The outside of the train has many similarities to the outside of an airplane. For instance the nose of the train has almost an identical nose to a jet's nose. This aerodynamic design of the nose makes it move through the air more easily than other conventional trains. Since the Shinkansen are so aerodynamic, they need less fuel which brings down costs and expenses. Also it makes the trains produce less noise.The bullet train's body is very skinny and long. It runs on a very skinny track to reduce friction. That makes it go faster.

There are two different types of wheels on the bullet trains: the support wheels and the driving wheels. The driving wheels are located at the front of the train and are turned by engine power. The support wheels are located in the middle and back of the train and carry the weight of the train. The wheels on the trains go through high speeds and heavy loads so designers made them specially to withstand these circumstances.