Top 10 Coolest Double Decker Trains Across the World

What are your most favorite double decker/bi-level train cars?
A bilevel car (American English) or double-decker coach (British English and Canadian English) is a type of railcar that has two levels of passenger accommodation, as opposed to one, increasing passenger capacity (in example cases of up to 57% per car).
The use of double-decker carriages, where feasible, can resolve capacity problems on a railway, avoiding other options which have an associated infrastructure cost such as longer trains (which require longer station platforms), more trains per hour (which the signalling or safety requirements may not allow) or adding extra tracks besides the existing line.
Bilevel trains are claimed to be more energy efficient, and may have a lower operating cost per passenger. A bilevel car may carry up to about twice as many as a normal car, if structure and loading gauges permit, without requiring double the weight to pull or material to build. However, a bilevel train may take longer to exchange passengers at each station, since more people will enter and exit from each car. The increased dwell time makes them most popular on long-distance routes which make fewer stops (and may be popular with passengers for offering a better view).
Bilevel cars may not be usable in countries or on older railway systems with low loading gauge, most notably the majority of the British rail network. In some countries such as the UK new lines are built to a higher than the existing structure gauge to allow the use of double-deck trains in future ~Wikpedia
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[@DNP_10]

Btw, Hitachi is Japanese. The cars built here are made by Hitachi Rail Italy, formerly AnsaldoBreda, which is Italian.

[@Dqtube]

I miss on the list these: 🇯🇵 ‘E4 Series Shinkansen’ and 🇮🇳‘Uday Express’ .

[@FrozenRose816]

Unfortunately the E4 Shinkansen is now discontinued. They were all taken out of service back in October.

[@Exzerios]

A pretty strange one to be honest. Everybody knows US falls far behind Europe and Asia when talking about trains, and their fleet is largely outdated. Yet they took more places then EU, and Asian countries weren't mentioned at all. Thank God you didn't forgot Sydney.

[@thomass4785]

E4 Series Shinkansen in Japan. Unfortunately, It was discontinued on October 17, 2021

[@evenstarelectricrailway3281]

I love the Sakartvelo double-decker that has the St. George Cross on it. It's just beautiful. The pride of a nation. BTW, TGV Duplex is now the only high speed double-decker still operational in the world since the Japanese E4 Max service was officially terminated in October 2021.

[@Pat-TheEmeraldBoat]

Btw the Georgian cross isn't the St. George cross The Saint George cross is the crusader red and white cross symbol which is also now the flag of England.

[@kirillfedorov4]

The TGV must be No.1. It is the only high-speed double-decker, and its modification set the world record for the fastest train

[@utahrailfan1946]

Japan has a double decker Shinkansen.

[@partickdistel6580]

Virm is bae

[@evenstarelectricrailway3281]

@@utahrailfan1946 E4 MAX service was terminated 2 months ago.

[@kailidovas9562]

@@utahrailfan1946 Shinkansen is trash! 🚮🚮🚮

[@ryanpoles9344]

@@kailidovas9562 Shinkansen is not trash

[@Gaminggunzeller]

Sydney's got Double Decker trains.

[@nixcails]

I would have included Switzerland for it's double deck InterCity services. I also would have put France in the number 1 position for it's variety of Double Decker rolling stock from RER Express Metro, TER, Intercities and the TGV Duplex.

[@scottyerkes1867]

Double Decker seems to be cool all around. Intercity trains, commuter trains and long distance trains. My only double Decker experience was on NJTransit. Great ride!!😀😀

[@flare2000x]

Gotta love the GO bilevels. These cars have been exported almost everywhere across North America and have been hugely successful

[@Eurobazz]

NL just had to be number one. Well done Nederlandse Spoorwegen.

[@vectronik]

Will there be a video of Warsaw trams from january 2022? I would be glad to see this video!

[@petersymonds4975]

A few years ago I was on holidays in Switzerland, many of the main lines had double-deck carriages. One obvious big advantage is the view you get. If you sit on the lower level all you see are ankles! The Netherlands double deck carriages were great, they even had trolley service on some long routes. a lift exists for the trolley on some carriages.

[@treinenliefde]

Sadly the trolleys are long gone now :( Even the replacement service called railcatering was discontinued in 2020 because of covid and in the beginning of this year they decided it wouldnt return.

[@gerdpapenburg7050]

2:18 - I have always wondered why American tourists are that loud in my country - now I can understand ;-)

[@stickynorth]

Came for the Bombardier Twindexx Express but I also love the TGV and its huge... capacity! 40% more seats made that train available to a huge audience via the Ouigo network which I believe uses those almost exclusively... That alone (making it the 737 of trainsets) deserves it worthy of praise!

[@stickynorth]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouigo

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

The Siemens Desiro HC is also a very interesting train, being a mixed single and double deck EMU that accelerates faster than most commuter trains.

[@metropolitantransit7276]

The MBTA commuter rail is also wheelchair accessible with single decker coaches. Good capacity and accessibility ideas.

[@nojeemsarumi5688]

My favorite goes for Tbilis Georgia route very impressive, me from Lagos.

[@BukuiZhao]

You really should have a look at CR400AF-S from China. It's not yet in commercial operation but still cool.

[@fokusnikfim]

Hello Video super good. Thanks...... Fim 🚂👮‍♂️✋

[@Anotherpilot560]

i love the Renfe 450 SERIER

[@nixcails]

Despite the restricted 19th Century loading gauge the Southern Region of British Railways did have a double decker for 27 years from 1949- 1971. They were pretty unique en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SR_Class_4DD

[@keystonedriving8180]

And it was a very interesting experience riding in the higher level compartments. Ultimately failed because getting on and off took too long.

[@Ehan_Shabi]

The virm is my favourite

[@bob_._.]

Why nothing from Asia? China, Japan and India all have some cool double deckers (including Bullet and Shinkansen), with China and Japan also having bilevel sleepers.

[@trainbusplanecarboatbike4032]

👌👌👌

[@iagocity]

I thought you would miss the dutch virm but of course it was for the top 1

[@squrt29]

Though they definitely aren’t good looking, where are the electric Metra in Chicago and South Shore Line from Chicago to South Bend, IN? Love the channel!

[@gb9727]

MBTA should electrify their commuter rail

[@etunimi1208]

Would have loved to see Finnish double-decker InterCity trains! In my opinion much cooler than some of the trains on this video.

[@vectronik]

Thx for the dutch IRM

[@sneeuwkat9219]

virm*

[@LMZLMZ-gs2dk]

Renfes "serie 450" are pretty cool too. A shame they will be replaced soon.

[@andyvoss1149]

I've been on both the Amtrak Surfliner (as well as the NCTD Coaster for that matter) and the Netherlands. Love the modern and clean look of the Stadler KISS.

[@wdubbelo]

we dont call the VIRM(the dutch one) buffalo we call the DM90's buffalo's we just call these dubbeldeckers

[@sneeuwkat9219]

niet waar

[@CoraVanLincolnius]

@@sneeuwkat9219 ye its true, The Buffel was a diesel train en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NS_DM_90

[@Fan652w]

I think most Europeans will be absolutely astounded at the absence of Switzerland from your list. The Swiss have huge numbers of double-deck trains, many of the Swiss KISS design. And, as in the Netherlands, the extra capacity is very definitely needed. Per head of population, Switzerland uses its trains more than any other European nation. Netherlands comes second. I would have put French duplex TGVs at no 1. They are now seen throughout the country. Swiss IC 2000 DDs would be at number 2, Dutch VIRMs at number 3, and Swedish Malartog (a variation on the Kiss type) at number 4. (In case you are wondering, Britain has no double deck trains. They would too tall for our tunnels and bridges.)

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

Shame because I like the Stadler kiss design

[@JohnHughesChampigny]

"In case you are wondering, Britain has no double deck trains" -- it has had in the past. They were mostly a failure due to long loading/unloading times.

[@Fan652w]

@@JohnHughesChampigny There were only ever TWO British double deck trains. The problem was not just extended stop dwell times. The trains were extremely cramped. THE reason why Britain has no double deck trains is undoubtedly the loading gauge.)

[@izakymom]

Also Amtrak runs a lot of double deckers on mostly all of there routes

[@Robbi496]

LOL, I saw Georgia and said WHAT? Then I realized the COUNTRY of Georgia!

[@DeezGamerz]

Don't forget the dutch DDAR

[@JohnHughesChampigny]

If you're going to do commuter rail why not mention the double-decker RER trains, which have 3 doors per carriage to reduce the load/unload times.

[@Nitro99999]

New York City MTA Long Island Railroad double deckers was forgotten!!!

[@twelthstring]

12:46 --> Nope, this train was NOT called buffel (buffalo). That was another one: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NS_DM_90

[@metropolitantransit7276]

That is because GO Transit still uses old and new coaches.

[@izakymom]

If Toronto is not here on this list I will be mad

[@samarth2491]

Where is Switzerland?

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

Shame because I like the Stadler kiss design

[@sneeuwkat9219]

bad

[@klmisbetter7229]

Have you checked out the belgium ones

[@RubRub77]

Why you didnt show the 300km high speed train of morocco called al boraq

[@muhammadnaufalalfaruq672]

i like japanese double decker most.

[@AbuHasan72]

Do you love Italians?! Where's Italy, you ranked Morocco Which used Italian dublex 😀 Thanks for a good report 👍

[@isar.trainz]

Actually Germany rules the Double Decker Train Game with our lovely called "Dostos" spread in every state except of Saarland. By the way, you need to come once to Munich for the Munich-Muehldorf rush hour trains running in a sandwich of two locos Class 218 or TRAXX P160 DE ME

[@girliemaebautista3189]

at the france train that is the same from cars vs trains roblox

[@metropolitantransit7276]

Amtrak serves intercity rail though.

[@isar.trainz]

Hitachi is actually a japanese railway maufacturer

[@maxbarr3954]

You forget all the french materiel like regio2n,ter2n,Z20500,just the TGV duplex its very sad

[@johncoyle777]

JAPAN is MISSING from your list! WHY?

[@LinkingWorldin]

Not showing Indian Railway double decker train.

[@casmatori]

Hitachi is an Italian manufacturer?

[@ThePlaceAndTime]

Do Bombardier Bi-level cars really hold 360 people???

[@bontanamlack]

Where is shinkansen e4

[@giddy1337]

Notice how on Sydney’s trains, the lower windows are bigger than the upper windows? Particularly the Waratah sets. (I just thought I’d throw this in here in the comment section.)

[@mattjohnson1727]

That’s so everyone has an arm rest on the window, plus on the B sets you don’t notice it as between the windows it’s blackened

[@mattjohnson1727]

Sydney trains should have been first, considering the new intercity fleet we have as well, they’re cool 10 car trains

[@JayJayGamerOfficial]

​@@mattjohnson1727yeah, I'm surprised the the New Jersey trains are higher considering Sydney is easily more iconic and more visually pleasing in terms of design

[@ktipuss]

@@mattjohnson1727 I assume you wrote this comment in 2022 (or maybe late 2021?). As at May 2024 these "new" intercity trains are STILL not in service, and are a public relations disaster for NSW Trains. That's what happens when you design a train with a political agenda in mind instead of considering passenger and operational preferences. They have already been heavily criticised even before entry into service because of the departure of the long-standing (since 1878) NSW practice of reversible seats on suburban and intercity trains. Rail bureaucrats have presented the weak argument that "few other places in the world have reversible seats". Well, few other places have kangaroos, so I suppose by that logic we should abolish them!

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

I’m glad to see America high up on the list

[@sneeuwkat9219]

not true america was 8 and 7

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

@@sneeuwkat9219 It was also three

[@TouffmanJasonTGV]

TGV DUPLEX BEST TRAIN EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@trenomanis]

Πολύ ωραί το βίντεο! Θα παρακαλούσα τους υπεύθυνους των σιδηροδρόμων του Μαρόκου να έρθουν να αναλάβουν τους Ελληνικούς Σιδηροδρόμου διότι οι άνθρωποι της FSI μέχρι σήμερα δείχνουν ότι μας εμπαίζουν...

[@timosha21]

Great to hear from you again!!!

[@trenomanis]

@@timosha21 Δεν με έχεις ψυχολογήσει ακόμα; Είμαι φανατικός σου θεατής!

[@radupopescu9977]

Double Decker Trains are anything but cool. They are the worst possible trains!

[@TheUrbanGaze]

I live in the Netherlands, I've gotten very accustomed to the sound and seating of the Dutch double deckers. But the train I use the most often (Intercity Direct) never uses the double deckers.

[@spedepasanen5037]

Have you looked on Finnish trains?

[@timosha21]

Hard to fit everything in a Top 10 video!

[@yaric2274]

1:18 Hitachi is Italian?

[@juaniperezmassa7946]

Hitachi is japanese. The ONCF double decker emus were buit by Ansaldo-Breda, wich is now Hitachi Rail Italy.

[@mbstarburstmapper3842]

Too bad Italy isn't on the list, it has some good double-deckers as well (like the Hitachi on this list and the Vivalto)

[@MrEricSir]

Sigh. Double decker trains are a solution in search of a problem. They take so long to board/deboard that if you ran single decker vehicles at double the frequency everyone would be happier. It only makes sense for long haul routes which are rarely competitive with air travel. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of rail but this just isn't the way to go.

[@Christian-ox7qx]

I agree, but in the Netherlands they are really useful as intercity trains. Not too many stops so the boarding problem isn’t that bad. Of course more trains are better, but there are some bottlenecks in the Dutch railways that must first be resolved before more trains can run. On some routes there’s a double decker train every 10 minutes which is quite impressive in my view

[@cat1554]

It saves money. Less crew needed and costs less to make the cars.

[@JayJayGamerOfficial]

I mean it works here in Sydney, in the city circle we can get headways of up to 3 minutes between trains, pretty sure running more frequent lower capacity trains wouldn't work with that in mind. Plus dwell times are not as bad as some people make out to be with even a packed train spending less than 60 seconds generally boarding and only 15 seconds when quiet. You also need to look at trip lengths and standing space vs seating space. Bi-level trains generally have higher seating capacity than single level trains which is ultimately better for longer trips which is proving to be more and more common in this day and age

[@VoilaBarti]

North American trains are so ugly comparing to European or Australian 😩

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

Quite rude

[@Christian-ox7qx]

@@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460 but true, wouldn’t you think? I hate the “””aerodynamic””” design of one of the train sides

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

@@Christian-ox7qx I’m American. It’s NOT true

[@VoilaBarti]

@@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460 I didn’t mean to be rude

[@Gfynbcyiokbg8710]

Worst ranking ever

[@stickynorth]

TGV Duplex and Ouigo for the win! If this was everywhere worldwide? Why would ANYONE ever fly or drive? Seriously at these prices and comfort? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouigo