What Are Ultra-High-Speed Elevators?
Ultra-high-speed elevator refers to the elevator with a running speed of 6m/s or higher. Ultra-high-speed elevators are generally used in high-rise and ultra-high-rise buildings with a building height of more than 100m and a floor number of more than 26 floors. Commonly found in high-rise office buildings, hotels, residences and sightseeing towers, etc., which can significantly enhance the efficiency of vertical transportation and improve the user experience.
The 10 Fastest Elevators in the World
A quick view:
| No. | The Building | Location | Elevator Speed | Elevator Brand |
| 1 | Shanghai Tower | Shanghai, China | 20.5m/s | Mitsubishi |
| 2 | CTF Finance Centre | Guangzhou, China | 21m/s | Hitachi |
| 3 | Taipei 101 | Taiwan, China | 16.83m/s | Toshiba |
| 4 | Yokohama Landmark Tower | Yokohama, Japan | 12.5m/s | Mitsubishi |
| 5 | One World Trade Center | New York, USA | 10.16m/s | Otis |
| 6 | Burj Khalifa | Dubai, UAE | 10m/s | Otis |
| 7 | Ping An Finance | Shenzhen, China | 10m/s | Otis |
| 8 | Shanghai World Financial Center | Shanghai, China | 10m/s | Hitachi |
| 9 | Tokyo Skytree | Tokyo, Japan | 10m/s | Hitachi |
| 10 | Lotte World Tower | Seoul, South Korea | 10m/s | Otis |
1. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China)
When it comes to its final height of 632 meters (2,073 feet), the Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world. With speed and innovation like no other, Shanghai Tower’s home is the fastest elevator in the world. With a smooth, comfortable ride, the elevator travels at a speed of 20.5 m/s (45.8 mph), getting to the 118th floor in just 55 seconds. The maximum height it travels is 562 meters (1,844 feet).
Key Features:
- Uses air pressure control to prevent ear discomfort at high speeds.
- Vibration and noise reduction ensure a smooth ride.
- Double-layered glass walls improve energy efficiency.
- A giant-tuned mass damper minimizes building sway from typhoons and earthquakes.
Built by: Mitsubishi
2. CTF Finance Centre (Guangzhou, China)
The CTF Finance Centre is one of the world’s tallest buildings, and its elevators offer speed and safety together with luxury. The fastest elevators in the world go at 21 m/s (47 mph) up to the 95th floor in 45 seconds. With a maximum travel height of 495 meters (1,624 feet), it combines record-breaking speed with luxury and sustainability, making high-speed travel effortless.
Key Features:
- A smart braking system ensures a steady stop at high speeds.
- Pressurized cabins prevent discomfort due to rapid altitude changes.
- Ultra-strong glass panels provide insulation and energy efficiency.
- Earthquake-resistant design keeps the structure stable.
Built by: Hitachi
3. Taipei 101 (Taiwan, China)
Once the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101’s high-speed elevators set global records for engineering and ride quality. Its elevators fly up at 16.83 m/s (37.7 mph). They were once the fastest in the world—and they’re still among the quickest today, with a maximum travel height of 438 meters (1,437 feet).
Key Features:
- Pressurized cabins prevent ear discomfort from sudden altitude changes.
- An advanced braking system ensures smooth, safe rides.
- Reduced air turbulence in the shaft keeps noise and vibrations low.
- A 660-ton golden-tuned mass damper stabilizes the tower against strong winds and earthquakes.
Built by: Toshiba
4. Yokohama Landmark Tower (Yokohama, Japan)
This skyscraper stands tall as Japan’s second-highest building and features one of the fastest elevators in the country. Built for speed, safety, and comfort, it makes the ride to the top feel effortless. Traveling at 12.5 m/s (28 mph), it reaches the top in just 24 seconds with a maximum travel height of 273 meters (896 feet). The 69th-floor observation deck offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Yokohama Bay.
Key Features:
- Vibration-damping materials keep the ride smooth and quiet.
- Advanced emergency stop systems add an extra layer of safety.
- A smart braking system ensures gentle, steady stops.
Built by: Mitsubishi
5. One World Trade Center (New York, USA)
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere is also home to one of North America’s fastest elevators. Packed with cutting-edge technology, it ensures a secure, smooth ride to the top. They travel at 10.16 m/s (22.7 mph)—one of the fastest in the U.S.—with a maximum travel height of 406 meters (1,332 feet).
Key Features:
- High-tech safety features provide a secure and comfortable ride.
- A real-time monitoring system optimizes speed and efficiency.
- A 360-degree LED display plays a time-lapse of NYC’s skyline changing through history.
Built by: Otis
6. Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE)
The world’s tallest building uses double-deck elevators to handle huge crowds while providing a smooth and fast ride. Traveling at 10 m/s (22.4 mph), it’s built for efficiency at extreme heights, with a maximum travel height of 504 meters (1,654 feet). It also holds the world record for the highest observation deck, offering a perfect view of Dubai.
Key Features:
- The double-deck cabins will accommodate more passengers and hence reduce wait times.
- An intelligent traffic management system to make the floor access fast and efficient.
- Rides are wind-resistant technology at record-breaking heights.
Built by: Otis
7. Ping An Finance Center (Shenzhen, China)
Shenzhen offers this sleek skyscraper that employs intelligent traffic control to manage elevator congestion and increase efficiency. Traveling at 10 m/s (22.4 mph), it’s both swift and smooth for a super-tall building, with a maximum travel height of 562.5 meters (1,845 feet). This tower is super sleek and has one of the best skyline views in China.
Key Features:
- The intelligent traffic management system minimizes waiting time and elevator congestion.
- The drive system is energy-saving.
- Passenger safety is ensured by smart security monitoring.
Built by: Otis
8. Shanghai World Financial Center (Shanghai, China)
This iconic tower, famous for its bottle-opener-shaped top, features advanced high-speed elevators for a smooth ride. It travels at 10 m/s (22.4 mph), built for both speed and stability, with a maximum travel height of 474 meters (1,555 feet). A sky bridge at the top has an insane view of Shanghai.
Key Features:
- Rides at high speeds are kept stable with an advanced vibration control system.
- Wind resistance inside the shaft is decreased by aerodynamic design.
- It is under the development of noise-reducing technology and is a quiet ride.
Built by: Hitachi
9. Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo, Japan)
Ultra-fast elevators reach Japan’s tallest structure of over 600 meters in just 50 seconds. It travels at 10 m/s (22.4 mph), making it one of the fastest elevators in Japan, with a maximum travel height of 634 meters (2,080 feet). Inspired by ancient Japanese pagodas, the Skytree is built to withstand earthquakes while offering stunning city views.
Key Features:
- The air pressure control system prevents ear discomfort.
- Noise-reduction technology ensures a quiet ride.
- Earthquake-resistant design enhances safety.
Built by: Hitachi
10. Lotte World Tower (Seoul, South Korea)
Seoul’s tallest building features a high-speed, energy-efficient elevator designed for smooth operation and sustainability. Moving at 10 m/s (22.4 mph), it’s built for efficiency and comfort, reaching a maximum travel height of 496 meters (1,627 feet). One of its standout features is the world’s highest glass-bottom observation deck, offering visitors a thrilling experience.
Key Features:
- An energy-efficient braking system reduces power consumption.
- Intelligent destination control system improves traffic flow.
- An advanced suspension system minimizes vibrations for a stable ride.
Built by: Otis
Dazen High-Speed Elevator
As buildings reach new heights, elevators must keep up with smarter, faster, and more efficient solutions. From Shanghai Tower to Lotte World Tower, the world’s fastest elevators push technology forward. Dazen takes it even further, offering the perfect mix of speed, efficiency, and safety. Whether for office towers or luxury residences, Dazen ensures every ride is fast, smooth, and reliable.