Shanghai Maglev Train: Speed Through the City at 430 km/h

Claim to Fame

The Shanghai Maglev Train, launched in 2004, is the world’s first commercial high-speed maglev system—co-developed with German Transrapid—and it still holds the title for the fastest operational train, cruising at 430 km/h across its 30 km airport-to-city route.

📌 Navigating Shanghai Maglev Train : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Washrooms are available at the stations for passenger convenience.
Hours of Operation: The train operates from 6:45 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with frequent departures.
Important Information: It's advisable to check the schedule and ticket availability in advance, especially during peak travel times.
Admission Fee: There is an admission fee for riding the Maglev Train, with prices varying based on the route and class of service.
How Long to Visit: A ride on the Maglev Train typically lasts about 7-8 minutes one way, but you may want to allocate additional time for station activities.
Parking: Parking is available at the Longyang Road Station, where you can find both surface and underground parking options.
Family Friendly: The experience is family friendly, offering a unique and exciting ride suitable for all ages.
Photography: Photography is allowed on the train, and the views of the city and the train's speed make for great photo opportunities.
WIFI: Free WIFI is available at the Maglev stations, enhancing your experience while you wait.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area, but the surrounding parks and public spaces near the stations can be used.
Handicap Accessible: The Shanghai Maglev Train is handicap accessible, with facilities to assist passengers with mobility challenges.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on the Maglev Train for safety and hygiene reasons.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are not typically offered specifically for the Maglev, but information is available at the stations.
Restaurant or Cafe: There are no restaurants or cafes directly on the train, but options are available at the Longyang Road Station.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is located at the Longyang Road Station, offering souvenirs and memorabilia related to the Maglev train.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Shanghai Maglev Train

The Maglev (magnetic levitation) train connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes, floating about 1 cm above the track using powerful electromagnets—an engineering marvel that eliminates friction and ensures a silent, ultra‑smooth ride.

What to Expect

Board at Pudong Airport (between Terminals 1 & 2) or Longyang Road metro station. Expect a clean, airplane-style interior with wide seats, luggage racks, and expansive windows. Trains depart roughly every 15–20 minutes from around 06:45 to 21:40, miles-per-minute acceleration delivering a peak speed of 430 km/h before slowing as it approaches Longyang Road.

Background & Cultural Context

Conceived during Shanghai's rapid development, the Maglev was built in partnership with Germany’s Transrapid consortium. The 30.5 km demonstration line cost around US$1.2 billion and remains a symbol of China’s technological ambition and modern transport vision.

Best Time to Ride

Early morning trips (06:45–09:00) offer maximum quiet and clear views, while evenings (after 18:00) deliver cooler temperatures on the platform and a chance to watch the city lights from the elevated line. Avoid peak international arrivals to skip airport crowds.

How to Get There

At Pudong Airport, enter via the dedicated maglev station beside Metro Line 2. At Longyang Road, transfer easily to Metro lines 2, 7, 16, and 18 at the integrated transport hub.

Tickets & Fare

Standard one-way: ¥50 (≈US$7)｜Round-trip: ¥80
VIP one-way: ¥100｜VIP round-trip: ¥160
Air‑traveler discount: 20% off with same‑day flight ticket (¥40 one-way)
Maglev + Metro day passes from ¥55–85, offering subway access in downtown Shanghai

Photo Opportunities

Head-on shots of the sleek train levitating above its guideway
Interior shots of passengers watching cities blur past at 400+ km/h
The dramatic vault of Terminal‑station architecture at boarding platforms
View of Longyang Road tower glimpsed from the Maglev dashboard

Travel Tips

Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure to allow for airport-level security.
Choose the upper deck window seat for clear, unobstructed views.
Connect your trip seamlessly—transfer to metro lines at Longyang Road.
VIP tickets guarantee wider seats and quieter cabins, ideal after long flights.
Bring light snacks and water—no food carts available onboard.

FAQs

Is it really floating?
Yes—the train hovers 1 cm above the guideway via magnetic levitation, eliminating wheels and friction.

Is it worth the price?
For speed and novelty—definitely. At 8 minutes to downtown, it’s vastly faster and smoother than buses or taxis.

Can I use my metro card?
No—maglev uses a separate fare system; you’ll need a dedicated ticket or a maglev+metro day pass.

Final Thoughts

The Shanghai Maglev Train is a thrilling intersection of speed, innovation, and convenience—both a practical airport transfer and a signature bucket-list experience. Whether you’re catching your breath at 430 km/h or simply marveling at its silent glide, a ride on this train is an unforgettable introduction to modern China.

📘 Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: China follows China Standard Time (UTC +8) across the entire country, despite spanning five geographical time zones.

Weather: China has a vast range of climates due to its size. Northern regions experience cold, dry winters and hot summers, while southern areas are more subtropical with high humidity and rainfall. Major cities like Beijing have distinct seasons with hot summers and freezing winters.

Population: China has a population of over 1.4 billion people, making it the most populous country in the world. Major cities include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.

Size: China spans about 9.6 million square kilometers (3.7 million square miles), making it the fourth-largest country by area. Its terrain ranges from deserts and mountains to fertile river basins and dense urban centers.

Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua). Regional dialects such as Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Hokkien are also spoken. English is limited but increasing in major cities.

Currency: The currency used in China is the Renminbi (RMB), with the primary unit being the Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and stores, but mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used.

Safety: China is generally safe for travelers, though petty theft can occur in crowded areas. Visitors should follow local laws strictly, as enforcement can be strict.

Tipping: Tipping is not traditionally expected in China, though it is becoming more common in tourist services, high-end restaurants, and for tour guides.

Electricity and Plugs: Electricity in China is 220V, 50Hz. Plug types A, C, and I are used. Travelers should bring an adapter and possibly a converter for their devices.

Water: Tap water is not safe to drink in most parts of China. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for drinking and brushing teeth.

Annual Visitors: China receives around 30 million international visitors annually. Top attractions include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and scenic areas like Guilin and Zhangjiajie.

Visa Requirements: Most travelers need a visa to enter China, which must be obtained in advance. A valid passport with at least six months validity is required. Visa-free entry is allowed in certain cities for short transit stays.

Health & Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations are recommended, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis for long stays. Air pollution can be an issue in major cities.

Transportation: China has an extensive high-speed rail network and efficient metro systems in major cities. Taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps are also widely used.

Food: Chinese cuisine varies by region and includes dishes like Peking duck, Sichuan hotpot, dim sum, and dumplings. Street food is popular but should be chosen carefully.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Respect for elders and hierarchy is important in Chinese culture. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of traditions when visiting temples or homes.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is common in hotels and restaurants but often requires SMS verification. Many global websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is recommended for unrestricted internet access.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential for visiting China. It should cover medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations, especially in rural or remote areas with limited services.

Did You Know? - Facts About Shanghai Maglev Train

Each Maglev train consists of five carriages and can carry over 1,000 passengers per trip, reflecting a modern engineering marvel designed for 21st-century urban transit demands.

The technology behind the Maglev train is based on concepts first proposed in the 19th century, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that significant advancements made its implementation possible.

This train employs magnetic levitation technology, which allows it to glide above the tracks without physical contact, significantly reducing friction and leading to a smoother and quieter ride compared to conventional trains.

The Shanghai Maglev Train, inaugurated in 2004, holds the record for the fastest commercial train service in the world, reaching speeds of up to 431 kilometers per hour (268 miles per hour).

Covering a distance of 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) in just 7-8 minutes, the Shanghai Maglev connects the city center with the Pudong International Airport, making it a vital transport option for travelers.

Shanghai Maglev Train: Speed Through the City at 430 km/h