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Metro: this new line in Paris will be one of the fastest in the world!

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The Editor

© Société des Grand Projet / Gérard Rollando / Grand Paris Express

The Paris metro could soon achieve a new world record. Indeed, as the construction of line 18 progresses rapidly and the first tests are being conducted on the tracks, a speed peak has been recorded, making it one of the most high-performing future lines on the planet.

We know that the Paris metro sets many records. It is one of the oldest, boasts the largest underground station in the world, and line 14 was recently voted among the best in the world. Well, in a few months, it will likely add a new medal to its collection, thanks to line 18. And even though this one will only be silver, we think that it's already pretty great.


It’s been buzzing

It’s been over 125 years now that the Paris metro has been helping us move quickly and efficiently around the city and its surroundings. Over the years, it has slowly become more efficient, faster, and more widespread in the region. So much so that the Grand Paris Express is none other than one of the biggest...transport projects in Europe at the moment. And one thing is for sure, this one, designed to be ultra-modern, could really perform wonders.

Indeed, during the initial tests conducted on line 18 — with its opening scheduled for the end of 2026 — between the stations of Massy-Palaiseau and Christ-de-Saclay, a peak speed of no less than 110 km/h was recorded. That's a pretty impressive speed, as it shatters the previous record held by line 14 by a whopping 30 km/h! In fact, while the average speed of line 14 is 40 km/h, it can double that figure at peak times.


A World-Class Performance

So, just to clarify, the future trains on line 18 won't be running at such speeds all the time, as the average will be between 55 and 65 km/h, just like all the other new lines. This peak speed...

It allows you to become the 2nd fastest metro in the world, right behind Guangzhou in China, which can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h, that's faster than the TER. By winning this silver medal, the Parisian train pushes London's underground to third place, which achieves a lovely 100 km/h.