How fast is the average Shinkansen?

The Japanese Shinkansen, the inspiration for all of the world's high speed trains, operates between Tokyo and Osaka, a distance of 344 miles. The fastest trip takes two hours and 22 minutes, yielding an average speed of 145 miles per hour, according to Japanese Railway schedules.



The average operating speed of a Japanese Shinkansen (Bullet Train) in 2026 typically ranges between 285 km/h (177 mph) and 320 km/h (200 mph). Specifically, the Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, usually runs at a maximum of 285 km/h to balance efficiency and noise control in residential areas. On the Tohoku Shinkansen line heading north, the Hayabusa models regularly reach the top commercial speed of 320 km/h. While the trains are capable of even higher velocities, these "average" speeds are maintained to ensure the system's legendary punctuality and safety. It is also worth noting that Japan's upcoming L0 Series Maglev, currently in testing, has reached world-record speeds of over 600 km/h, though standard commercial Shinkansen services remain the primary high-speed rail workhorse for most travelers today.

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Kodama (???, Echo) is one of the three train services running on the Tokaido and San'yo Shinkansen lines. Stopping at every station, the Kodama is the slowest Shinkansen service for trips between major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

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The train's tilting mechanism to lean into curves at high speed and the high-quality airtight body minimize vibration and provide a smooth, quiet ride.

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Trenitalia's Paris to Milan route was first introduced in December 2021, serviced by Hitachi Rail's ETR1000. This super high speed train travels at 300km/h - with the ability to go400km/h if not limited by track regulations - making it the fastest train in Europe.

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1: Shanghai Maglev - 460 kph/286 mph (China) The world's fastest public train is also unique – it's the only link in the world currently carrying passengers using magnetic levitation (Maglev) rather than conventional steel wheels on steel rails.

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The shinkansen train uses superconducting maglev (short for magnetic levitation) to achieve these incredible speeds. As the train leaves the station, it's rolling on wheels. But as it speeds up, the wheels retract, and the power of magnets allows the vehicle to hover four inches above the ground.

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I definitely think that JR Himeji Station, not inside the trains, is one of the best spots to feel the technology, the high speed of Shinkansen. At the platform of the station, you can closely look at “Nozomi” or “Mizuho” trains pass way too fast, the speed of 300 kilometres per hour.

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As well as its speed, the Shinkansen is known for its packed schedules. The Tokaido Shinkansen has more than 340 services on average each day, with trains running every three minutes during peak hours. The Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, and Hokkaido Shinkansen networks also have a total of more than 320 services each day.

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Most trains do not operate 24 hours; for example, in Tokyo they do not run in the early morning 01:00-05:00, and the Shinkansen never runs overnight. If you are planning to be out late and are relying on the train to get home, be sure to find out when the last train is leaving.

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With close to 4000 kilometres of track, the Spanish high-speed AVE trains operate on the longest high-speed network in Europe. Running at speeds of up to 310 km/h, this extensive network allows for fast connections between cities in Spain. Travel from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours!

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Well, they're not called high-speed trains for nothing. They can reach a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour (that's 186 miles per hour) on high-speed lines in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

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Across the rest of the UK, trains have a maximum operational speed of 125mph, although many are capable of speeds of up to 140mph.

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The Chuo Shinkansen is the culmination of Japanese maglev development since the 1970s, a government-funded project initiated by Japan Airlines and the former Japanese National Railways (JNR).

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In addition, the tracks, signals, rail cars and software made in the U.S. are costlier than imports, largely because the government has not funded rail the way European and Asian countries have, experts say.

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Read on for the fastest trains in the world.
  • CRH380A Hexie: 302 mph. ...
  • Shanghai Maglev: 267 mph. ...
  • Hemu -430 X: 262 mph. ...
  • Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF: 249 mph. Image Source: ...
  • The Frecciarossa: 245 mph. Image Source: ...
  • Shinkansen H5 and E5: 224 mph. Image Source: ...
  • Deutsche Bahn ICE: 205 mph. Image Source: ...
  • Korail KTX: 205 mph. Image Source:


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Talking loudly on trains is considered bad mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviors on trains in Japan. Don't talk on the phone. Only on long-distance trains on the decks between cars is talking on the phone acceptable. Set your phone to silent mode.

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There is a custom in Japan where most people do not eat food outside other than when in restaurants. However, when using the bullet train or the green car, you are permitted to eat food. Normal trains and people commuting using said trains do not permit the consumption of food whilst riding the train.

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