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.

Engineering factsheets

More information about the HS2 consultation. Engineering factsheets include:

• Construction Timetable
• Creating Jobs
• HS2 Costs
• HS2 Railway Cross-section
• HS2 Technical Specification
• Interoperability – International Standards for High Speed Rail
• Maintaining a safe, reliable network
• Powering HS2
• Released Capacity on the Wider Rail Network
• Roads and Rights of Way
• Safety and Security
• Serving the Continent
• Telecommunications for HS2

Read the factsheet introductions, and access the full factsheets using the links below.