China’s CR450 high-speed train will enter service in 2026 and promises to cut travel times and set new speed standards.

Published on October 29, 2025

China’s CR450 high-speed train is set to revolutionize rail travel, achieving an unprecedented top speed of 450km/h during pre-service trials. This groundbreaking performance, demonstrated on the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu high-speed line in October 2025, puts China at the forefront of global rail technology. With its operational speed of 400 km/h and expected launch in 2026, the CR450 promises to significantly reduce travel time on long routes, especially those exceeding 1,000 km, making it a game-changer for domestic and international rail travel.

China’s CR450 high-speed train is setting new standards in rail technology, with its impressive performance during pre-service trials, reaching a top speed of 450 km/h. The trials, conducted on the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu high-speed rail line on October 21, 2025, demonstrated the CR450’s potential to revolutionize rail travel. With an operational speed of 400 km/h, the train is expected to enter full service in 2026, significantly reducing travel times, especially for routes longer than 1,000 km.

CR450: A new era in high-speed rail

The CR450 has made huge strides in rail technology, shattering performance standards and offering a glimpse of what high-speed rail systems can achieve in the future. Having completed nearly 600,000 kilometers of rigorous operational testing, the CR450 performed exceptionally well across all key metrics. Developed over five years by subsidiaries of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the CR450 has already demonstrated its capabilities by accelerating from 0 to 350 km/h in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds. This acceleration rate is 100 seconds faster than current CR400 Fuxing trains, highlighting the advanced engineering of the CR450.

The CR450’s design and performance improvements stem from years of research and development, with a focus on speed, energy efficiency and comfort. By reducing the time it takes to reach cruising speed, the CR450 will allow riders to travel greater distances more quickly, which will be particularly beneficial for intercity routes over 1,000 kilometres.

CR450 engineering innovations

The success of the CR450 can be attributed to several key innovations that set it apart from previous high-speed trains. One of the most notable features is its lightweight design. The CR450 is 55 tons lighter and 20cm shorter than its predecessors, which has a significant impact on speed and energy efficiency. This reduction in weight helps the train achieve greater acceleration and maintain higher speeds while consuming the same amount of energy as previous models.

Despite its light weight, the CR450 doesn’t compromise on durability or passenger comfort. The train features a streamlined, dynamic design that reduces air resistance and enhances speed and performance. Enclosed cars and undercarriages also play a crucial role in reducing air drag, which helps improve the overall efficiency of the train. The extended nose cone – approximately 2.5 meters longer than previous CR450 models – improves aerodynamics, reducing turbulence at high speeds and contributing to the train’s impressive performance.

The use of lightweight materials is another key factor in the CR450’s design. Advanced braking systems and energy-efficient motors not only contribute to increasing the speed of the train, but also ensure enhanced safety, comfort and stability during the journey. These innovations provide smoother journeys for passengers while maintaining the high levels of safety and reliability expected from cutting-edge high-speed rail technology.

How the CR450 will change rail travel

Once it enters service in 2026, the CR450 is expected to radically change the way people travel across China. Its operational speed of 400 km/h will allow passengers to cover long distances in record time. For example, the CR450 can reduce travel times between major cities, making day trips between remote locations more feasible and efficient. Passengers will benefit from faster travel times, lower carbon emissions, and overall more comfortable and reliable transportation. This will be especially important for business and leisure travelers, who will be able to move between cities quickly and easily.

The CR450’s ability to efficiently carry large numbers of passengers will also have a positive impact on the environment. By offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to air travel, the CR450 can help reduce the number of short-haul flights, which are often the most carbon-intensive. The development of the CR450 is part of China’s broader efforts to invest in sustainable infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly transportation solutions across the country.

In addition to its speed and energy efficiency, the CR450 will also provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience. The train’s design prioritizes passenger comfort, with spacious interiors and amenities that meet the needs of modern travellers. The lightweight, high-speed design will reduce the impact of vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride. Passengers will also benefit from quieter compartments, thanks to noise-reducing features built into the train’s structure.

The future of high-speed rail

The CR450 is expected to be a game-changer for China’s high-speed rail network, setting new standards for speed, efficiency and passenger experience. The innovations introduced by the CR450 are likely to influence the development of future high-speed trains around the world, with rail companies in other countries looking to replicate its success. As China continues to develop its rail infrastructure, the CR450 will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for fast, efficient and sustainable transportation.

In addition to its technological achievements, the CR450 also represents China’s continued commitment to leadership in high-speed rail. China’s extensive high-speed rail network is already the largest in the world, and the CR450 will cement the country’s position as a global leader in rail technology. With the CR450 entering service in 2026, it will not only transform domestic travel within China, but will also serve as an example for other countries looking to develop their own high-speed rail systems.

China’s CR450 high-speed train is set to redefine global rail travel by reaching a top speed of 450 km/h during pre-service trials, showcasing unparalleled performance and efficiency. With an operating speed of 400 km/h, it will significantly reduce travel time, especially on long routes.

conclusion

With its groundbreaking speed, advanced engineering and passenger-friendly features, the CR450 high-speed train is set to revolutionize rail travel in China. The innovations behind its design promise a more efficient, sustainable and comfortable travel experience for passengers, while its performance standards will serve as a model for future high-speed rail developments around the world. The CR450 represents the dawn of a new era in rail technology, one that will bring China closer to achieving its vision of a world-class, environmentally friendly transportation network.