Shanghai Pudong Airport Maglev — 431 km/h Guide
Pudong International (PVG) to Shanghai City — Updated 2026
The Shanghai Maglev (磁悬浮 / cíxuánfú) is the world's only commercial high-speed maglev — a magnetically-levitated train that runs 30.5 km from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road metro station in just 7 minutes 20 seconds, peaking at 431 km/h. Tickets are ¥50 economy (¥40 with a same-day boarding pass) or ¥100 VIP. At Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 for Lujiazui, the Bund, People's Square, or Hongqiao Airport.
Maglev Route (7m 20s)
| Station | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pudong International Airport | 0 min | PVG — Terminals 1 & 2 (concourse-level walkway) |
| Longyang Road | 7 min 20 sec | Metro Line 2 + 7 + 16 — transfer to downtown |
Metro Line 2 onward — Longyang Road to downtown
After Maglev arrives, transfer to Line 2 westbound. Fare ¥4–6.
| Station | From Longyang Rd | What's there |
|---|---|---|
| Longyang Road | 0 min | Maglev arrives here |
| Century Park | ~6 min | Pudong residential / Lujiazui east |
| Lujiazui | ~12 min | Pudong financial district — Oriental Pearl, Shanghai Tower |
| Nanjing East Road | ~15 min | The Bund, Nanjing Road pedestrian street |
| People’s Square | ~17 min | City centre — Line 1 + 8 interchange |
| Jing’an Temple | ~22 min | Luxury hotels — Bulgari, JW Marriott |
| Hongqiao Railway Station | ~50 min | High-speed trains to Beijing, Hangzhou |
| Hongqiao Airport T2 | ~55 min | Domestic flights (SHA) |
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Maglev vs Metro vs Taxi
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev (economy) | ¥50 one-way / ¥80 return / ¥40 same-day BP | 7 min 20 sec | The icon — fastest commercial train on earth |
| Maglev (VIP) | ¥100 / ¥160 return | 7 min 20 sec | Front cabin, leather seats, 8 seats only |
| Metro Line 2 (direct) | ¥7–9 | 70–90 min | Cheapest — one train, no transfer |
| Maglev + Metro Line 2 | ¥54 (¥50 + ¥4) | ~25 min total | Best balance — fast + cheap |
| Taxi (metered) | ¥150–220 | 50–70 min | Door to door, late at night |
| Didi (ride-hail app) | ¥160–230 | 50–70 min | English app, transparent fares |
| Airport bus (Line 1) | ¥22 | 60–90 min | To Hongqiao Airport (SHA) only |
FAQ
Where do I catch the Maglev inside Pudong Airport?+
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 connect directly to the Maglev station via the upper-level concourse walkway. After clearing Arrivals, follow yellow "Maglev / 磁悬浮 / Cíxuánfú" signs. From either terminal it is a 5–8 minute walk. The Maglev station has its own ticket counters, vending machines, and security check — separate from the metro.
When does the Maglev hit 431 km/h?+
Only during peak hours, typically 09:00–10:45 and 15:00–15:45 daily. Outside those windows the train cruises at 300 km/h. The current speed is shown on screens at the front of every cabin. If you want the full 431 km/h experience, time your ride to the peak windows — it lasts about 90 seconds at top speed before deceleration.
Is the Maglev worth it vs Metro Line 2?+
For first-time visitors — yes, do it once. The Maglev is the world’s only operational high-speed maglev and the speed is genuinely felt. For repeat travel or budget trips, Metro Line 2 direct from PVG to People’s Square is ¥7 vs ¥50, takes 70 min vs 25 min total, and you skip the Longyang Road transfer. The smart combo is Maglev to Longyang Road, then Metro Line 2 — total ¥54 and you save 45+ minutes vs metro-only.
Can I get a discount on the Maglev?+
Yes — show your same-day air ticket or boarding pass and the economy fare drops from ¥50 to ¥40 (one-way). Round-trip is ¥80 economy, ¥160 VIP. Children under 1.2 metres ride free with an adult. No discounts apply on the day before or after the flight — it must be the same calendar day.
Does the Maglev accept transit cards or contactless payment?+
The Shanghai Public Transport Card (Jiaotong Yikatong) is NOT accepted on the Maglev — you must buy a paper ticket at the counter or vending machine. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at the vending machines. UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard work at staffed counters. The Public Transport Card works on the connecting Metro Line 2 once you transfer at Longyang Road.
What about getting to Hongqiao Airport (SHA)?+
PVG and SHA are on opposite sides of Shanghai — about 70 km apart. The fastest path: Maglev to Longyang Road, then Metro Line 2 to Hongqiao Airport T2. Total ¥54 (¥50 + ¥4) and ~55 minutes. Taxi between airports is ¥250–350 and takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Allow 2 hours minimum for any PVG↔SHA connection.
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