Shanghai Maglev Train is the fastest way between Shanghai downtown and PVG Airport—380km/h speed, 7-minute ride, 50CNY one-way ticket, operating hours 6:45-21:52, how to buy tickets.
What Is the Shanghai Maglev Train? Facts & Speed
The Shanghai Maglev Train is the world’s first commercial high-speed maglev line—if you’re traveling between downtown Shanghai and Pudong International Airport (PVG), it’s one of the fastest options you can take. It uses magnetic levitation to hover about 1cm above the track, which gets rid of friction and lets it go way faster than subways or taxis. Its top operating speed is around 380 km/h (it’s designed for 430 km/h), and it covers the 30km trip in just 7 minutes and 20 seconds.
- Speed: It’s the fastest commercial passenger maglev in the world right now (around 380 km/h). Since it doesn’t touch the track, it’s also quieter and wears out less over time.
- Track Design: The track has a turning radius of 8,000 meters—so it looks almost straight to the eye. The shortest section of track is 1,300 meters, which means you won’t feel any bumpy or uncomfortable turns.
- Comfort for Passengers: The windows use special “deceleration glass” that cuts down on motion blur, so you won’t get dizzy looking outside. There’s also soundproofing along the track to keep noise down for people living nearby.
Shanghai Maglev Train - Ticket Reviews Online
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Shanghai Maglev Train: Route, Stations & Operating Hours
When you’re planning to take the maglev, knowing the route and schedule is key—especially if you’re rushing to catch a flight or get into the city from the airport. The line runs direct with no stops, so getting your timing right helps avoid delays.
Shanghai Maglev Train - Route & Stations
- Longyang Road Station (West End): It’s at 2100 Longyang Road in Pudong. It connects straight to Shanghai Metro Line 2—so you can easily switch to Line 2 to go to People’s Square, Hongqiao Airport, or other downtown areas. To get there from the metro: exit Line 2 through Gate 1, then walk 300 meters (about 3 minutes) to the maglev station.
- Pudong Airport Station (East End): It’s right near PVG’s Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). From the station, it takes 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the check-in counters at either terminal. Just follow the “Maglev Train” signs inside the airport—they’re easy to spot.
Shanghai Maglev Train - Operating Hours & Schedule
The schedule lines up with most flight times, but there might be changes during holidays (like Chinese New Year). To be safe, check the official “Shanghai Maglev Train” WeChat account for real-time updates.
Direction | First Train | Last Train | Peak-Hour Gaps (7:00–9:00 AM, 6:00–8:00 PM) | Off-Peak Gaps (Other Times) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Longyang Road → PVG | 6:45 AM | 9:52 PM | 15–20 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
PVG → Longyang Road | 7:02 AM | 9:42 PM | 15–20 minutes | 30–40 minutes |
Shanghai Maglev Train: Ticket Prices & Discounts
Knowing how much tickets cost and what discounts you can get makes it easier to plan your budget—whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or in a group.
Basic Ticket Prices
All prices are in Chinese Yuan (CNY); as of 2025, 1 CNY is roughly 0.14 USD.
Ticket Type | Price (CNY) | How Long It’s Valid | Who Can Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
One-Way (Standard) | 50 | Same day you buy it | Anyone over 1.3 meters tall |
Round-Trip (Standard) | 80 | 7 days from purchase | Anyone over 1.3 meters tall |
How to Get Discounts
- Free Tickets for Kids: Each adult can bring up to 2 kids under 1.3 meters tall for free. If you have more than 2 kids, any extra kids over 1.3 meters will need a one-way ticket (50 CNY each).
- Group Discount: If you’re traveling with 10 or more people, you get 10% off—so one-way tickets cost 45 CNY each. You need to book this 1 day in advance by calling the station service desk (+86 21 2890 7777).
- Combination Packages: Platforms like Trip.com sell “maglev + airport shuttle” deals (around 55–60 CNY for a one-way trip). These include a ride from Longyang Road Station to your downtown hotel—great if you have heavy luggage.
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How to Buy Shanghai Maglev Train Tickets
You can buy tickets either on-site (good if you’re making a last-minute plan) or online (better if you want to skip lines). Pick the way that works best for your schedule.
Buying Tickets On-Site
- Where to Buy:
- The staff at the ticket Windows of Longyang Road Station or PVG Station can speak basic English, so if you need help, you can ask them for assistance.
- Self-service machine: Just select "English" on the screen. They accept cash, Alipay, bbbpay and UnionPay cards.
- How to Do It: Choose whether you want a one-way ticket or a round-trip ticket, state how many tickets you need, pay, and then pick up your physical ticket. You need this ticket to pass through the revolving door, so don't lose it.
Buying Tickets Online
- Official Way: Search for the “Shanghai Maglev Train” WeChat account (in Chinese: 上海磁悬浮列车). Go to the “Ticket Service” (购票服务) section, pick your travel date and direction, enter your details, and pay.
- Third-Party Platforms: Sites like Trip.com often have small discounts. Search for “Shanghai Maglev Ticket,” fill in your details (foreigners need to enter their passport number), and then pay.
- Important Note: You must make an online reservation at least 1 day in advance. After booking your ticket, you will receive a QR code or order number. Use it to pick up your physical ticket at the station.
Picking Up Pre-Booked Tickets
- Find the self-service ticket vending machines at Longyang Road Station or PVG Station.
- Scan your QR code, or enter your order number and phone number.
- Pick up your physical ticket and keep it safe - you'll need it when you get out of the station.
How to Ride the Shanghai Maglev Train
Even if you have never taken a maglev before, it is very simple to ride it. Follow these steps and you won't get into trouble.
- Get to the Maglev Station
- From downtown: Take Metro Line 2 to Longyang Road Station, exit through Gate 1, then walk 300 meters to the maglev station.
- From PVG Airport: Walk from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to the maglev station and follow the signs. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Enter the Station & Go Through Security
- Put your luggage on the X-ray machine and then pass it through the metal detector. The security check rules are the same as those for the subway or airport: no liquids exceeding 100 milliliters are allowed, and no sharp objects are permitted.
- Scan your physical ticket at the revolving door - it will pop out on the other side, so don't forget to get it back.
- Wait for Your Train
- Check the screen at the checkpoint to see when your train leaves and on which track it is (for example: "Next train to PVG: 10:15 a.m., Track 2").
- There is no designated seat - just pick an empty one. If you have large luggage, use the luggage rack near the door.
- Ride the Train & Exit
- Let the passengers get off the train first before boarding. The whole journey only takes 7 minutes. There is also a USB port under the seat for your convenience to charge your mobile phone.
- When you arrive at your station, scan your ticket at the exit turnstile. Then head to the next destination - the subway (from Longyang Road) or the airport terminal (from PVG).
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FAQs about Shanghai Maglev Train
Is the Shanghai Maglev Train the fastest train in the world?
Yes, it’s the fastest commercial passenger maglev train in operation (≈380 km/h). Experimental trains (e.g., Japan’s L0 Series) have higher speeds but aren’t used for daily travel.Is the Shanghai Maglev faster than a plane for PVG trips?
Yes. The maglev takes 7 minutes (plus 30–40 mins for station transfers), while planes require 2 hours of earlier check-in/security—making the maglev quicker for this short route.What if I miss the last maglev train?
Metro Line 2: Last train from PVG to downtown departs at 10:30 PM (≈1 hour to People’s Square). Airport Shuttle Bus: 24/7 night buses to downtown (≈1 hour, 30 CNY). Taxi: 150–200 CNY from PVG to downtown (≈40 mins, depending on traffic).Can foreigners buy tickets on 12306?
No. 12306 is for high-speed rail (HSR) tickets only. Foreigners can use Trip.com (with passport numbers) or buy on-site.