Shanghai Pudong Airport — Shanghai Maglev + Metro Line 2
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Shanghai — Updated 2026
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has two very different train options: the Shanghai Maglev, the world's fastest commercial train reaching 431 km/h and covering the 30 km to Longyang Road in just 7 minutes for ¥50 (¥40 with same-day flight boarding pass), OR Metro Line 2, which takes ¥7-9 and 60-75 minutes to central Shanghai (People's Square). The Maglev is a genuine tourist attraction (it hits 300 km/h in 90 seconds and passengers can watch the digital speedometer), but for practical airport transfer many travellers still choose Metro Line 2 because Maglev only goes to Longyang Road — you then transfer to Metro Line 2 or Line 7 for the rest of Shanghai. Total Maglev + Metro to People's Square = ~25 minutes + ¥54. Direct Metro Line 2 = 60-75 minutes + ¥7-9. Maglev runs every 15-20 minutes 06:45-21:40. Both terminals (T1 + T2) share the same underground Maglev + Metro Line 2 stations, connected via long walkways.
Shanghai Maglev + Metro Line 2 stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PVG T1/T2 Maglev Station | 0 min | Below arrivals, follow "Maglev" signs |
| Longyang Road (Maglev terminus) | 7 min | Transfer to Metro Line 2 or Line 7 |
| Metro Line 2 continues: | ||
| Century Park | ~15 min via Line 2 | Pudong district |
| Lujiazui (financial district) | ~20 min via Line 2 | Oriental Pearl Tower area |
| People's Square | ~25 min total (Maglev + Line 2) | Central Shanghai, Nanjing Road |
| Jing'an Temple | ~30 min total | Central hotel district |
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Shanghai Maglev + Metro Line 2 vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev + Metro Line 2 | ¥50 + ¥7-9 | 25 min to central | Fast + tourist experience. |
| Metro Line 2 direct | ¥7-9 | 60-75 min | Cheapest, direct to central Shanghai. |
| Metro Line 2 + transfer to Line 10 | ¥7-9 | 75-90 min | To Xintiandi + French Concession. |
| Didi (Chinese Uber) | ¥150-350 | 45-90 min (traffic) | App-based. Alipay/WeChat Pay easier. |
| Airport taxi | ¥180-350 | 45-90 min | Mandarin only. Meter fair. Traffic-dependent. |
| Private transfer | ¥300-600 | 45-90 min | English driver, meet-greet. |
FAQ
Is Shanghai Maglev worth it?+
For the tourist experience: yes — cheapest way to ride a 431 km/h maglev anywhere in the world, and it's only ¥50 (¥40 with same-day boarding pass). For pure practicality: Metro Line 2 is cheaper (¥7-9) and takes you all the way to central Shanghai without transfer, so Maglev+Metro isn't much faster once you count the Longyang Road transfer. Verdict: do Maglev on arrival for the experience, Metro Line 2 for return to airport.
Maglev discount with boarding pass?+
Yes — show your same-day flight boarding pass at the Maglev ticket counter and get 20% off (¥40 instead of ¥50 for a single, ¥80 instead of ¥100 for VIP class). Applies both for arrivals AND departures on the same day. Print or screenshot the boarding pass.
How to buy Metro Line 2 ticket at PVG?+
Vending machines in the Metro station (English available) accept ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20 notes + coins. Cost ¥7-9 depending on destination (People's Square = ¥8). OR use Shanghai Metro app / AliPay / WeChat Pay for QR-code entry — much easier if you have those set up (Alipay works with foreign credit cards since 2023).
PVG airport terminal transfer to Maglev/Metro?+
Both T1 + T2 have direct access to the Maglev + Metro Line 2 stations via underground walkways. Follow bilingual "Metro" or "Maglev" signs from arrivals — 5-10 minute walk. Automatic walkways help with luggage. T1 arrivals: level -1 walkway to station. T2 arrivals: mezzanine level to shared T1/T2 rail hub.
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