Transport

This is what the inside of the world’s fastest train looks like

The CR450 is the latest crown jewel of Chinese railway engineering. Always determined to push the limits, China has developed the CR450 — a next‑generation high‑speed train that has already reached 453 km/h (281 mph) during testing. And this isn’t just a prototype: it’s the model designed to redefine what high‑speed travel can be on conventional rail. Dive into this photo feature to discover ten key facts that reveal what makes the CR450 such a breakthrough.

After completing more than 600,000 kilometers (372,800 miles) of reliability testing, the CR450 is scheduled to enter commercial service in late 2025 or early 2026.
China News Service
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During testing on the Shanghai–Chengdu line, the CR450 hit a top speed of 453 km/h (281 mph), setting a new benchmark for wheel‑on‑rail high‑speed trains.
CFOTODuring testing on the Shanghai–Chengdu line, the CR450 hit a top speed of 453 km/h (281 mph), setting a new benchmark for wheel‑on‑rail high‑speed trains.
Despite being faster, it uses 20% less energy, thanks to improvements in traction systems and aerodynamic design.
CFOTODespite being faster, it uses 20% less energy, thanks to improvements in traction systems and aerodynamic design.
Although it’s engineered for 450 km/h (280 mph), its regular operating speed will be 400 km/h (249 mph) — well above the 350 km/h (217 mph) of current models.
CFOTOAlthough it’s engineered for 450 km/h (280 mph), its regular operating speed will be 400 km/h (249 mph) — well above the 350 km/h (217 mph) of current models.
Its total weight has been reduced by 10% through the use of aluminum alloys and carbon‑fiber components. The nose has also been extended to 15 meters (49 feet), cutting air resistance by 22%.
China News ServiceIts total weight has been reduced by 10% through the use of aluminum alloys and carbon‑fiber components. The nose has also been extended to 15 meters (49 feet), cutting air resistance by 22%.
One of the biggest engineering challenges was braking. The CR450 can slow from 400 km/h to a stop in the same distance current trains need when braking from 350 km/h, thanks to a multi‑level emergency braking system.
China News ServiceOne of the biggest engineering challenges was braking. The CR450 can slow from 400 km/h to a stop in the same distance current trains need when braking from 350 km/h, thanks to a multi‑level emergency braking system.

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Even with the higher speeds — which typically generate more noise — the cabin is 2 decibels quieter, thanks to new insulation and vibration‑reduction techniques.
China News ServiceEven with the higher speeds — which typically generate more noise — the cabin is 2 decibels quieter, thanks to new insulation and vibration‑reduction techniques.
The train is expected to cover routes like Beijing–Shanghai (about 1,300 km / 808 miles) in roughly 2.5 hours, directly competing with the total travel time of flying.
China News ServiceThe train is expected to cover routes like Beijing–Shanghai (about 1,300 km / 808 miles) in roughly 2.5 hours, directly competing with the total travel time of flying.
Inside, an optimized layout provides 4% more passenger space and offers four seating classes, ranging from standard economy to a new “Premium First” tier.
China News ServiceInside, an optimized layout provides 4% more passenger space and offers four seating classes, ranging from standard economy to a new “Premium First” tier.
After completing more than 600,000 kilometers (372,800 miles) of reliability testing, the CR450 is scheduled to enter commercial service in late 2025 or early 2026.
China News ServiceAfter completing more than 600,000 kilometers (372,800 miles) of reliability testing, the CR450 is scheduled to enter commercial service in late 2025 or early 2026.
It can accelerate to 350 km/h (217 mph) in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds, shaving more than a minute and a half off the performance of its predecessor.
CFOTOIt can accelerate to 350 km/h (217 mph) in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds, shaving more than a minute and a half off the performance of its predecessor.
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