mph)

Which High Speed Train in Europe Is the Best for You?

Your priorities will determine which train in Europe is best for you:

TGV, ICE, AVE speed
Comfort: Frecciarossa, Italo EVO
Cost-effectiveness: SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO
Luxury: Trenitalia Executive Class, Eurostar Business Premier

The TGV is still a popular choice for thrill-seekers who wish to ride the fastest bullet train in Europe.

Bullet Trains In Europe: Not Just a Japanese Icon

A lot of people think that “bullet trains” are only found in Japan. However, in terms of efficiency, comfort, and speed, bullet trains in Europe provide comparable or even better experiences.

The European bullet train concept encompasses a number of models, including:

London to Paris and Brussels via Eurostar
The French high speed rail market is dominated by TGV.
Reducing travel times in Italy with Frecciarossa
Cities in Germany are feeling like next-door neighbours thanks to ICE.

For passengers who would rather take the train than fly, the European bullet train is a competitive option because its speed is on par with that of Japan’s Shinkansen.

How to Reserve Seats on High Speed Trains in Europe (Without the Headache)

Let’s face it, making bookings on trains in Europe may be like trying to figure out a hidden language. I’ve got your back, though, so don’t worry. This is the straightforward method to booking a seat on those streamlined, fast trains so you can relax and take in the scenery.

Is a Reservation Necessary?

While some trains allow you to board with just a ticket, the majority of the fast, upscale ones (like Eurostar and TGV) demand a reservation. The fast cheat sheet is as follows:

Trains with “You must book a seat”:

Thalys (Paris-Amsterdam), Eurostar (London-Paris), and France’s TGV
The Frecciarossa, or the crimson bullet trains in Italy
The Madrid-Barcelona AVE in Spain
The ICE Sprinter from Germany (very quick journeys)

Location of the Best Seat Guaranteed Official Websites for France (TGV, Eurostar)

SNCF Connect
Trenitalia, Italy (Frecciarossa)
Spain (AVE): Renfe (be aware that their website occasionally crashes)
Deutsche Bahn (very dependable) in Germany (ICE)

If you have an Interrail or Eurail Pass

Reservations are still required for high speed trains! Reserve them by:

Rail Europe
The reservation website for Eurail (Interrail.eu)
or go straight through the website of the train operator (SNCF for French TGVs, for example).

The Lazy (But Slightly More Expensive) Way If you detest switching between tabs, websites like Trainline or Omio allow you to compare trains across nations.

When to Book ?

Popular routes (Paris → Lyon, London → Paris, Madrid to Barcelona) should be booked as soon as possible. Prices skyrocket and these sell out quickly.

Less crowded routes: Don’t try your luck, but you might be able to get a seat a few days in advance.

Pro tip: Since everyone is travelling on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings, stay away from them.

Choosing the Proper Seat

Most reservation systems give you a choice. Here’s something to think about:

Aisle or window? (Of course.)
A quiet area? If you detest screaming children, the silent cars on some trains (such as the TGV and ICE) are ideal.
A place at the table? Excellent for munching that baguette you smuggled on board or for working.

How Much It Will Cost You ?

Although travelling in high speed trains in Europe is not free, reservations are typically inexpensive:

France: €10–30 (TGV)
Frecciarossa, Italy: €5–15
Spain (AVE): €5–€20

Depending on how flexible your ticket is, Eurostar costs between £25 and £40.

Getting Your Ticket

The simplest way to obtain your ticket is via an e-ticket on your phone
(Eurostar, Trenitalia, DB).
Print at the station: Some require you to scan a QR code at a kiosk, such as Renfe in Spain.
Keep your reservation and rail pass close at hand; the conductor will verify.

Last-Minute Tricks

At the station: If you’re feeling lucky, try making a reservation just before you leave, but only if you don’t mind standing.

Train apps: You may make last-minute reservations on your phone with Trenitalia’s app, SNCF Connect, and DB Navigator.

Note:

There’s nothing worse than being penalised, so double-check if reservations are required for your train.
To get the best seats and rates, book early.
In Italy or Spain, validate your ticket by looking for the small devices on the platform.

Ask for assistance at the station if everything else fails. The majority of ticket offices are able to communicate in English, and they have seen far more perplexed travellers than you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the outstanding performance, accessibility, and comfort of Europe’s trains demonstrate the continent’s mastery of high speed rail. The experience is absolutely unforgettable, whether you’re speeding on the AVE between Madrid and Barcelona or boarding a bullet train from London to Amsterdam.

The speed of high speed trains in Europe guarantees that passengers travel more quickly, environmentally, and opulently than ever before. This is evident from knowing the average train speed in Europe to selecting the best train Europe option for your trip.

The next time you’re wondering how fast European trains are, keep in mind that they’re not just quick; they’re also setting the norm for the world.

FAQ – High Speed Trains in Europe

With a top speed of 350 km/h on some routes, the DB ICE 3 from Germany is the fastest train currently in regular service in Europe.

The most advanced high-speed rail networks are found in nations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy; these nations have several train models that can travel at speeds of 300 km/h or higher.

A train’s operational speed is the fastest it can run on a regular basis when in service. Test speed, which is frequently much greater than regular operating speeds, is the fastest speed attain ed under controlled test conditions.

High-speed trains are a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation than aeroplanes since they generate a lot less CO₂, especially when travelling short to medium distances.

As part of a larger transition to rail, France is launching the TGV-M, which will go at 350 km/h. Several other nations are also growing or modernising their fleets.

Definitely. Travellers can benefit from bilingual help, online booking, and international connections provided by major high-speed services like as Eurostar, Italo, Trenitalia, and Renfe AVE.

With a top speed of 300 km/h, the Eurostar Velaro e320 is a unique cross-border airline that connects London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam via the Channel Tunnel.