High speed rail networks continue to grow in countries around the world. Technological advancements have also led to pushing the speed higher and higher. As of 2021, the top speed in high-speed rail is in China with a maximum speed of 350 km/hr according to the Atlas High-Speed Rail 2022 report published by the International Union of Railways (UIC). Japan, the original high-speed champion, France and Morocco are second with a max speed of 320 km/hr. Many other countries including Spain, Italy, etc. have speeds of 300 km/hr or more.

Maximum Speed of High-Speed Rail Network by Country 2021:

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Source: Atlas High-Speed Rail 2022 , International Union of Railways (UIC)

The maximum speed of high-speed rail network in the US is 240 km/hr. In terms of both speed and network in operation China is far ahead of the US.