Japan is developing the L0 Series, a next-generation maglev train expected to reach speeds of up to 603.5km/h, making it the fastest train in the world. The project is led by Central Japan Railway Company and will operate on the new Chuo-Shinkansen line.
By using magnetic levitation, the train floats above the track, eliminating friction and allowing extreme speeds. Once operational, it is expected to cut the journey between Tokyo and Nagoya to about 40 minutes, and Tokyo to Osaka to around one hour. The project has already cost roughly £52bn (€59.9bn) and, after delays, is now expected to open in the mid-2030s.
Europe’s fastest trains, such as France’s TGV and Italy’s Italo, operate at 300–350km/h, far slower than the L0 Series. While a comparable system could theoretically slash journey times in Europe, experts say it is unlikely to be adopted widely.
The main obstacles are cost, energy use and infrastructure. Maglev trains cannot run on existing rail lines, require extensive tunnelling, consume more power, and carry fewer passengers than conventional high-speed trains. European rail markets also tend to prioritise comfort, capacity and scenic travel over extreme speed, limiting the appeal of such a system outside a few business-focused routes.
In short, while Japan’s maglev represents a major technological leap, its arrival in Europe remains improbable for now.
