The 6 Most Futuristic Trains Running in the World

1. The Shinkansen: Japan’s Continued Silver Bullet for Travel

The Japanese consistently remain at the forefront of rail transport. The prime example is the Shinkansen, commonly known as the bullet train. The bullet train is so legendary that a film was named after it, served as most of the backdrop, and the thriller starred Brad Pitt. Introduced in 1964, the Shinkansen continues to evolve in design, comfort, and efficiency. Newer models like the N700S feature sleek aerodynamic designs and advanced suspension systems for smooth rides. Today, this rail transportation is a cross-country network powered by renewable electricity. The fastest bullet train in the country can reach speeds of 200 mph.

The Japanese will continue to evolve its train industry, leveraging groundbreaking technology as soon as it arises.

2. The Maglev: Elevating the Train Industry while Levitating Trains

One revolutionary technology the Japanese are tapping into is maglev technology. The word maglev combines the words “magnetic” and “levitation.” The magnetic levitation, or floating of the train, happens with an electrodynamic suspension system (EDS). In short, a train moves at a dizzying speed without ever touching the tracks.

Several countries already employ maglev trains: China, South Korea, and Germany. The most advanced version belongs to China’s Shanghai Maglev Train, which connects Shanghai Pudong Airport and Longyang Road stations and can reach 267 mph. What about Japan, though? Its maglev train arrives commercially in 2027. The technology will be the most advanced in the world. In fact, during testing, this next incarnation of the bullet train reached speeds of 375 mph! Undoubtedly becoming the fastest train in the world and history, it will finish its 177-mile route from Tokyo to Nagoya in about 40 minutes. Like all maglev trains, expect a smooth, quiet, and safe passenger experience.

3. China’s CRH5A-E: The Smart Train Has Arrived

In a world with so much industrial and transportation tech becoming autonomous, it is no surprise this would extend to trains. The best example is China’s Autonomous CRH5A-E. This futuristic train is loaded with self-directed capabilities, including 5G millimeter-wave communication. It operates without a driver, solely relying on a sophisticated system of sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate the tracks.

The CRH5A-E also offers state-of-the-art amenities for its passengers: spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and onboard entertainment systems. This train symbolizes China’s commitment to innovation and sets a new standard for train travel worldwide.

4. France’s AGV Italo: The Green Bullet

Vive la France for this sensation of engineering (although it operates strictly in Italy). France’s AGV Italo (or the Green Bullet) is fast but far from being as fast as the Asian Maglev trains. It clocks at around 224 mph, making it the fastest train in Europe. The vehicle shines in its negligible pollution, making it perhaps the most eco-friendly railcar in the world. The AGV Italo employs innovative technologies to consume energy and produce fewer emissions. These improvements include a lightweight design, aerodynamic shape, and efficient propulsion systems.

But going extreme green doesn’t mean losing travel experience. Passengers on the Green Bullet enjoy a smooth ride, large and comfortable interior compartments, wide gangways, and passenger facilities like onboard internet.

5. The Alstom Coradia iLint: Helping the Planet with Space Age Technology

As with maglev models, the Alstom Coradia iLint is not a particular train but a groundbreaking achievement in rail technology. Many countries now adopt this transportation: Germany, Holland, France, Sweden, Austria, Italy, and Poland. But what is it exactly? The Coradia iLint stands as the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. This groundbreaking train emits nearly no CO2 and only releases water, competing with the AGV Italo as the most eco-friendly railcar as a zero-emission transport mode. The train’s design works for non-electrified or partially electrified lines, and although it has the speed of an average combustion train, it does have a healthy range of 621 miles on a single hydrogen tank. In short, the train’s fuel cell produces electrical power for traction, enabling clean and sustainable operation while ensuring high performance.

Don’t worry: the Alstom Coradia iLint and safety go hand in hand, but how luxurious it is depends on the host country or specific route.

6. The Brightline: An American Dream Made Reality

Made in America still means quality, innovation, and affordability. This lofty standard manifests in The Brightline train, widely recognized as the most environmentally friendly biodiesel-electric train. The train stands as a significant innovation in the rail industry, to say the least. Its locomotives meet the highest emission standards set by the federal government. Reaching this achievement means a rewarding 75% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger mile compared to travel by a personal vehicle. The South Florida train also uses locally sourced biodiesel, substantially decreasing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Just as good, the Brightline has been dubbed as the most accessible and affluent train in the world, featuring wider interior aisles, seamless movement between coaches, and a fantastic range of passenger amenities: onboard Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and pet-friendly accommodations. Luxury and eco-friendliness are indeed married in the Brightline train.

The Hyperloop (Bonus)

When Elon Musk wants a seemingly sci-fi vision to come true, bet on that reality appearing around the corner. The tech mogul wants to make this conceptual technology into the Tesla-level of trains. The project certainly owns a futuristic name: the Hyperloop. It remains to be seen which entrepreneur or country will bring the Hyperloop from the future into the present.

Without a doubt, and even if it’s still in development, the Hyperloop represents the pinnacle of futuristic train technology. The Hyperloop might not seem like a traditional train, but it is more akin to an underground, giant rail gun that shoots small passenger compartments at incredible speeds (600 mph). Put another way, the Hyperloop entails a high-speed train traveling through a vacuum tube using a giant fan to prevent turbulence and a low-pressure environment to achieve incredible speeds. The train would levitate by leveraging an electromagnetic field like maglev technology.

Passengers could travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles (383 miles) in a mere 30 minutes while getting close to supersonic speeds and still riding a vehicle without much of a carbon footprint!