What is faster, a train or a subway?

Train versus Subway: A Speed Comparison

When it comes to urban transportation, commuters often face the choice between trains and subways. Both options offer their unique advantages, but when it comes to speed, which one reigns supreme?

Surface Trains: Velocity on the Open Rails

Surface trains, particularly high-speed models, possess impressive velocity. They can reach speeds of up to 200 mph (322 km/h), making them ideal for long-distance travel and connecting major cities. Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, for example, are renowned for their exceptional speeds and efficiency.

Subways: Subterranean Speedsters with Subjective Perception

Subways, on the other hand, may evoke a sense of higher speed due to their enclosed environment and close proximity to platforms. The constant acceleration and deceleration as the train enters and exits stations can create the illusion of faster movement. However, the actual speed of subways typically falls short of that achieved by surface trains.

Objective Velocity Comparison

Objective measurements confirm the superior speed of surface trains. The average speed of a subway train, including stops and slowdowns, ranges from 15 to 25 mph (24 to 40 km/h). In contrast, express trains on surface lines can reach speeds of 60 to 75 mph (97 to 121 km/h) or higher.

Conclusion: Trains Outpace Subways

While subways may provide a subjective sensation of speed, the objective data clearly demonstrates that trains are the faster mode of transportation. Their ability to operate at higher speeds over longer distances makes them the preferred choice for efficient and long-distance travel.