What Is the Average Bullet Train Speed?
Bullet train speed varies slightly but they usually travel between 150 mph and 187 mph (241 kph and 300 kph). Traditionally the term “bullet train” refers to Japanese models. In recent years, however, it has often become a slang expression for any passenger train that reaches high speeds. Among the many countries with well-developed transportation systems, France and Japan are famous for their fast, efficient bullet trains. France’s Train de Grand Vitesse (TGV), which means “high-speed train,” has an official average time of 157 mph (252 kph), while Japan’s bullet train speed tends to be higher. Their bullet train Shinkansen was one of the first of its kind and opened for public use in 1964.
Bullet train speed varies slightly but they usually travel between 150 mph and 187 mph (241 kph and 300 kph). Traditionally the term “bullet train” refers to Japanese models. In recent years, however, it has often become a slang expression for any passenger train that reaches high speeds. Among the many countries with well-developed transportation systems, France and Japan are famous for their fast, efficient bullet trains. France’s Train de Grand Vitesse (TGV), which means “high-speed train,” has an official average time of 157 mph (252 kph), while Japan’s bullet train speed tends to be higher. Their bullet train Shinkansen was one of the first of its kind and opened for public use in 1964. The Shinkansen averaged 100 mph to 131 mph (160 kph to 210 kph) in its earlier days. Newer parts of the Japanese network average 163 mph (261 kph) and boast an upper range of 187 mph (300 kph). This bullet train speed makes the Shikansen a tough competitor for France’s TGV.
