As you may know, part of Line 18 will finally begin service next fall. In fact, it will run on France’s longest viaduct, stretching nearly 7 km! But that’s not all—Line 18 will be one of the fastest metro lines in the world.
Line 18 of the Grand Paris Express: one of the fastest in the world
In your opinion, what is the average speed of a Paris metro train? 20 km/h? More? While Line 14 has been the fastest so far, reaching a top speed of 80 km/h and an average of 40 km/h, it will soon be dethroned by Line 18.
In fact, Line 18, currently being tested on the section between Massy-Palaiseau and Christ-de-Saclay stations, has just recorded a top speed of 110 km/h! This would make it the second-fastest automated metro in the world, behind the one in Guangzhou, China (135 km/h) and London (100 km/h at certain stations).
Of course, generally speaking, the line is expected to run at a speed of 65 km/h, just like the other Grand Paris Express lines, which will operate at speeds between 55 and 65 km/h.
Scheduled to open in late 2026, this new metro line will be able to carry up to 350 passengers per train and promises every comfort: air conditioning, USB ports for charging phones, access to 5G and Wi-Fi…. In short, we can’t wait!