China Leads High-Speed Rail

China operates more high-speed rail than every other country combined, with its network covering 40,493 km in 2024, according to data from the International Union of Railways (UIC).

The UIC defines high-speed rail as passenger lines that can run at 200 km/h (124 mph) or faster. China's lead is significant, with the seven countries behind it on the list adding up to 14,778 km of high-speed rail, less than half the length of China's network.

Spain ranks second with 3,993 km of high-speed rail, less than a tenth of China's total. The gap between China's high-speed rail network and Spain's is 36,500 km.

Italy has 921 km of high-speed rail, ranking eighth in the world, while Finland has 1,120 km, ranking seventh. The US had 735 km of high-speed rail in 2024, a shorter network than Italy's.

## Why it matters High-speed rail is concentrated in two regions, with eight of the world's 10 largest networks in Europe or Asia. The extensive networks in these regions reflect a focus on efficient and fast transportation. In contrast, the Americas have lagged behind, with a priority on highways and cars. The gap in high-speed rail networks between regions highlights the differences in transportation infrastructure and priorities.

The dominance of China in high-speed rail is a significant indicator of the country's investment in its transportation infrastructure. The large gap between China and other countries also underscores the need for other nations to invest in their own high-speed rail networks to remain competitive.

## What happens next As the world's population grows and urbanization increases, the demand for efficient and fast transportation will continue to rise. Countries with extensive high-speed rail networks, like China, are well-positioned to meet this demand. Other countries, particularly in the Americas, will need to reassess their transportation priorities and invest in high-speed rail to remain competitive.