Bullet Trains

Bullet trains are the fastest trains in the world. Japan built the first bullet train in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics. These trains have a pointy nose that helps them slice through the air. Today, many countries have their own high-speed rail systems.

How Fast Are They?

Most bullet trains travel between 150 and 200 miles per hour. Some can go even faster. China's Shanghai Maglev train uses magnets to float above the track and reaches 268 miles per hour. Japan is building a maglev train that will go over 300 miles per hour!

Bullet Trains Around the World

Japan's Shinkansen was the first bullet train system. France has the TGV, and China has the largest high-speed rail network in the world. These trains connect cities that are hundreds of miles apart. A trip that takes hours by car can take less than an hour by bullet train.

Fun Facts

• Japan's bullet trains are so punctual that the average delay is less than one minute per year.
• The nose of a bullet train is shaped like a kingfisher bird's beak to reduce noise.
• China has more high-speed rail track than the rest of the world combined.

Did You Know?

Maglev trains float above the tracks using powerful magnets! With no wheels touching the rails, there is almost no friction, so they can go incredibly fast.