Shanghai Maglev Train Guide: Tickets, Schedule, Route & Price

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.

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 is located BETWEEN Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Pudong International Airport.

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 Temple
• Metro Line 7 – Jing’an Temple, Shanghai Expo Center (Houtan)
• Metro Line 16 – Southeast Suburbs (Nanhui / Dishui Lake)
• Metro Line 18 - Longyang Road Hub, Shanghai Museum East, Wujiaochang / University District (Fudan & SUFE)

Source from China Maps

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.

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.

🎈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.

The actual discount is 20% off for passengers presenting a same-day airline ticket or boarding pass.

Discounts are valid for both one-way and round-trip tickets.

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.

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.

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: 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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