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.
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What are Shanghai Maglev Ticket Prices?
Ticket Type | Description | Price (CNY) |
Standard Single-Trip Ticket | Valid for a one-way trip in standard class on the day of purchase. | 50 |
Standard Round-Trip Ticket (7-day) | Valid for a round trip in standard class between Longyang Road Station and Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2 within 7 days. | 80 |
VIP Single-Trip Ticket | Valid for a one-way trip in VIP class on the day of purchase. | 100 |
VIP Round-Trip Ticket (7-day) | Valid for a round trip in VIP class between Longyang Road Station and Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2 within 7 days. | 160 |
Shanghai Public Transportation Card | Tap the card to enter for a standard single trip (deducts CNY 40 per ride). | 40 |
Maglev Pass (Multiple Ride Card) | 30 standard single trips (Original value CNY 1500). | 900 |
Shanghai Maglev Train - Timetable & Opening Hours
Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule & Information
Category | Time/Period | Details |
Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule (From Pudong International Airport)
Category | Time/Period | Details |
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
Type | Main Characteristics | Capacity (passengers/hour/direction) | Track & Right-of-Way |
Metro | Heavy rail, high-capacity system. Operates on exclusive grade-separated routes (underground, elevated, or at-grade). Multi-car trains with high speed/acceleration, advanced signaling, and high platforms. | 40,000 - 60,000 | Heavyweight tracks (e.g., 60 kg/m). Fully exclusive right-of-way. |
Light Rail (LR) | Lighter-weight rail system compared to metro. Smaller vehicles, lower capacity. | 20,000 - 30,000 | Lighter tracks (e.g., 50 kg/m). Often has dedicated lanes but may share roads in sections. |
Maglev | Uses magnetic levitation for propulsion and movement without wheels. | High (exact varies) | Specialized guideway. Fully exclusive. |
How to Ride Shanghai Maglev
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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:
- Purchase your ticket at the counter or machine.
- Insert your ticket into the gate (or tap your transport card).
- Retrieve your ticket from the gate (keep it.
- Go down to the platform. Trains depart frequently (every 15-20 minutes).
- Board the train. Find a seat and store your luggage.
- 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?
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FAQs about Shanghai Maglev
Is Shanghai Maglev the fastest train in the world?
No, the Shanghai Maglev is not currently the fastest train in the world because its operational speed was reduced to 300 km/h (186 mph) in 2021, and there are faster trains in commercial service and development. While it was once the fastest commercially operating train with a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph), other conventional high-speed trains, like the TGV, have reached higher speeds, and other Maglev projects are pushing the technology further.How much does it cost to ride the Shanghai Maglev?
A Shanghai Maglev single trip costs 50 RMB for an ordinary seat and 100 RMB for a VIP seat. A round trip costs 80 RMB for an ordinary seat and 160 RMB for a VIP seat. Discounts are available for same-day flight passengers, reducing the ordinary single trip fare to 40 RMB.Is maglev faster than TGV?
Been on the Shanghai Maglev. It was fast 422kph but only about 30 km in length. The French TGV goes about 100 kph slower, but looking outside from either made me motion sick.How long is the Shanghai Maglev trip?
The journey takes 8 minutes and 10 seconds to complete the distance of 30 km (18.6 mi). A train can reach 300 km/h (186 mph) in 2 minutes and 15 seconds, while the historical maximum operational speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) could be reached after 4 minutes.