Compare Train Simulator Classic high-speed trains and routes, including TGV, ICE, Shinkansen, Acela and UK options, with DLC compatibility tips.
Train Simulator Classic offers TGV Duplex, ICE 1/2/3, Class 395 Javelin, Class 390 Pendolino, InterCity 125, Acela, E5 Shinkansen and CRH high-speed trains across French LGV, German main-line, British HS1, US Northeast Corridor, Japanese Tōhoku and Chinese high-speed routes. Most are separate DLC, and availability varies by edition.
Which high-speed routes and trains can you drive?
The clearest choices divide into dedicated high-speed lines and conventional main lines built for fast passenger services. Included rolling stock can differ between bundles, so the trains below are representative of each route family rather than guaranteed contents of every package.
| Region | Notable routes | Representative trains | Type of driving |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | LGV Marseille–Avignon and the Rhône-Alpes & Méditerranée extension | TGV Duplex | Dedicated LGV operation at sustained high speed, with TVM cab signalling where modelled |
| Germany | Frankfurt–Karlsruhe, Munich–Augsburg and Hamburg–Hanover | ICE 1, ICE 2, ICE 3/3M and DB BR 101 | High-speed sections mixed with conventional passenger and freight traffic |
| Britain | London–Faversham High Speed, WCML South, and ECML or GWML route sections | Class 395, Class 390, Class 91, Class 801 and InterCity 125 | HS1 running, tilting services and 125 mph conventional main-line operation |
| Japan | Tōhoku High Speed & Main Line | E5-series Shinkansen | Dedicated Shinkansen operation alongside conventional Japanese services |
| China | South West China High Speed | CRH1A | Long high-speed runs with Chinese signalling and infrastructure |
| United States | Northeast Corridor route sections | Acela Express | Cab-signalled running through dense mixed passenger traffic rather than a fully segregated line |
This is not an exhaustive catalogue: Train Simulator Classic has accumulated route extensions, locomotive packs and older bundles over many years. Our region-by-region summary of fast and conventional Train Simulator Classic lines covers the wider route selection.
Is a high-speed train included with the route?
Sometimes, but a route and its headline train are not always sold together. A route package may include one train while additional ICE, TGV, British or Acela stock is supplied as separate DLC; locomotive scenarios can also require routes that are not included with the train.
- Choose the route first. Decide between sustained running on a dedicated line and more varied operation on a conventional main line.
- Check the included rolling stock. Do not assume that a train shown in screenshots or scenarios forms part of the route package.
- Read every dependency. Route extensions, scenario packs and reskins may need a base route, a separate locomotive or both.
- Install the route before dependent content. Use our guidance on installing route expansions and checking their dependencies if scenery, scenarios or rolling stock are missing.
- Test with Quick Drive. Where the add-on supplies a compatible consist, you can build a Quick Drive run with suitable stock and endpoints instead of relying on bundled scenarios.
A mistake we see constantly is buying a locomotive pack and expecting it to provide the railway as well. Older videos can also show branded stock or bundles that have since changed because of licensing; previously owned content normally remains in the purchaser's library, but it may no longer be offered to new buyers.
Can any high-speed train run on any route?
No: the track gauge may match, but electrification, signalling, safety systems and Quick Drive configuration still determine whether a train works properly. Advanced train scripts are more likely than basic stock to enforce these differences.
- Electrical supply: French and British high-speed stock commonly uses 25 kV AC overhead power, German trains use 15 kV AC, and the Class 395 also changes to third-rail operation away from HS1. A mismatched route can leave the pantograph raised but produce no traction power.
- Safety systems: TVM, LZB/PZB, AWS/TPWS and other systems need the correct controls and acknowledgements. Their depth varies between add-on developers and releases.
- Route speed: A train capable of 300 km/h cannot legitimately reach that speed on a conventional 125 mph or 200 km/h railway. Track limits, signal spacing and scenario instructions still apply.
- Quick Drive support: The route needs usable start and destination markers, while the train needs a prepared consist. Owning both products does not guarantee that the combination appears automatically.
Which high-speed option should you choose?
The best choice depends on the operating style you want rather than maximum speed alone. Dedicated routes offer long periods at line speed, while British, German and American corridors demand more braking, signalling awareness and interaction with other traffic.
- For sustained maximum-speed running: choose a French LGV, the Tōhoku Shinkansen route or South West China High Speed.
- For detailed train-protection systems: an ICE on a German route provides a stronger mix of PZB, LZB and conventional signalling, depending on the locomotive's simulation.
- For power-system changes: London–Faversham with the Class 395 combines HS1 overhead operation with third-rail running towards Kent.
- For diesel high-speed operation: use an InterCity 125 on a compatible GWML, ECML or other British main-line route.
- For Japanese operation: check our compatibility guidance for Japanese Shinkansen add-ons before pairing a train with a route.
- For dense mixed traffic: Acela services on a compatible Northeast Corridor section provide frequent speed changes and cab-signalling work.
Why does my high-speed train not appear or move?
The usual causes are a missing dependency, absent Quick Drive consist, incompatible electrification or an incomplete cab start-up. Check the supplied manual before treating the problem as a simulator fault.
- Missing from Quick Drive: the train may only have supplied scenarios, or its package may lack a prepared Quick Drive consist. Try a scenario included with the add-on or create a compatible consist using the simulator's available tools.
- No traction power: raise the correct pantograph, close the main circuit breaker, set the master key and reverser, and confirm that the route provides the required electrical system.
- Brakes will not release: close the doors and acknowledge any active vigilance or train-protection system. DSD, SIFA, AWS, PZB and similar systems can trigger a penalty brake if ignored.
- Missing train or scenery assets: confirm that every listed base product is installed. After correcting dependencies, clear the simulator's asset cache if the route still loads with missing objects or textures.
- Unexpected speed restriction: follow the route's posted and signalled limits rather than the train's design speed. Some scenarios also impose temporary restrictions or scripted checks that do not appear in a free-roam run.