Fast electric trains were first built in the 1950's, and could travel far faster than steam or diesel trains. Electric trains were designed for long-distanced passenger journeys, to compete with airlines. 

The earliest high-speed trains were developed in Europe. These trains could reach speeds of 80 mph. Many were stylish and luxurious, and some only had first-class carriages, or cars, so tickets were very expensive.

There was problem with these high speed trains, they had to share railways with slower passengers and freight trains. This meant they could rarely run at top speed.

in 1964, a railway opened in Japan that was built specially for high-speed trains. It ran between Tokyo and Osaka. The electric trains were able to travel at 210 mph.

These Japanese trains were nicknamed bullet trains, not only because they were so fast, but because they looked like bullets.  

Europe's first railway line reserved for high-speed trains opened in France in 1982. It linked Paris and Lyons. It used new streamline trains called TGVs

TVGs had an average speed of 168mph and were so fast they quickly attracted 1000's of passengers. Soon more TGV lines were built across the world.

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