Shanghai Maglev Guide: Tickets, Timetable & How to Ride

The Shanghai Maglev is the world's first commercially operated magnetic levitation train line, reaching a top speed of ​​431 km/h (268 mph)​​. If you want to ride Shanghai Maglev, Read this article and know everything about it before your Shanghai trip!

Shanghai Maglev Basic Info

The Shanghai Maglev Train is a maglev train line in Shanghai and part of the Shanghai rail transit system. The Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Operation Line utilizes German Transrapid technology and can reach a maximum speed of 431 km/h, making it the first and currently the only commercially operated high-speed maglev train line in the world.

Currently, the line connects Longyang Road Station and Pudong International Airport without any intermediate stops.

Features of Maglev Trains

Shanghai Maglev | Magnetic Levitation

This is the core technology. The train is lifted above the track (or guideway) by powerful electromagnets, eliminating physical contact.

• ​​Eliminates Friction:​​ Without wheels touching the track, the only significant friction is air resistance. This allows for dramatically higher speeds and greater efficiency.
• ​​Smooth and Quiet Ride:​​ The absence of mechanical contact means a much smoother, quieter ride compared to wheeled rail systems.

Shanghai Maglev | Very High Speeds

Due to the near-total elimination of friction, maglev trains are capable of incredible speeds.

• ​​Operational Speed:​​ The Shanghai Maglev, for instance, has a top operational speed of ​​431 km/h (268 mph)​​.
• ​​Record Speed:​​ Maglev technology has achieved record speeds exceeding ​​600 km/h (373 mph)​​ in test runs, making it a competitor for short-haul air travel.

Shanghai Maglev | Low Noise and Vibration

The quiet operation is a major advantage, especially in urban and suburban areas. The primary source of sound at high speed is the train moving through the air, not the rumble of wheels on tracks.

Shanghai Maglev | High Efficiency and Low Energy Consumption

While the initial energy required for acceleration is high, maintaining high speed requires relatively less energy because there is no rolling friction to overcome. Energy is primarily used to overcome air resistance and for the electromagnetic systems.

✅Get a reliable eSIM data plan - you'll need internet for checking metro routes, schedules, and access to X/ins/YT/Whatsapp.

What are Shanghai Maglev Ticket Prices?

Shanghai Maglev Train - Timetable & Opening Hours

Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule & Information

Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule (From Pudong International Airport)​​

Shanghai Maglev Information & Tips

• ​​Operating Hours:​​
• • ​​Pudong Airport Station:​​ 6:45 AM - 9:40 PM
  • ​​Longyang Road Station:​​ 6:45 AM - 9:40 PM
  • Always check the official website for the latest schedule, especially around holidays.
• ​​Journey Time:​​
• • The trip takes ​​just 7-8 minutes​​.

Shanghai Maglev vs. Metro vs. Light Rail

How to Ride Shanghai Maglev

Source from Unsplash

Shanghai Maglev | 1. Know the Route & Stations

The Maglev has only two stations:

• ​​Pudong International Airport Station:​​ Located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It's easily accessible via walkways from both terminals.
• ​​Longyang Road Station:​​ This is the downtown terminus. It's a major transportation hub where you can transfer to Shanghai Metro Line 2, Line 7, and Line 16, as well as buses and taxis.

Shanghai Maglev | 2. Choose Your Ticket

• The standard one-way ticket costs 50 RMB. A round-trip ticket, valid for 7 days, is 80 RMB.
• Passengers with a same-day flight ticket can purchase a discounted one-way ticket for 40 RMB. Holders of a Shanghai Public Transportation Card can also tap to pay the 40 RMB fare directly.

Shanghai Maglev | 3. Where and How to Buy Tickets

• ​​At the Station:​​ The easiest way. There are clearly marked ticket counters and self-service machines at both the Pudong Airport and Longyang Road stations. Staff at the counters usually speak basic English.
• ​​Online:​​ Tickets and vouchers can sometimes be purchased through travel apps like Trip.com or the official WeChat channel, often at a slight discount.
• ​​Using a Transport Card:​​ If you have a Shanghai Public Transportation Card, you can simply tap it at the gate, and it will deduct the discounted fare of ¥40.

Shanghai Maglev | 4. Boarding the Train

The process is very similar to taking a metro or high-speed train:

1. ​​Purchase​​ your ticket at the counter or machine.
2. ​​Insert​​ your ticket into the gate (or tap your transport card).
3. ​​Retrieve​​ your ticket from the gate (keep it.
4. ​​Go down​​ to the platform. Trains depart frequently (every 15-20 minutes).
5. ​​Board the train.​​ Find a seat and store your luggage.
6. ​​Enjoy the ride!​​ Watch the speedometer display as it rapidly climbs past 300 km/h and up to 431 km/h. The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet.

Shanghai Maglev | 5. Upon Arrival

• When you arrive at your destination station, ​​insert your ticket into the gate again​​ to exit. (The gate will keep the ticket this time).
• If you used a Public Transport Card, simply ​​tap it again​​ to exit.

Where to Stay in Shanghai?