Sitting by the window watching the world rush past, it's natural to wonder: how fast is this train actually going? You don't need any special equipment to find out — your phone can tell you in seconds.
How to check your train's speed
- Open the Train Speed Test on your phone.
- Sit near a window for the best GPS signal.
- Tap Start and allow location access.
- Watch your live speed in km/h (or switch to mph), plus the top speed of the journey.
Everything runs in your browser and your location never leaves your device.
Does GPS work inside a train?
Yes — usually very well. Trains have large windows and travel through open countryside, so the GPS signal is often strong and steady. It can drop briefly in tunnels, under station roofs, or between tall buildings, then recovers within a few seconds. Sitting next to a window rather than in the middle of the carriage gives the most reliable reading.
How fast do trains actually go?
It varies a lot by train type and route:
- Local and suburban trains: often 40–80 km/h, with frequent stops.
- Intercity and express trains: typically cruise around 110–160 km/h.
- Semi-high-speed services: up to about 160–180 km/h.
- High-speed trains (in countries that run them): 250–320 km/h.
The GPS test shows your train's real speed as you travel, so you can see it speed up between stations and slow down as it approaches one.
Why GPS speed is trustworthy here
GPS measures how fast your position is actually changing over the ground, using satellites. On a train with a clear view through the window, it's typically accurate to within a few km/h — a genuinely good way to know your true speed.
Track the whole journey
Beyond the live number, the tool records:
- Top speed reached during the journey
- Average speed
- Distance travelled
Great for a long-distance trip when you're curious how fast the express really pushes on the open stretches.
Give it a try on your next journey — open the free train speed test, sit by a window, and tap Start.