Fastest Train in USA

Maximum Commercial Speed:
125mph (200km/h)

Best Average Speed
94mph (151km/h)


The Metroliner is the fastest train operating in the whole of north America untill it they are replaced by faster Flyer trains in 1999. It runs along the few sections of electrified lines in the USA between New York and Washington, which is perhaps America's busiest transport corridors. It achies top speeds of 125mph in Commercial use. The Metroliner was originally intended to be a very high speed service offering speeds in the region on 160mph (260km/h). However, track conditions were not high enough and subsequently it is limited to 125mph (200km/h). It started off by multiple units shown above on the left, but these were replaced by loco-hauled trains shown on the right. This rail service can offer average speeds between New York and Washington of about 75mph (120km/h). This is roughly the sort of average speed that is offered by non-high speed express trains in Europe. For the USA though, this is a fast service. It offers a good example of where high speed trains can compete with Airlines. A number of travellers on the Amtrak metroliner wold have chosen to fly had it not been for the train. This is very beneficial since Aircraft are many times more polluting than trains.Trains are sad!

Watch The Photos