Quick answer: The Shanghai Maglev runs only between Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Longyang Road. It is fast and fun, but it does not go directly to the Bund, People’s Square, Nanjing Road or Hongqiao. Take it when your hotel has an easy connection from Longyang Road or you want the experience; use Metro Line 2, the Airport Link Line or a direct car when those produce a simpler door-to-door trip.
| Current planning facts | Official information |
|---|---|
| Route | Pudong Airport T1/T2 ↔ Longyang Road |
| Operating speed | Up to 300 km/h |
| PVG to Longyang Road | 07:02-21:42 |
| Longyang Road to PVG | 06:45-21:40 |
| Ordinary one-way / round trip | RMB 50 / RMB 80 |
| Same-day flight-ticket fare | RMB 40 one way, subject to current proof and sales rules |
The Shanghai Airport authority last updated these operating figures in March 2025 and labels them for reference. Check the official service page on the travel day, especially for an early flight or late arrival.
Where the Shanghai Maglev actually goes
The train covers the airport segment to Longyang Road in Pudong. At Longyang Road, you can transfer to Shanghai Metro Lines 2, 7, 16 and 18, or continue by taxi or ride-hailing. Calling Longyang Road “downtown” is misleading: most visitors still need a second journey to the Bund, People’s Square, Jing’an or their hotel.
| Your destination | Is the Maglev useful? |
|---|---|
| Longyang Road, Century Park or nearby Pudong | Usually yes; the onward trip is short. |
| Lujiazui | Often reasonable with a metro or taxi connection. |
| People’s Square or East Nanjing Road | Possible via Metro Line 2, but compare direct Line 2 from the airport. |
| The Bund or Old City | Possible, but not door to door; a final metro walk or taxi is needed. |
| Hongqiao Airport or Hongqiao Railway Station | Usually choose the Airport Link Line or another cross-city route instead. |
| Family with several large bags | A direct car may save more effort than the Maglev transfer. |
Step-by-step from Pudong Airport
- After immigration and baggage claim, follow the bilingual signs for Maglev / 磁浮.
- At the station, compare the displayed departure time with Metro Line 2. Waiting for the next Maglev can erase part of the time saving.
- Buy the correct one-way or round-trip ticket. If requesting the same-day air-ticket fare, keep the required flight document available.
- Ride to Longyang Road and keep luggage close during boarding and exit.
- At Longyang Road, follow signs for Metro Lines 2, 7, 16 or 18, or move to the taxi/ride-hailing pickup area.
- Check the final direction in Amap before entering the metro; Shanghai stations can have distant exits.
Download your hotel name and address in Chinese before landing. The Amap guide explains how to save the correct entrance, while the China subway guide covers ticket machines, security and metro transfers.
Maglev vs Metro Line 2 vs Airport Link Line vs taxi
| Option | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Maglev | Fast airport segment, train enthusiasts, destinations convenient from Longyang Road | Requires another transfer for most hotels |
| Metro Line 2 | Low-cost travel toward central Shanghai with fewer decisions | Slower and crowded with luggage |
| Airport Link Line | Travel between Pudong and Hongqiao or selected southern interchange stations | May still require a final metro or taxi connection |
| Taxi / ride-hailing | Families, heavy luggage, late arrivals and door-to-door travel | Traffic and a higher total fare |
Shanghai’s Airport Link Line now connects Pudong Airport T1/T2 with Hongqiao Airport T2 through seven stations, with trains scheduled every 15 minutes according to the Shanghai government. This makes it especially relevant for airport-to-airport or Hongqiao transfers that the Maglev does not serve.
Tickets, payment and luggage
The official Maglev site lists ordinary single, round-trip and VIP tickets, plus a reduced one-way ticket for passengers presenting proof of a same-day flight. Buy only the ticket you need; VIP mainly changes the seating area, not the route. Rules for automated machines, foreign bank cards and flight-document discounts can change, so use the staffed counter if a machine does not accept your passport or payment method.
Luggage is allowed, but the practical question is the transfer at Longyang Road. One suitcase is manageable; several large bags plus children can make a direct airport car better value even when its price is higher.
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Optional booking shortcut: compare Shanghai airport transfers and transport options on Klook. Check the terminal, pickup point, waiting time, luggage allowance, cancellation policy and final price before booking.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the Maglev goes to the Bund or People’s Square.
- Quoting the historic 431 km/h figure as today’s normal operating speed; the airport currently lists 300 km/h.
- Ignoring the wait for the next train and the Longyang Road transfer.
- Planning it after the last service without a backup.
- Using it for a Hongqiao transfer without comparing the Airport Link Line.
- Choosing it for a group with heavy luggage when a direct car is simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Shanghai Maglev go to the city center?
No. It terminates at Longyang Road in Pudong. Most travelers transfer to a metro, taxi or ride-hailing car for the final part of the trip.
How fast is the Shanghai Maglev now?
Shanghai Airport currently lists a top operating speed of 300 km/h. The often-quoted 431 km/h figure refers to earlier operating patterns and should not be expected on every trip.
Is the Shanghai Maglev worth it?
Yes for the experience or a convenient Longyang Road connection. No when the transfer makes the complete journey harder than Metro Line 2, the Airport Link Line or a direct car.
Can you take the Maglev from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao?
Not directly. The Maglev ends at Longyang Road. For Hongqiao, compare the Airport Link Line, Metro Line 2 or a direct road transfer.
Official sources and Shanghai planning
- Shanghai Airport: Maglev hours, fares and speed
- Shanghai Maglev official ticket information
- Shanghai government: Airport Link Line route and timetable
- The Bund guide
- Yu Garden guide
- Shanghai first-time guide
Featured image: “Shanghai maglev train” by Andreas Krebs, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.