When arriving at Pudong Airport, many international travellers choose to ride the Shanghai Maglev Train, not only as a quick way into the city but also as a chance to experience the world’s fastest commercial train.
This guide covers key aspects including its background, speed, route, timetable, ticket options, and how to buy tickets, along with ideas for the best things to do in Shanghai. Take the opportunity to enjoy the Shanghai Maglev Train and make your journey truly unforgettable.
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About Shanghai Maglev Train
The Shanghai Maglev Train is the world’s first commercial magnetic levitation line, linking Longyang Road Station with Pudong Airport. It uses electromagnetic suspension technology and has a design speed of 267 mph (430 km/h), while its normal operating speed is around 186 mph (300 km/h). The journey takes only 8 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel in Shanghai.
Category | Details |
English Name | Shanghai Maglev Train |
Chinese Name | 上海磁浮列车 (Shànghǎi Cífú Lièchē) |
Opened | 27 April 2006 |
Track Type | Maglev System |
Location | Shanghai, China |
Operating Hours | 6:45 – 21:42 |
Stations | Pudong International Airport Station – Longyang Road Station |
Number of Lines | 1 |
Line Length | 18.6 miles (30 km) |
Number of Stations | 2 |
Announcement Languages | Mandarin, English |
Ticket Price (Single Journey) | ¥50 |
Operator | Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd. |
Train Formation | 4 / 5 Sections |
Shanghai Maglev Train Speed
The Shanghai Maglev Train is the fastest commercial train in the world, with a top operational speed of 267 mph (430 km/h). In daily service, it usually runs at around 186 mph (300 km/h). The route between Longyang Road Station on Metro Line 2 and Pudong International Airport covers about 19 miles (30 km) in only 8 minutes.
Shanghai Maglev Train Route
The Shanghai Maglev Train runs for about 18.6 miles (30 km) between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Longyang Road Station in Pudong. The journey takes only 8 minutes.
The line has two stations: Longyang Road in the west and Pudong Airport (Terminals 1 & 2) in the east, with dual-track operation. Foreign visitors arriving at Pudong Airport can take the Maglev to Longyang Road Station and then transfer to the metro to reach the city centre.
- Longyang Road Station: Offers transfers to Metro Lines 2, 7, 16, and 18 for central Shanghai and beyond.
- Pudong International Airport Station: Provides transfer to Metro Line 2.
Shanghai Maglev Train Timetable
The Shanghai Maglev Train runs daily between Longyang Road and Pudong Airport. The first departure from Longyang Road is at 6:45 AM and the last at 9:40 PM, while from Pudong Airport the first train leaves at 7:02 AM and the last at 9:42 PM. Services operate every 15 to 20 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 186.4 mph (300 km/h). The timetable details are shown in the table below.
Longyang Road Station | |
First Train | 06:45 |
Last Train | 21:40 |
Interval | 06:45 – 07:00: 15 mins 07:00 – 21:40: 20 mins |
Max Speed | 186.4 mph (300 km/h) all day |
Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station | |
First Train | 07:02 |
Last Train | 21:42 |
Interval | 07:02 – 21:42: 20 mins |
Max Speed | 186.4 mph (300 km/h) all day |
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Shanghai Maglev Train Ticket & Price
The Shanghai Maglev Train offers different ticket prices depending on the seat type and purchase method. A standard single ticket costs ¥50, while a return ticket is ¥80. For VIP seats, a single ticket is ¥100 and a return ticket is ¥160. Passengers with a same-day flight ticket can buy one standard single ticket at a 20% discount for ¥40.
Additionally, each adult may accompany up to two children under 1.3 metres tall free of charge; any additional children require a full-price ticket. Unaccompanied school-age children are not allowed to travel.
Shanghai Maglev Train provides a variety of ticket options; for more details, see the table below.
Ticket Type | Details | Price (CNY) |
Single trip ticket | Valid for the Ordinary single trip ticket of the day | 50 |
Single trip ticket by presenting air-ticket of the same day | 20% off for same-day travellers with a valid flight ticket. | 40 |
Round trip ticket (Valid in 7 days) | Valid for the ordinary round trip ticket in 7 days | 80 |
VIP single trip ticket | Valid for the VIP single trip ticket of the day | 100 |
VIP round ticket (Valid in 7 days) | Valid for the VIP round trip ticket in 7 days | 160 |
Voucher for single-trip ticket | Can be exchanged to single-trip ticket at the Long Yang Road Station or Pudong Int’l Airport Station | 50 |
Voucher for Round-trip ticket | Can be exchanged to rounde-trip ticket at the Long Yang Road Station or Pudong Int’l Airport Station | 80 |
30 trips | 30 trips valid for single trips (ordinary class) on maglev train within one year from the date of purchase | 900 |
How to Buy Shanghai Maglev Train Tickets?
You can buy Shanghai Maglev Train tickets in several ways: at the station through ticket windows or machines, online via official and third-party platforms, or by using transport cards and bank cards. Ticket prices start from 50 yuan, and passengers with a same-day flight ticket can enjoy a 40-yuan discount for a standard single trip.
Trip.com Online Booking
Ticket Type | Seat Type | Price | |
Trip.com single trip ticket | Individual (Standard Seat) | £5.19 | |
Trip.com round-trip ticket | Individual (Standard Seat) | £8.31 |
On-site Purchase
- Ticket counters: Available at Longyang Road Station and Pudong Airport Station; accept cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Special tickets (e.g. child, group) are issued here.
- Ticket machines: Support QR code payment and issue standard tickets (50 RMB) or discounted tickets (40 RMB) with flight info. Instructions are in Chinese and English.
Online Purchase
- Official app: Buy tickets via Metro Dàdūhuì app, get a QR code, and scan to enter—no paper ticket needed.
- Third-party platforms: Trip.com, Ctrip, Qunar, and others allow booking with flights. Electronic tickets can be collected at ticket machines.
Transport Cards and Passes
- Shanghai Public Transport Card: Tap to enter, single ticket price 40 RMB.
- Combo tickets: Options like Maglev + Metro 24-hour pass (45 RMB) are convenient for tourists.
Mobile and Bank Payments
- Metro app QR code: Standard single ticket 50 RMB (no flight discount).
- Bank cards / Digital RMB wallet: UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, or digital RMB card can be used directly at gates, single ticket 50 RMB, but flight discount not available.
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Shanghai Maglev Train FAQs
Where can I take the Shanghai Maglev Train?
You can board it at Pudong International Airport or Longyang Road Station in Pudong.
How much does it cost to ride the Shanghai Maglev?
Tickets range from ¥50–100 for a single trip and ¥80–160 for a return, depending on seat type.
How fast is the Shanghai Maglev Train?
It can reach 267 mph (430 km/h), with a normal service speed of about 186 mph (300 km/h).
How to buy a Shanghai Maglev Train ticket?
Tickets are available at station counters, machines, official and third-party apps, or by using transport cards and bank cards.
When was the Shanghai Maglev Train built?
Construction began on 31 December 2002, and it entered commercial service on 27 April 2006.
How does the Shanghai Maglev Train work?
It uses powerful electromagnets for levitation, guidance, and propulsion, allowing frictionless high-speed travel.
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