China's Maglev Train Could Hit 620 MPH

China is pushing the boundaries of ground transportation with maglev technology that makes today's fastest trains look like they're standing still. While commercial high-speed rail tops out around 220 mph, Chinese engineers are developing magnetic levitation systems designed to eventually hit 620 mph (1,000 km/h).

That's faster than a commercial airplane at cruising altitude.

How Maglev Actually Works

Traditional trains rely on wheels and friction. Maglev trains literally float above the track using powerful electromagnets, eliminating the physical contact that creates drag and limits speed.

China's latest approach uses high-temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev technology. Unlike conventional maglev systems that require constant power to maintain levitation, superconducting systems can sustain lift more efficiently, making ultra-high speeds theoretically achievable.

The Competition Is Fierce

China isn't alone in the maglev race:

• Japan's L0 Series holds the current maglev speed record at 374 mph, set in 2015
• Germany pioneered commercial maglev with the Transrapid, though the only operating line is actually in Shanghai
• The United States has proposed maglev corridors but none have materialized

What sets China's program apart is the sheer scale of investment and the willingness to build extensive test tracks.

Why 620 MPH Matters

At that speed, the 800-mile journey from Beijing to Shanghai would take roughly 90 minutes instead of the current 4.5 hours by high-speed rail. You could theoretically commute between major cities the way people currently commute between suburbs.

The implications go beyond convenience. Ultra-fast ground transport could reduce domestic air travel, cutting carbon emissions significantly. Planes spend enormous amounts of fuel just getting to cruising altitude—maglev trains don't have that problem.

The Challenges Are Real

Building a train that can go 620 mph is one thing. Building the infrastructure to support it is another entirely.

Tracks must be perfectly straight for hundreds of miles—any curve at those speeds would be catastrophic. The energy requirements are substantial. And then there's the economics: maglev infrastructure costs roughly three to four times more than conventional high-speed rail per mile.

There's also the human factor. At 620 mph, the scenery becomes a blur. Passengers might experience discomfort from rapid acceleration and the psychological effect of ground-level travel at airplane speeds.

When Will We See It?

China has operational test tracks and continues expanding its research program. However, commercial service at these extreme speeds remains years away. The more immediate goal is connecting major city clusters with maglev lines running at 370-400 mph—still dramatically faster than anything currently operating.

The technology exists. The engineering is proven. Now it's a question of whether the economics and infrastructure can catch up to the ambition.