Shanghai Maglev Guide 2026: Airport to City & Timetable Tips
Experience the thrill of the Shanghai Maglev, the world's first commercial maglev line! Get from Pudong Airport to the city in just 8 minutes. Learn how to ride, ticket prices, and more for your 2026 trip.

From Shanghai Airport to Downtown
Looking for the absolute fastest way?
The Maglev train is actually an amazing choice.
When you actually ride it,
the speed is on a whole different level...!
From how to catch the Maglev
to prices, discount tips, and my firsthand experience—
here is everything you need to know before you go!
The Shanghai Maglev
The absolute best part of the Maglev is,
without a doubt, its mind-blowing speed!

It whisks you from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station
in just about 8 minutes,
and with trains running every 15 to 20 minutes,
you won't have to wait around for long.
If you want to head from Shanghai Airport to downtown
as quickly as humanly possible,
the Maglev will be an absolute game-changer!

But there is one quick thing to note.
The Maglev doesn't take you straight
to the absolute heart of the city in one go;
its final stop is Longyang Road Station.
From there, you'll need to transfer
to the metro or grab a taxi,
but in reality, the transfer is super smooth and easy.
How to Ride the Shanghai Maglev
Keep in mind that the Shanghai Maglev
can only be boarded at Pudong Airport (PVG).

Once you land at Pudong Airport and exit the arrivals hall,
just follow the signs pointing toward 磁浮 Maglev.
The signs are very clear, so you definitely won't get lost!


As you follow the signs along the corridor,
you will see the Maglev ticket counters.
You can easily purchase tickets right there on the spot.
They aren't bound to a specific departure time,
so just buy your ticket and hop on the next available train!
Even first-timers will find it super easy to use!
Shanghai Maglev Timetable


Pudong Airport > Longyang Road First Train 07:02 AM Last Train 09:42 PM | Longyang Road > Pudong Airport First Train 06:45 AM Last Train 09:40 PM |
Runs every 20 minutes
One-way 50 RMB (~$6)
Round-trip 80 RMB (~$11)
If you show your same-day flight ticket at the ticket booth,
you can buy a one-way ticket for 40 RMB (~$5).
Thanks to this discount, we saved 20 RMB for the two of us!
Gotta love those small savings! 🙌
If you like to plan ahead,
you can also book online!
It wasn't possible before, but now you can~
Of course, the prices are standard for both one-way and round-trip!
My Maglev Riding Experience

After buying your ticket, you'll need to go through a baggage security check.
If it's crowded here,
it can take quite some time.
Luckily, when we went, it wasn't too busy,
so we sailed right through!

Once inside, you'll see Platforms A and B.
Both lead to the same train,
so just board whichever platform opens first.
Just keep in mind that the doors close 1 minute before departure
and the train leaves exactly on time,
so it's best to hop on as soon as the doors open!

The Maglev whisks you away to Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes,
reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.
It's so fast you'll find yourself wondering, "Are we there already?"...

The interior is surprisingly spacious and clean,
making it super easy and comfortable even with heavy luggage.
There is only one stop, which is Longyang Road Station, and
From here, you can easily transfer to the subway
or grab a taxi to your final destination.

We ended up taking a taxi from Longyang Road to the North Bund,
and the ride took
about 40 minutes.
If we had taken a taxi straight from Shanghai Pudong Airport,
it would have easily taken around an hour.
So combining the Maglev and a taxi
saved us a solid 20 minutes!
And if traffic is light, you'll get there even faster.
From Shanghai Airport to Downtown The fastest way is Maglev + Taxi The most comfortable way is a taxi or private airport pickup |
While the Maglev is incredibly fast,
it won't drop you right off at your hotel's doorstep.
If you're traveling with family or arriving late at night,
I highly recommend checking out private airport pickups as well!
> Trip.com Shanghai Airport Pickup <
When it comes to getting from Shanghai Airport to downtown,
the Maglev is easily one of the fastest options!
Having tried it myself, I was super satisfied with the experience!!
If you're planning your transit from Shanghai Airport,
choose the option that fits your travel style best—
whether that's the high-speed Maglev or a convenient airport pickup! :)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station by Maglev?
It takes about 8 minutes from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station. The train operates at a speed of 300 km/h and runs every 20 minutes.
What is the ticket price for the Shanghai Maglev and how can I get an on-site discount?
The regular price for the Maglev is 50 RMB for a one-way ticket and 80 RMB for a round trip. If you present your same-day flight ticket at the ticket counter, you can purchase a one-way ticket for 40 RMB.
Can I go directly to the center of Shanghai using the Maglev?
No. The Maglev only runs from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station. After getting off at Longyang Road Station, you will need to transfer to a subway or take a taxi to your destination in the city.
What are the times for the first and last Maglev trains departing from Pudong Airport?
The first train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station departs at 7:02 AM. The last train departs at 9:42 PM.
What should I keep in mind during the boarding process and when using the Maglev platform?
After purchasing your ticket, you must go through a security check for your luggage before boarding. The train doors close 1 minute before departure and it leaves exactly on time, so you should board as soon as the doors open.
Share this article
Featured in Collections
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Related Travel Stories

Shanghai Disneyland Ticket Prices 2026: App & Top Rides
Planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland in 2026? Discover essential tips on tickets, how to use the official app, and which rides are must-dos for an unforgettable experience.

Shanghai Disneyland Rides Review 2026: Best Attractions
Planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland in 2026? Discover the best rides, from the thrilling TRON Lightcycle Power Run to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

Shanghai Tower Ticket Prices 2026: Observatory Guide
Discover why the Shanghai Tower Observatory offers the absolute best skyline views in 2026. Learn tips on ticket booking, operating hours, and more!

Pudong Airport Lounge No.39 Review: Shanghai Transit Guide
Wondering how to spend your layover in Shanghai? Here is our honest review of Pudong Airport's First Class Lounge No.39, including how to actually find it.

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai Review 2026: 5-Star Value
Discover the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, a 5-star gem located just one block from East Nanjing Road. Enjoy spacious rooms and luxury amenities for under $120!

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 2026: Family Fun & Ticket Booking Guide
Planning a family trip to Shanghai in 2026? Explore the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium for an unforgettable experience with kids and learn how to book tickets easily!


