The operating line of the Shanghai Maglev Train is located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai. It is the world's first commercial maglev train line and, as a iconic transportation and tourism experience project in Shanghai, boasts an extremely high reputation and unique features. Starting from Longyang Road Station of Shanghai Metro Line 2 in the west and ending at Shanghai Pudong International Airport Station in the east, the entire line adopts EMS (Electromagnetic Suspension) maglev technology. The total length of the track is approximately 30 kilometers, with the operational section stretching 29.863 kilometers. The designed maximum speed of the maglev train can reach 430 kilometers per hour, while the actual operational maximum speed is 300 kilometers per hour. The one-way travel time is only about 8 minutes (including start and stop), making it a fast transportation link connecting downtown Shanghai and Pudong International Airport. There is no large-scale scenic area along the line; the core operational areas mainly include Longyang Road Station, Pudong International Airport Station, and the intermediate maglev track section. The station buildings are all designed in a modern transportation hub style. The construction area of Longyang Road Maglev Station is about 13,000 square meters. Pudong International Airport Maglev Station is seamlessly connected to the airport terminal, with its architecture integrating the functionality of a transportation hub and modern design aesthetics.
History and Culture
The construction of the Shanghai Maglev Train stemmed from Shanghai's demand for rapid transportation amid urban development and the Sino-German cooperation in the field of maglev technology. In June 2000, the Shanghai Municipal Government signed a cooperation agreement with Transrapid International GmbH of Germany, deciding to construct the Shanghai Maglev Train Demonstration Operation Line. In March 2001, the construction of the Shanghai Maglev Train Demonstration Operation Line officially kicked off. The project was jointly designed and constructed by Chinese and German parties, marking an important practice of transforming maglev technology from laboratory research to commercial operation.
On December 31, 2002, the Shanghai Maglev Train successfully conducted its first trial operation, and official commercial operation started on January 4, 2003, initially only operating on the section from Longyang Road to Pudong International Airport. The completion of this line not only filled the gap in China's high-speed maglev transportation but also became the world's first high-speed maglev line put into commercial operation, witnessing the rapid development of China's rail transit technology. In 2015, the Shanghai Maglev Train underwent a speed-up renovation, restoring its operational speed to 300 kilometers per hour, which further improved operational efficiency and passenger experience.
From a cultural perspective, the Shanghai Maglev Train is more than just a means of transportation; it is also a symbol of Shanghai's modernization and internationalization. It demonstrates Shanghai's exploration and breakthroughs in the field of transportation technology innovation, and has become an important carrier for Chinese and foreign tourists to experience high-speed maglev technology and feel the pace of Shanghai's urban development.
Main Attractions
Longyang Road Maglev Station
Longyang Road Maglev Station is the western starting station of the Shanghai Maglev Train, located at No. 2100 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It enables transfers with Shanghai Metro Line 2, Line 7, Line 16, and Line 18, serving as an important comprehensive transportation hub. The station building adopts a modern minimalist style. Inside the station, there is a maglev train exhibition area that displays materials such as the technical principles and development history of maglev trains, allowing tourists to learn basic knowledge about maglev technology. The platform is equipped with a dedicated waiting area, comfortable seats, and a clear signage system. Maglev trains departing from here can reach Pudong International Airport in just a few minutes, making it the starting point for experiencing high-speed maglev travel.
Pudong International Airport Maglev Station
Pudong International Airport Maglev Station is the eastern terminal station of the Shanghai Maglev Train, located on the east side of Terminal T1 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is within walking distance from the airport terminal, greatly facilitating the transfer needs of passengers. The station building blends with the overall style of the airport. Inside the station, there are functional areas such as a ticketing center, waiting area, and exit passage, along with multilingual signage to meet the needs of domestic and foreign tourists. After exiting the station, passengers can directly enter the airport terminal to go through check-in procedures. They can also visit the maglev train parking area here to observe the car body design and track structure of the maglev train up close.
Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum
Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum is located on the ground floor of Longyang Road Maglev Station. It is the only museum in China themed on maglev transportation, with a construction area of approximately 1,500 square meters. Through physical exhibits, model demonstrations, multimedia interactions, and other forms, the museum systematically introduces the development history, technical principles, core components, and operation and maintenance of maglev trains. It has exhibition areas such as "The Birth of Maglev", "Maglev Technology", and "Shanghai Maglev Line". Tourists can experience maglev train driving simulation and electromagnetic principles through interactive experience equipment, making it an important place to learn about maglev transportation knowledge.
Recommended Tour Route
The recommended tour route for the Shanghai Maglev Train focuses on experiencing maglev transportation and learning about maglev technology. First, arrive at Longyang Road Maglev Station and visit the Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum on the basement floor, which takes about 30-40 minutes to systematically understand the technical principles and development history of maglev trains. After the visit, purchase a one-way ticket for the maglev train at Longyang Road Maglev Station and take the train towards Pudong International Airport. The whole journey takes about 8 minutes. During the ride, experience the thrill of high-speed travel and enjoy the urban scenery of Pudong along the way. Upon arriving at Pudong International Airport Maglev Station, you can visit the maglev train parking area around the platform to observe the car body and track structure of the train, which takes about 15 minutes. Afterwards, you can take the maglev train back to Longyang Road Station. If you have enough time, you can experience the metro transfer around Longyang Road Station to feel the convenience of Shanghai's comprehensive transportation hub. The entire tour route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing you to both experience high-speed maglev travel and learn relevant scientific and technological knowledge.
Tips for Tourists
- It is recommended to take the maglev train during off-peak hours, such as 9:00-10:00 a.m. or 14:00-15:00 p.m. During these periods, the passenger flow is relatively small, enabling you to have a better riding experience and also making it easier to take photos and visit.
- When taking the maglev train, it is recommended to choose a window seat in the first carriage, which offers the best view. You can clearly see the acceleration process of the train and the scenery along the way, and it is also convenient for shooting videos and photos.
- If you want to experience the maximum speed of the maglev train, it is recommended to pay attention to the train's operation schedule. During normal operation hours, the train runs at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour during off-peak periods, while it may slow down appropriately during peak passenger flow periods.
- When visiting the Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum, it is recommended to follow the museum's interpreters, who can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of professional knowledge about maglev technology and enhance the educational value of your visit.
Notes
- Smoking and eating are prohibited inside the maglev train carriages. The use of drones and other flying equipment for photography is also forbidden. Violators will be dealt with in accordance with relevant regulations.
- You need to carry valid identity documents when taking the maglev train. Your documents may be checked during ticket purchase and ticket inspection, especially for passengers purchasing discounted tickets (such as students and the elderly), who need to present relevant certificates.
- Maglev train tickets are valid on the day of purchase and can only be used for the selected travel section and train number. Ticket refunds must be processed before the train departs; no refunds will be given after departure.
- When waiting for the train on the platform, you must stand inside the safety line. The train runs at a high speed when entering and exiting the station, so do not get close to the track area to avoid danger.
- The interactive experience equipment in the Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. Unauthorized disassembly or damage is prohibited, and compensation at the original price will be required for any damage caused.
- The area around Pudong International Airport Maglev Station is an airport-controlled zone. Unauthorized stays and photography are prohibited. After exiting the station, you must comply with the relevant management regulations of the airport.
Transportation
- To get to Longyang Road Maglev Station: You can take Shanghai Metro Line 2, Line 7, Line 16, or Line 18 to Longyang Road Station and exit from Exit 1 to reach the destination directly. You can also take public buses such as Route 989, Route 975, and Longda Special Line and get off at Longyang Road Metro Station.
- To get to Pudong International Airport Maglev Station: You can take Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Pudong International Airport Station and walk for about 5 minutes from the exit of Terminal T1 to reach the station. You can also take various airport bus routes to Pudong International Airport and walk to the maglev station.
- Self-driving to Longyang Road Maglev Station: You can navigate to "Longyang Road Maglev Station Parking Lot".
- Self-driving to Pudong International Airport Maglev Station: You can park at Parking Lot P1 or P2 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Opening Hours
The daily operation hours are from 6:45 to 21:40. The first train departs from Longyang Road Station at 6:45 and the last train departs at 21:40. The first train departs from Pudong International Airport Station at 7:02 and the last train departs at 21:42. During peak hours (7:00-9:00 a.m. and 17:00-19:00 p.m.), the train interval is 15 minutes per train. During off-peak hours, the interval is 20 minutes per train. The opening hours of Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with admission stopping at 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed every Monday (except on legal holidays).
Ticket Information
The price of a one-way ticket is 40 yuan per person, and the price of a round-trip ticket is 80 yuan per person.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.