Bullet train beats plane in Tokyo-Osaka speed test by three minutes

YouTuber Noel Philips set out to test which was quicker for traveling between Tokyo and Osaka: a bullet train or a plane. His experiment compared the total journey times, including transfers and delays.

The results surprised many, as the train proved faster despite the plane's speed in the air.

Philips began his test by boarding an Amtrak train in Tokyo. The journey, including subway connections and station transfers, took four hours, five minutes, and seven seconds to reach Osaka.

For the return trip, he flew from Osaka back to Tokyo. After accounting for airport security and a flight delay, the plane journey lasted five hours, eight minutes, and 23 seconds. Direct flights between the two cities usually take around one hour and 21 minutes, but ground procedures added significant time.

By the end of the experiment, the train had beaten the plane by three minutes and 16 seconds. Despite the aircraft's faster in-air speed, the extra steps involved in flying made the overall trip longer.

The test showed that, for this route, the bullet train was the quicker option. Philips' findings highlight how ground delays and airport procedures can affect travel times. The experiment provides a real-world comparison for travelers choosing between rail and air.