Location & How to Get There

Maglev Transportation in Shanghai is one of the coolest ways to see the city! It runs from Pudong Airport (where most international flights land) all the way to Longyang Road Station in central Pudong. The best part? You can hop on this futuristic train within minutes after landing—just follow the signs from the airport arrivals hall. If you’re already in downtown Shanghai, take Metro Line 2 to Longyang Road Station, where the Maglev station is right above the metro exit.

Speed Demon: The Ride Experience

Hold onto your hats—Maglev Travel reaches speeds up to 430 km/h! That’s like racing a car but without traffic jams. The 30-kilometer ride takes only 7-8 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel between the airport and city. When the train zooms, you’ll feel a gentle push back into your seat, like a rollercoaster for adults. Pro tip: Sit on the right side if you want amazing views of Shanghai’s skyline!

Tech-Savvy Travel

This isn’t just any train—it’s the first commercial maglev in the world! The train floats above the tracks using strong magnets, so there’s zero friction. Geeky fact: It uses the same tech as high-speed trains but with no physical contact. At the museum inside Longyang Road Station, you can touch magnetic rocks and see models of how the train works. Fun for kids and science buffs!

Scenic Route? Kinda.

Don’t expect mountains or rivers—this is Shanghai, after all! But as the Maglev speeds along, you’ll pass modern landmarks like the sprawling Pudong International Airport and tall skyscrapers. On clear days, you might spot the Shanghai Disney Resort in the distance. It’s more about the thrill of speed than nature, but city lovers will dig the urban vibes.

Practical Info: Tickets & Hours

Tickets cost 50 RMB (~7 USD) for a one-way trip, or 80 RMB round-trip. Buy them at machines in the airport or Longyang Road Station. The Maglev runs every 15-20 minutes from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so check the schedule if you’re on a tight plan. Budget tip: If you’re flying out, save your ticket stub—some hotels near the airport give discounts for showing it!

Eat, Shop, Rest

Both stations have basic amenities. At Longyang Road Station, there’s a small mall with cafes and gift shops. The airport station has snack stands if you’re craving dumplings or bubble tea. No fancy dining, but enough to satisfy hunger. Restrooms are clean, and there are plenty of seats if you want to wait (or just watch trains arrive—they’re hypnotic!).

For Families & Photo Opps

Families will love this quick trip—kids go crazy for the speed! Let them wave at the airport control tower as you pass by. For photos, snap the train whisking through the station—it looks like something from a sci-fi movie. At night, the city lights blurring outside make for epic shots. Just remember: Windows get foggy fast at high speeds, so wipe them with your sleeve first!

Local Vibe Check

Shanghai folks use the Maglev mostly for airport transfers, but tourists treat it like an attraction. You’ll hear more languages than Mandarin onboard! If you’re into “only in China” moments, this is it. Just don’t be surprised if your phone struggles to focus on photos—things move way too fast!

Should You Do It?

If you’re short on time but want a dose of Shanghai’s future-forward side, Maglev Transportation is a must. It’s pricey compared to the metro, but cheaper than a taxi. Bonus: You’ll arrive at the airport way less stressed than sitting in rush-hour traffic. Just do it for the “I rode a floating train!” story—your friends will be jealous!