The Shanghai Maglev Train is one of the world’s fastest—and most iconic—ways to enter Shanghai. This guide breaks down everything travelers need: ticket options, exact schedule, where to board, luggage rules, travel tips, and when the Maglev is worth taking compared with taxis or the metro.
What Is the Shanghai Maglev Train?
The Shanghai Maglev Train is one of the fastest ways to travel in the world. It connects Pudong International Airport (PVG) with Longyang Road Station in just a few minutes. The train uses magnetic levitation technology—so it “floats” above the track without wheels.What you need to know is that the Shanghai Maglev train is renowned for its speed.
- During peak hours, it can reach a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph), making it the world's fastest commercially available train.
- Even during non-peak hours, it still runs at impressive high speeds.
- The entire journey takes only 7-8 minutes, faster than taking a taxi, subway, or ride-hailing service from the airport.
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Shanghai Maglev Train Route & Map
The Shanghai Maglev train has a simple and direct route, connecting Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Pudong Longyang Road Station without stopping at any stations in between. It takes less than ten minutes to travel directly from the airport to the city center.
Pudong Airport Maglev Station
The Maglev station at Pudong International Airport is located inside Terminal 2, one floor higher than the subway station.
There are clear signs from the arrival hall to the Maglev entrance, so you don't need to go outside or take a shuttle bus.
The station features:
- Ticket counters and self-service machines
- Security checks
- Big display boards showing upcoming departures
- Elevators and ramps for easy luggage handling
Longyang Road Maglev Station
Longyang Road Station is the city terminus of the Pudong Maglev Train. It takes approximately 20-25 minutes by subway or taxi from major attractions such as Lujiazui, the Bund, and People's Square.
From here you can directly transfer to:
- Metro Line 2 – Lujiazui, People’s Square, Jing’an
- Metro Line 7 – Jing’an Temple, Shanghai Expo Center
- Metro Line 16 – Southeast suburbs
Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule
Shanghai Maglev Train - First & Last Train
What you need to know is that the first and last buses are easy to remember.
Route | First Train | Last Train | Notes |
Pudong Airport (PVG) → Longyang Road | ~07:00 | ~21:40–22:00 | Times may vary slightly on holidays |
Longyang Road → Pudong Airport (PVG) | ~06:45 | ~21:40 | Usually consistent; check on-site updates |
Shanghai Maglev Train - Peak vs Off-Peak Speeds
It's important to note that the maglev train doesn't operate at top speed all day; instead, it alternates between peak and off-peak hours.
Peak hours: Maximum speed reaches 431 km/h (268 mph).
Off-peak hours: Maximum speed is typically around 300 km/h (186 mph).
🎈Tips：If you want to experience the 431 km/h high-speed journey, it's recommended to ride during the day, as high-speed operation is more common during the day.
Shanghai Maglev Train - Frequency & Waiting Time
Trains typically run every 15 minutes, with more frequent service during peak hours.
Evening intervals may be slightly longer, but most passengers wait no more than 10 minutes.
With its fast departure speed and direct route, the Maglev train remains the fastest way to get to the airport, making it significantly faster than taxis and ride-hailing services, even during Shanghai's traffic congestion.
Shanghai Maglev Train Ticket Prices & How to Buy
Shanghai Maglev tickets are straightforward. Prices are fixed, and you can choose from several options depending on your trip.
Ticket | Price | Validity | Who Should Choose It | Notes |
One-way Ticket | RMB 50 | Same day only | Travelers taking a single trip or transferring to the metro | Child discounts available |
Round-trip Ticket | RMB 80 | 7 days from purchase | Travelers returning to PVG within a week | Must use the same passport; non-transferable |
🎈Tips: Both types of tickets are applicable to people taller than 1.3 meters.
Shanghai Maglev Train - How to get a discount
The Maglev provides easy discounts for international travelers and airline passengers.
- 10% off for passengers presenting a passport when buying a ticket.
- Airline boarding pass discount: Some airlines let you pay a lower fare if you show a same-day boarding pass.
- Discounts are valid for both one-way and round-trip tickets.
Using these discounts is straightforward. Simply show your passport or boarding pass at the ticket counter when purchasing your ticket.
Shanghai Maglev Train - Where to Buy Tickets
Purchasing Maglev tickets is quick and convenient. You have multiple options:
- Ticket counters at PVG and Longyang Road stations.
- Self-service machines with English instructions.
- Official Maglev service desks located inside the stations.
- Online platforms like Trip.com for advance bookings.
- Metro service windows if you’re buying a combo ticket with the metro.
- Each option is designed for convenience, making it easy for travelers to secure their ticket without hassle.
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How to ride the Shanghai Maglev train
Riding the Shanghai Maglev Train is easy. The process is quick, clear, and traveler-friendly.
You just follow the steps below, and you’ll be on the train in minutes.
- Follow the Maglev Signs at the Airport
- After landing at Pudong International Airport (PVG), simply follow the signs marked “Maglev.”
- They’re easy to spot, in both English and Chinese.
- No matter whether you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you can reach the station indoors—no need to step outside.
- Go Through a Simple Security Check
- Before reaching the platform, your luggage goes through a quick scan.
- It’s similar to the security process used in Shanghai’s metro system.
- The whole process is fast, and the line usually moves without any delay.
- Wait on the Platform
- Digital displays provide all the information you need:—the next departure and a live countdown.
- Boarding begins a few minutes before departure, so watch the screens closely.
- Board, Ride, and Transfer
- Boarding is easy, thanks to wide doors, a small platform gap, and plenty of space for luggage. Pick any available seat—there are no assigned seats.
- The ride is quick and comfortable, taking just 7–8 minutes to reach Longyang Road Station.
- After arrival, follow signs to Metro Lines 2, 7, or 16, or head to taxis and ride-hailing pick-up points.
🎈Tips:Keep your passport ready for discounts, use self-service machines to save time, and hold on to your ticket for exiting the station.
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China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend to use the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQ about Shanghai Maglev Train
Is Shanghai Maglev the fastest train in the world?
The Shanghai Maglev holds the world record as the fastest commercial train, blasting up to 431 km/h (268 mph). It’s the kind of speed where the cityscape blurs, the ride stays smooth, and you realize you’re covering miles in seconds.Is Shanghai Maglev worth it?
Experience an exceptionally smooth ride on the Shanghai Maglev as it climbs to 431 km/h. The 30-km run from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road is over in about 8 minutes—just enough time to watch the speed display jump before you’re already in the city.Is Shanghai Maglev still operating?
As of 2022, the Maglev’s operating hours haven’t changed. Service times remain the same, while Metro Line 2 continues to run from roughly 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM.Is Maglev faster than TGV?
Tried the Shanghai Maglev — it’s insanely fast (422 km/h!), even if the ride is over in a flash. The French TGV tops out about 100 km/h slower, but to be honest, both had the scenery whipping by so quickly it made me a little queasy.Is Shanghai maglev faster than a plane?
China’s new maglev prototype just clocked 650 km/h in tests. Since it glides above the track with almost no friction, the technology has the potential to reach speeds that could one day rival — or even beat — airplanes.