Rails are continuously exposed to severe environments due to increases in train service frequency, passing tonnage, and speed. Wear is one of the most common types of damage observed on rails. The surface of railsis heat treated to secure safety at critical sites, such as curved tracks or turnouts. Ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM), a new approach for rails, was examined to strengthen the rail surface. The effect of UNSM on the wear resistance of rail specimens was compared with that of heat treatment. Wear resistance was improved after UNSM treatment due to increased hardness and surface compressive residual stress.