Shanghai’s Maglev Train Experience: Riding the Lightning

Written by Catherine | Updated November 22,2025

The Shanghai Maglev Train, sometimes referred to as the Shanghai transrapid maglev, is a technological wonder that links the city’s underground system and Pudong International Airport. Developed through Sino-German collaboration, this dedicated line is the first elevated maglev line for commercial operation and the first commercial maglev line overall. With speeds that are second only to aeroplane cruising speeds, this line is the first maglev train demonstration operation line in history.

The maglev train in Shanghai operates on a very straightforward scientific principle. It glides and levitates instead of using wheels, which removes friction. Using repulsive forces, the maglev train quickly turns on and off electromagnets to move its carriages at incredible speeds. It may sound like something out of a science fiction book to ride a wheelless train that moves silently between cities, but the “Maglev Train” has long succeeded in making this a reality.

Content Preview

• Shanghai Maglev Train Facts
• ‌‌Shanghai Maglev Route and Stops
• ‌Guide to Riding the Shanghai Maglev
• Facilities on the Trains
• How to Board the Train
• How to Get to the Meglev Train Station
• Take Maglev Train to Visit Major Attractions in Shanghai
• Helpful Tips
• Interesting Facts and FAQs about Shanghai Maglev Train
• Travel Shanghai with China Xian Tour

Shanghai Maglev Train Facts

• Chinese name:上海磁悬浮列车
• Pronunciation: Shanghai Cixuanfu Lieche
• Speed: Highest speed: 431 kph; average speed: 230 kph
• Distance: 30 kilometers
• How long does it take:within 8 minutes
• Frequency:15-20 minutes

‌‌Shanghai Maglev Route and Stops

Longyang Road Station and Shanghai Pudong International Airport are connected by the single line of the Shanghai Maglev Train. The entire trip takes only eight minutes, and the total distance is about 30.5 kilometres.

Two Stops

• Longyang Road Station:In the East China city of Shanghai, Longyang Road Station is one of the world’s major transportation hubs, as well as home to the Shanghai Maglev Train. Connecting the city’s growing underground system with Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s multi-layered transportation network, Longyang Road Station is a showpiece of the new Shanghai. Staying at Longyang Road Station positions you conveniently to an interchange to Line 2 to the People’s Square and Nanjing East Road in downtown Shanghai, as well as Line 7 to Hongqiao in the urban main area of Shanghai.
• The Shanghai Pudong International Airport Station:It is situated in the domestic concourse of the airport in Shanghai, China’s Pudong New Area. The Shanghai metro‘s Line 2 and long-distance buses are also conveniently accessible from Pudong International Airport Station.

Related reading: 15 Shanghai Facts You Need to Know Before You Go

Guide to Riding the Shanghai Maglev

Timetable (Operating Hours)

Shanghai Maglev Ticket Prices

The Shanghai Maglev Ticket Centre on the second floor of Longyang Road Station (No. 2100 Longyang Road), and on the second floor of Shanghai Pudong International Airport are where you can buy tickets. You can purchase motorcoach tickets while the train is out of service. In-person, same-day tickets can be purchased from the ticket centre on the day of travel.

Adult one-way tickets cost 50 RMB, while student tickets cost 25 RMB. Round-trip tickets cost 80 RMB and 40 RMB, respectively (student ID card required). Students and staff who present an airline ticket or pay with a Shanghai Public Transportation Card receive a 20% discount.

Where and How to Buy Shanghai Maglev Train Tickets

Where to Buy:

1. Ticket Offices

• Longyang Road Station
• Pudong International Airport Station

2. Self-Service Ticket Machines

• Find the machines in bothLongyang Road Station and the Maglev terminal at Pudong Airport.

How to Pay / Purchase:

• You can pay at the counters or via the self-serve machines. They wouldaccept cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank cards.
• Maglev & Metro Day Pass (“Maglev + Metro Pass”): This pass bundles a Maglev ride (either one-way or round-trip) with unlimited metro rides (24 hours). You can buy it at Maglev stations and also manyother metro stations across Shanghai.
• You may also pay withthe Shanghai Metro APP (or via QR code).

Facilities on the Trains

As one of the highly efficient and high-end vehicles in Shanghai transportation, the maglev train is also advanced in its inside facilities. The train carriages are enclosed, featuring a sleek and modern design. The interior typically has longitudinal seating arrangements. The seats are comfortable, offering a great view. The Shanghai Maglev inside is spacious, with ample place for passengers to move around and store their luggage.

Inside the carriages, there are also display screens that show train operation information and station announcements. It’s particularly thrilling to see the speed exceed 300 km/h. Watching the bustling streets of Shanghai swiftly pass by outside the window is definitely one of the must-experience moments.

How to Board the Train

Riding the Maglev Train is pretty simple. When you arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, follow the signs to the Maglev terminal in the airport basement. Buy tickets from either the ticket window or vending machines in the waiting area by the platform. Then, wait for the train in the waiting area for the train to arrive every 15 to 20 minutes. When the train arrives, board it when staff members tell you to.

The final destination is Longyang Road Station in the city where you can switch to a subway or other transportation. Verify the latest schedules and prices before you travel. A help desk is also available at the airport with staff that can help.

How to Get to the Meglev Train Station

If you arrive at Pudong International Airport, you can easily find the Maglev station by following the signs inside the airport. The station is ideally situated inside the airport’s interior corridor. Transfers from a number of underground lines (such as Lines 2, 7, 16, or 18) to the Maglev are available for those at Longyang Road Station.

Exit at Longyang Road Station and proceed to Exit 3 if you’re travelling on Lines 2 or 7. A sign will point you in the direction of an escalator that will take you to the Maglev station. The Maglev station can be found by crossing the flyover and following the station’s transfer signs to Exit 10 if you’re on Lines 16 or 18.

Take Maglev Train to Visit Major Attractions in Shanghai

Yuyuan Garden

Take the Maglev Train to Longyang Road Station. Transfer to Shanghai Metro Line 2 and get off at Yuyuan Garden Station (Line 10). Exit 1 is the closest. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the garden.

The Bund

Take the Maglev Train to Longyang Road Station, change to the metro and take Shanghai Metro Line 2. Get out at East Nanjing Road Station, continue walking on Nanjing Road for another 5 minutes to The Bund.

Nanjing Road

Take the Maglev Train to the Longyang Road Station. Change to Shanghai Metro Line 2 and get off at East Nanjing Road Station. You will be in the middle of Nanjing Road.

Disney

Take the Maglev Train to Longyang Road Station. Transfer to Shanghai Metro Line 11 and get off at Disneyland Station. It’s a direct ride and you’ll be at the entrance of Shanghai Disney Resort.

√ Related readings: How to plan your Shanghai tour?

Helpful Tips

There is no way to reserve a seat in advance as there is no reservation system in place. The carriages may not have many seats during busy periods or on holidays.

• Don’t forget to bring proof of identity, like your passport or ID card. You must present your ID for real-name verification whether you buy your tickets online or in person.
• The Maglev Train is arguably the greatest way to get to the city centre if you fly to Shanghai and land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. BTW, you should take full advantages of China’s visa-free transit policywhen travling Shanghai.
• If you are a lover for maglev technology, you should see the Shanghai Maglev Museum. It is formally called the Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum, and is located on the ground floor of the Maglev Train’s Longyang Road Station. The exhibits there are very in-depth.
• Since it is that easy to get just about anywhere from Longyang Road Station, if you are visiting Shanghaion business, it would be great to rent a hotel near the Maglev Station.

√ Related readings: Top Things to Do in Shanghai

Interesting Facts and FAQs about Shanghai Maglev Train

Is Shanghai Maglev the Fastest Train in the World

When it comes to speed, the Shanghai Maglev Train is among the world’s fastest commercially run maglev train systems.

How Long Does it Take to Ride the Shanghai Maglev

The whole journey takes only about 7 minutes and 20 seconds.

What’s the Fastest Speed of the Shanghai Maglev

The Shanghai Maglev Train has a maximum designed speed/maximum operational speed of 430 km/h (267 mph), whereas its actual operational speed is still approximately 300 km/h (186 mph).

What route does the Shanghai Maglev Train cover?

There’s only on route which runs directly between Longyang Road Station and Pudong International Airport (no intermediate stops).

Is the Maglev connected to the Shanghai Metro system?

Yes. You can transfer to Metro Lines 2, 7, and 16 at Longyang Road Station.

Can I pay for the fare using a Shanghai Public Transportation Card or a one-day pass?

Yes. And if you pay with a Shanghai Metro Card you can even get a discount. There is also a Maglev + Metro Day Pass you can purchase at a a lot of stations.

What are the operating hours for the Maglev?

• From Longyang Road → Pudong Airport: 06:45 to 21:40
• From Pudong Airport → Longyang Road: 07:02 to 21:42

How frequently do Maglev trains run?

Trains run every 15 minutes during much of the day, and every 20 minutes in the evening.

What is the luggage allowance on the Maglev?

Each passenger may bring luggage up to 23 kg.

Travel Shanghai with China Xian Tour

Shanghai has always been a must-visit destination when traveling to China. This city has the most stunning skyline and modern vide and also the profound historical heritage. To better explore this rich place, you can take a customized Shanghai tour with China Xian Tour. For over a decade, we’ve always been working to give travelers the best experience in exploring China’s vast land. And our guides will be there 24/7 for you to take care of everything along the journey, so that all you need to do is preparing for an unforgettable and rewarding visit to Shanghai.