Flying might be the most common way to travel, but trains have quickly become a close contender. With rail networks expanding across the globe, luxurious sleeper trains like Belmond’s Eastern and Oriental Express offering scenic journeys, and high-speed rail proving just as fast and efficient as other modes of transport, train travel has seen a serious glow-up in recent years.
And if you’re wondering which countries boast the most extensive high-speed rail networks, the results might surprise you. Despite being the birthplace of the bullet train, Japan doesn’t top the list.
According to the World Population Review, China leads by a landslide with a staggering 64,775km of high-speed track, 40,474km of which are in operation. The Beijing-Guangzhou line alone stretches 2,298km, making it the longest high-speed railway in the world, with a journey time of around eight hours. Another 2,600km of high-speed track is set to be added by the end of 2025.
In second place is Spain, with 5,579km of high-speed rail – a far cry from China’s numbers. Japan ranks third with 3,677km, followed by France and Germany in fourth and fifth place.
The top 10 longest high-speed rail networks in the world in 2025:
- China
- Spain
- Japan
- France
- Germany
- Finland
- Turkey
- Italy
- South Korea
- Sweden
The longest high-speed rail networks in Asia in 2025:
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
View the full list here.
Did you know? This high-powered Asian city is the world’s second most relaxing destination in 2025
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