Shanghai Maglev Train

Why the Shanghai Maglev Train Is a Must-Try For Your Trip?
As one of the world’s few commercially operated maglev lines, the Shanghai Maglev Train stands out as a iconic blend of cutting-edge transportation technology and unique tourism appeal. Connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road Station— a key transportation hub in the city’s core—the shanghai maglev route offers visitors an unparalleled "speed experience" that has become a must-try highlight of any Shanghai trip. Unlike traditional trains or subways, the maglev train glides on a magnetic field, eliminating friction and allowing it to reach a top operational speed of 430 km/h. This not only makes it the fastest ground transportation option in Shanghai but also turns a simple airport transfer into an exciting sci-tech sightseeing activity. Whether you’re a family traveler, a tech enthusiast, or a visitor eager to maximize your time in the city, the maglev shanghai provides a seamless, efficient, and memorable way to start or end your Shanghai adventure.

How the Shanghai Maglev Train Came to Be
The idea of introducing maglev technology to Shanghai emerged in the late 1990s, driven by the city’s rapid economic growth and the need for a high-speed transportation link to support the expanding Pudong International Airport. In 2001, construction of the Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Line began, with technical cooperation from German companies specializing in maglev systems. After just over two years of construction, the line officially opened to the public on January 1, 2004, marking a milestone in China’s adoption of advanced rail technology. Initially designed as a "demonstration project" to showcase maglev’s potential, the shanghai maglev route quickly gained popularity among tourists and locals alike. Over the years, it has undergone minor upgrades to improve passenger comfort, enhance operational efficiency, and expand service options (such as discounted tickets for airport passengers). Today, it remains a symbol of Shanghai’s innovation and a key part of the city’s tourism and transportation ecosystem.

Why It’s a Must-Experience for Tourists?
The Shanghai Maglev Train stands out as one of the world’s rare commercially operated maglev lines, seamlessly integrating "transportation + sci-tech experience" into a single journey. For time-sensitive tourists, it offers the "ultra-fast first ride" from the airport to the city center, drastically cutting down travel time. Its unique high-speed experience, like the exhilarating visual thrill of reaching 430 km/h, has also transformed it into a sought-after social media "check-in" spot, making it an absolute must-try for travelers.

Core Tourism Positioning
1. A dual-functional carrier of Shanghai’s "efficient transportation + sci-tech sightseeing".
2. A fast corridor connecting Pudong International Airport to the city’s core business districts.
3. An ideal choice for family travelers, tech lovers, and visitors seeking efficient travel.

Route & Stations
*Route Endpoints: Pudong International Airport Station - Longyang Road Station, covering high-frequency tourist routes.
*Length & Travel Time: Approximately 30 km, with a total travel time of only 8 minutes, offering a time advantage compared to taxis or subways.
*Intermediate Stops: No stops in between, enabling direct access to key transfer hubs and avoiding detours for tourists.

Tourism Service Guide for the Two Stations
Pudong International Airport Station
*Location: Connection points within the airport terminals (guidance on finding the maglev entrance from T1/T2 terminals).
*In-Station Services: Locations of ticket windows/self-service machines, luggage storage areas, and tourism information desks.
*Transfer Options: Guidance to airport shuttle buses, taxi stands, and ride-hailing pickup zones.

Longyang Road Station
*Location: Transfer corridors to Metro Lines 2/7/16 (walking routes and signpost guidance).
*In-Station Services: Tourist souvenir shops, temporary rest areas, and restroom locations.
*Nearby Attractions/Routes: Surrounding business districts (e.g., Zhengda Le City), and transfer plans to Lujiazui/Shanghai Disneyland.

Riding Experience: Exclusive Guide for Tourists
Ticketing Guide (Including Discounts)
1. One-Way Ordinary Ticket: 50 CNY, available for all passengers and purchasable on-site or online; passengers can buy it at 40 CNY if they show the same-day airplane tickets or boarding pass for Pudong International Airport.
2. Round-Trip Ordinary Ticket: 80 CNY, valid for 7 days and cost-saving for tourists returning to the airport.
3. Airport Combo Ticket: Price varies, combines a maglev ticket with an airport shuttle bus ticket, and is available at ticket counters.
4. Children/Elderly Ticket: 25 CNY, applicable to children (1.2-1.5m tall) and seniors (65+ with ID), offering a 50% discount.
5. One-Way VIP Ticket: 100 CNY, provides access to an exclusive waiting area, priority boarding, and enhanced in-train service.
6. Round-Trip VIP Ticket: 160 CNY, includes all VIP benefits for both journeys and is valid for use within 48 hours from the first validation.
Note:Passengers can buy a single trip ticket (standard class) at 40 Yuan, if they show their airplane tickets (or boarding pass) arriving or departing Pudong Int. Airport of the same day of taking the maglev train.

Riding Process (Pitfall Avoidance Tips)
1. Security Check
Prohibited Items List: Avoid delays caused by carrying restricted items (e.g., sharp objects, oversized liquids).
Fast-Track Access: Eligibility for fast-track security (e.g., elderly passengers, families with young children).

2. Waiting Tips
Departure Intervals: 5-minute intervals during peak hours, 10-minute intervals during off-peak hours (refer to maglev shanghai timetable for updates).
Best Viewing Carriages: First/last carriages (offer views of the driver’s cab for a more immersive experience).

3. On-Board Experience
Seat Selection: Window seats for the best high-speed view; aisle seats for easier access with luggage.
Photography Tips: Avoid glass reflections by adjusting angles or using anti-reflection settings on cameras.
Announcement Languages: Chinese and English (convenient for international tourists).

4. Carriage & Seat Details 
*Carriage Design: Spacious interior with large windows (maximizing viewing opportunities), clean and modern decor, and clear signposts for luggage areas.
*Seat Features: Ergonomic design with soft cushions (enhancing comfort during the short ride), adjustable backrests, and small armrests with cup holders.
*Luggage Storage: Dedicated racks at the ends of each carriage (for large suitcases) and overhead compartments (for small bags), ensuring no obstruction to passenger movement.
*Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seats and wide aisles to accommodate passengers with special needs.

5. Safety & Comfort Tips
*Luggage Handling: Locations of large luggage racks (at carriage ends) and tips for securing personal items.
*Physical Adaptation: Brief notice of slight sensations during acceleration/braking (to ease passenger anxiety).
*Special Needs Support: Information on accessible routes, baby care rooms, and emergency assistance methods.

Practical Information
1. Longyang Road Station
*First Train: Departs at 06:45.
*Last Train: Departs at 21:40.
*Service Interval: 15 minutes from 06:45 to 07:00; 20 minutes from 07:00 to 21:40.
*Maximum Speed: 300 km/h all day.

2. Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2 Station
*First Train: Departs at 07:02.
*Last Train: Departs at 21:42.
*Service Interval: 20 minutes from 07:02 to 21:42.
*Maximum Speed: 300 km/h all day.

Holiday Adjustments: Extended operation hours and additional trains during Spring Festival/National Day; query channels include the official WeChat account and station announcements.

3. Tips
The maglev ticket has date printed on it. Please be sure to get to the ticket examiner in the maglev stations at least five minutes before the departure time of the train you plan to take on the day.

If you are curious about the maglev train, you can go to Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum at the bottom of Longyang Rd. Maglev Station in Pudong New Area. The museum opened in the summer of 2007 is built to exhibit the history, actuality and future of maglev technology as well as the advantages of Maglev Train.

4. Ticket Purchase
Passengers can buy tickets on the day they want to take the train.
Longyang Rd. Station Ticket Center: 2nd floor of Longyang Rd. Station
Pudong Int. Airport Ticket Center: 2nd floor of Terminal 2 at Pudong Int. Airport. 

5. Third-Party Booking Platforms
For a seamless booking experience, consider using the following platforms:
Trip.com: www.trip.com
KKday: www.kkday.com
Klook: www.klook.com
Viator: www.viator.com
These platforms allow you to book tickets in advance, often with the option to receive a QR code for easy access at the station.

6. Friendly Reminder
*Please pay attention to the first and last train times of your transfer line to avoid delays. Tickets for the last train stop selling three minutes before it arrives at the station.
*Some Shanghai Metro lines have multiple first trains. When traveling and transferring, please pay attention to the first train times at the starting and ending stations of each line. For assistance, please contact the Shanghai Rail Transit Network Service Supervision Hotline at 021-64370000.
*Starting April 28, 2023, Lines 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13, a total of six lines, will operate extended hours on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays).
*Features: Offers detailed information on ticket types, fares, and the latest timetable.
*Booking: Currently, the official site does not support direct online ticket purchases.

What Makes the Shanghai Maglev Train Stand Out
The Shanghai Maglev Train represents a pinnacle of modern transportation engineering, embodying the synergy of technological innovation and sustainable mobility. As the world's first commercially operational high-speed magnetic levitation line, it not only showcases China's prowess in advanced transit systems but also redefines urban travel paradigms. By eliminating traditional wheel-rail friction, the Maglev achieves whisper-quiet, energy-efficient operation, setting a new standard for eco-friendly high-speed transit.

For tourists, this marvel of engineering translates into a multi-faceted travel experience. Its unprecedented speed—zooming at up to 430 km/h—slashes travel time between Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station to a mere 7 minutes, liberating precious hours for exploration. Beyond efficiency, the Maglev offers a thrilling glimpse into the future of transportation; the smooth, gravity-defying ride itself becomes an attraction, adding a sense of wonder to any Shanghai itinerary. With user-friendly ticketing kiosks, seamless connections to metro lines, and bilingual signage, it breaks down language and logistical barriers, ensuring a stress-free journey for both domestic and international travelers. This combination of practicality, novelty, and technological allure makes the Shanghai Maglev Train not just a mode of transport, but an integral part of the city's tourism tapestry.

Tour The Shanghai Maglev Train with Your Way Holiday
We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. You will be escorted during your tour. Transport, ticket, and dining (At some local restaurants popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Shanghai Tours including The Bund as below: 

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Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? We have more Shanghai tours. Our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Shanghai experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.