Europe’s Fastest Trains in 2024

Since HS1 linked London to the Channel Tunnel in 2007, the UK is connected to a network of high-speed services across Western Europe. You can now reach Barcelona (935 miles), Milan (788 miles) or Berlin (690 miles) in one day from London, thanks to some of the fastest trains in the world. 

Sit back and relax as you speed past cars on the motorway, arriving into your destination refreshed and ready to sightsee! Also worth mentioning is the difference in CO₂ emissions between travelling by train and flying. London to Berlin by air produces 0.34 tonnes of carbon dioxide. By train, it’s more like 0.01 (data from carbonfootprint.com).

Here are six of the quickest rail services in Europe;

Frecciarossa 1000

Operated by Trenitalia in Italy, the Frecciarossa 1000 has a maximum speed of 360 km/h (224 mph).  These trains operate exclusively within Italy.

AGV Italo

Operated by NTV in Italy, the AGV Italo is capable of reaching speeds of up to 360 km/h (224 mph). Like their Trenitalia competitors, these trains operate only on Italian rails.

Renfe AVE S-103

Renfe’s AVE S-103 trains in Spain are capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph). Linking major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Malaga, these AVE trains have been operational since 1992 and have an excellent punctuality record.

TGV Duplex

Operated by SNCF in France, the TGV Duplex has a maximum speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).  The fastest stretch of line is on the TGV Est, in between Paris and Strasbourg, covering the journey of more than 300 miles in just 1 hour 46 minutes.

ICE 3

Operated by Deutsche Bahn in Germany, the ICE 3 can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph).  Whilst the high-speed rail network is not as developed in Germany as it is in other European countries, certain stretches such as that between Cologne and Frankfurt allow this flagship train to reach its maximum velocity.

Eurostar e320

Operated by Eurostar, the e320 runs between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, with a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).  This speed is achieved on the Kentish stretch of the HS1 line and on the long-standing high-speed lines in France and Belgium.

All-in-all, the high-speed rail network around Europe provides for an exciting and dynamic way of travelling from city centre to city centre, providing a sustainable alternative to air travel.

Create your own itinerary using high-speed services or get in touch with us to help plan your perfect holiday.