Top speed of 125mph where the track allows.
as fast as they want
The speed is limited by the rail authority. Turns out that empty trains can't go any faster than full trains - but, empty trains can accelerate faster. A loaded coal train can go as fast as 55 miles per hour.
The first locomotive was built by Richard Trevithick and had a top speed of about 4 mph (miles per hour).
pretty fast
Trains can travel as fast as 150 miles per hour on average. Most passenger trains travel at a rate of speed of 90 miles per hour.
89
1mph
There is no such thing as a jet train.
The reduction of airflow across the surface of the train will help facilitate the train's speed by the reduction of the trains resistance to airflow .
Top speed exceeded 100 mph, but most trains ran at about 30 mph. Some "high speed" passenger trains were operated at up to 60 mph.
They could transport a large quantity of materials or people at a very fast speed.