By Editor Surely, it is true that India’s trains are not known as the fastest in the world, but it is also true that India is catching up big time. And with those new Vande Bharat trains in the country, no doubt, new speed heights are achieved, which wasn’t the case just two decades ago. So, for some reason, if you were feeling intrigued about which are the fastest trains in India as of 2026, then you should not be skipping past this very list. Here, specifically, we’re about to go over the list of the Top 10 Fastest Trains in India 2026. Let’s get going.
1. Vande Bharat Express
As we hinted at it already that Vande Bharat trains are among the fastest ones, and no doubt, the Vande Bharat Express train is the one that we must list first because of its 180 km/h max speed it can achieve. And another special thing about this one is that it has multiple electric units, and that’s why it can accelerate much quicker or faster than other usual trains, and that too, while being super smooth at the same time. Other than that, the interior of this train is no doubt one of the best in the country, and mostly, these are considered those high-end luxury trains in the country, at least that’s the perception for now.
2. Gatimaan Express
And next up, with a max speed of about 160 km/h, the Gatimaan Express is another semi-high-speed train that ranks in the top positions. The usual route for this one is from Delhi to Jhansi, and this is the route where it achieves that max speed of 160 km/h. Though certainly, that’s not super impressive, but looking at the average or max speed of normal trains in India, no doubt, this one is a special one.
3. Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
Oh, once again, we have another Vande Bharat, but this time, it is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express that a lot of people have been waiting for a long time in India. That is why we have put it very high up in this list. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is a train built for long-distance overnight journeys that can travel at a maximum speed of 180 km/h. What characterizes it is that it offers the comfort of a sleeper class together with the performance of a high-speed train. Equipped with the latest safety features and capable of faster acceleration, the train is gradually phasing out the old overnight express trains and is raising the benchmark of long-distance travel in India.
4. Tejas Express
You must have heard somewhere that Tejas Express can achieve max speed of 200 km/h, but because of the route itself and the conditions of the tracks, it has only been able to achieve the max speed of just 160 km/h, and that’s why we have kept it in the 4th spot today. The special things that work in the favor of this train to achieve such fast speeds are like the lightweight coaches and they have better suspension.
5. Rajdhani Express
The Rajdhani Express has been a representation of rapid and trustworthy travel in India for a very long time. It is still one of the fastest trains in the country. Where the routes are upgraded, Rajdhani trains travel up to 160 km/h. Limited stops, LHB coaches, and improved braking systems allow it to be a preferred mode of inter-city travel even nowadays. Its dependability and reliability are the reasons why it remains relevant even in 2026.
6. Shatabdi Express
For fast daytime travel, Shatabdi Express is still one of the best mode of options. It runs mainly on routes of short and medium distances and its speed can be up to 150 km/h. By making lesser stops and getting priority clearance, it is thus able to maintain a high average speed. Through the modernization of coaches and the enhancement of safety features, Shatabdi is still considered one of the most efficient trains for intercity travel.
7. Duronto Express
Duronto Express trains were launched with the central idea of travelling long distances in the least time. Such trains usually operate at the speed of 130 to 140 km/h and have a very limited number of stoppages. So, they often finish the journey faster than many other express trains. Even after 2026, Duronto still remains one of the quickest choices for long-distance travel on Indian Railways.
8. Humsafar Express
Humsafar Express trains mainly designed for long-distance travel are known to have a very smooth and stable ride. With a maximum speed of 130 km/h, they are not the fastest on the list but are still better than the usual express trains. The usage of LHB coaches not only allows maintaining higher speeds but also ensures greater safety thus, making Humsafar a dependable option for long-distance travel.
9. Garib Rath Express
Garib Rath trains are definitely one of the cheapest ways to travel fast. It is true that these trains are also equipped with modern LHB coaches and run at speeds of up to 130 km/h. On a tight budget, these trains still promise a decent speed and comfort. The combination of low price and good performance is the main reason for Garib Rath to be a favorite among long-distance travelers.
10. Jan Shatabdi Express
Finally, the Jan Shatabdi Express is running mostly short intercity routes. The trains are capable of running up to 130 km/h, and thus they are suitable for quick day trips. Having fewer stops and getting an efficient schedule, they can keep a good average speed. As of 2026, Jan Shatabdi is still a good option for daily and short-distance travelers.
Conclusion
That should do it. By far, these are the fastest trains that have achieved the maximum speeds in the country, and surely, these maximum speeds might look like nothing compared to other trains in the world, but that’s just pure progress right there.