Taking the Maglev from Pudong Airport
The Shanghai Maglev (上海磁浮) is the world's only commercial high-speed magnetic-levitation train, whisking passengers 30 km between Pudong Airport (PVG) and Longyang Road metro hub in about 8 minutes. It is the fastest and most dramatic airport transfer in Shanghai — a genuine engineering landmark as much as a transit option.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 07:02–21:42 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station — also served by Metro Line 2 and the Airport Link Line (suburban rail to Hongqiao, opened Dec 2024) |
| Time needed | 8 minutes ride; allow 15–20 minutes total including walking from arrival hall and ticketing |
| Best time to go | Midday (10:00–15:00) for the smoothest boarding experience; trains run every 15–20 minutes throughout the day |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Maglev's top speed in 2026?
- Since May 2021, the operational top speed has been capped at 300 km/h for daily commercial service — the former 431 km/h peak windows have not been reinstated for regular passengers as of 2026. The journey time is approximately 8 minutes and 10 seconds, about 50 seconds longer than the old high-speed schedule.
- How much does the Shanghai Maglev ticket cost?
- A standard one-way ticket costs ¥50 (approx. USD 7). Passengers who show a same-day airline boarding pass get a 20% discount, paying ¥40. A round-trip ticket valid for 7 days costs ¥80, and a VIP one-way (front carriage, wider seats) costs ¥100.
- Can I use a transit card or mobile payment to buy a Maglev ticket?
- Yes — tickets can be purchased using a Shanghai Public Transportation Card at vending machines at both the airport station and Longyang Road Station. Using the card also qualifies you for the 20% discount. Tickets are also sold at staffed counters on the 2nd floor of the airport terminal.
- Where does the Maglev drop me off, and how do I get to the city center?
- The Maglev terminates at Longyang Road Station in Pudong, where you can transfer to Metro Lines 2, 7, 16, and 18. Metro Line 2 is the main artery, running west through Lujiazui, People's Square, Nanjing Road, and Jing'an Temple to Hongqiao.
- Is the Maglev worth it if I have heavy luggage?
- The Maglev has ample luggage space on board and the ride is smooth, but the 5–10 minute walk through the airport to the platform and the transfer at Longyang Road (a separate fare zone requiring an exit and re-entry) add friction. Travelers with multiple large bags may find a taxi or ride-hail (Didi) more practical door-to-door.
- How long does the Maglev take from Pudong Airport to the city?
- The ride from Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station to Longyang Road takes about 8 minutes, covering 30 km. Add 5–10 minutes to walk from the arrivals hall to the Maglev platform on the 2nd floor, located between T1 and T2.
- Should I take the Maglev or the new Airport Link Line?
- The Maglev (¥50, ~8 min to Longyang Road) wins on speed and novelty. The Airport Link Line (¥4–¥26, ~40 min to Hongqiao) opened in December 2024 and is better if you're connecting to Hongqiao Airport or Railway Station. Metro Line 2 (cheapest, ~1 hr) is best for budget travelers staying near its stops.
- What are the Maglev's operating hours from Pudong Airport?
- From Pudong Airport, the first train departs at 07:02 and the last at 21:42. From Longyang Road toward the airport, the first train is at 06:45 and the last at 21:40. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak daytime hours and every 20 minutes in early morning and late evening.
Nearby in Ask Shanghai
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Where to stay near Taking the Maglev from Pudong Airport
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