HS2 Trains

HS2 trains would be high speed trains running at speeds of up to 225 mph, similar to other European high speed railways. The proposed route alignment could enable running up to 250mph in the future if faster trains become available without an unacceptable increase in noise.

HS2 trains would all be designed with the same maximum speed, rate of acceleration and braking specification, which is essential for maximizing the capacity (number of trains that can run) along HS2. They would be up to 400 metres long, providing up to 1,100 seats and there would be up to 14 trains per hour in each direction, rising up to 18 as train control technology develops. And although the railway could carry more people than a motorway, the basic width of the tracks would be about one third of the width of a motorway.

The trains would meet the European standards known as the Technical Specifications for Interoperability. They would have high levels of reliability and safety.

About High Speed Rail

Since 1964 high speed rail has been used to carry large numbers of passengers over longer distances, swiftly. The technology is tried and tested. High speed railways across Europe and Asia operate exceptionally safely and have a track record of excellent punctuality. The first high speed line in the UK, linking St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel, opened fully in 2007.

HS2 would use proven technology and standards and draw on significant experience of high speed rail operation across Europe and beyond. Existing high speed rail lines offer frequent, highly reliable, high speed trips between cities using modern high-capacity trains. So would HS2. It would have good links with the wider transport network to provide the best possible door-to-door journey times, such as through the proposed link to Crossrail at Old Oak Common.

Specific locations factsheets

More information about the HS2 Consultation. Specific locations factsheets include:

• Euston Station
• Old Oak Common Station
• In Your Area 1: Primrose Hill to Old Oak Common
• In Your Area 2: North Acton to Northolt
• In Your Area 3: Ruislip and Ickenham
• In Your Area 4: Denham to Amersham
• In Your Area 5: Amersham to Great Missenden
• In Your Area 6: Wendover and Surrounding Area
• In Your Area 7: Aylesbury to Twyford
• In Your Area 8: Twyford to Greatworth
• In Your Area 9: Greatworth to Lower Boddington
• In Your Area 10: Lower Boddington to Southam & Offchurch
• In Your Area 11: Cubbington to Stoneleigh
• In Your Area 12: Kenilworth to Hampton-in-Arden

Read the factsheet introduction, and access the full factsheet using the links below.