If you travel to Shanghai China, most likely you will need to use Maglev train (SMT) to travel to the city from the Pudong International Airport. Forget about a taxi, as it takes longer to reach.
What is Maglev train and what is high-speed rail?
Maglev train is different from the high-speed rail. It uses magnetic repulsion both to levitate the train up from the ground which reduces friction and to propel it forward. In other words, it is “floating in the air” so please be seated when the maglev train starts to accelerate, else you may fall and hurt yourself. It is very quiet and smoother than high-speed trains because the trains rarely (if ever) touch the track. Oh yes, it is so much faster too.
How to get to Maglev after you exit from the airport?
It is pretty easy, once you have gotten your baggage, you will see the sign of Maglev everywhere you go. So look for the maglev signs and follow all the way to the ticketing counter and then go down to the platform.
What about Shanghai Maglev
China’s first maglev system – from Shanghai Putong Airport to the Longyang Station Shanghai city center ( total length is 30km and reach in 7-8 min). Also, the fastest train in the world running in and out almost every 10 mins throughout the day.
Some interesting feature you may not know about Maglev
Shanghai Maglev trains don’t have wheels, they are environmental friendly as there is no waste of gas produced. The energy consumed by maglev is less than an airplane.
My personal experience with Maglev Shanghai
We catch “Maglev” from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Longyang Raod Station. Wow, you would not believe how fast this high-speed train can travel. It can travel up to 431 km and the fastest in China. The whole 30km journey was quiet, smooth and only takes 7-8 mins to reach the city from the airport. Before you realize it, the journey ends. Really that fast.
Do you know the highest speed of 430km/h only available at certain timing?
When you are traveling in the afternoon, the train will speed up to the max at around 430km/h. Since it was early in the morning when I was in the Maglev train, I can only see it travels up to a max of over 300km/h, not the top speed yet. But you could feel the train is floating above the air!
Let’s Check out the facilities on Maglev Train
The train is very modern, very clean and neat. 3 seats each side so total of 6 in the economy. Air-conditioning and adjustable. The most exciting part is looking at the LCD screen to shoot up! You should also quickly take a picture.
Check your timetable first
Not all the maglev trains go to the top speed of “431km/h” so you may want to check the timetable first if you want to ride on the fastest speed.
How much?
One-Way Ticket – Regular Economy: 50 CNY
Round Trip Ticket (valid for 7 days) – Regular Economy: 80 CNY
One-Way Ticket – VIP: 100 CNY
Round Trip Ticket (valid for 7 days) – VIP: 160 CNY
VIP seats or First Class are 2 x 2 in a row which costs double the economy and the economy is 3 x 3.
When does it start?
Maglev does not operate 24 hours, it starts at 7 am and the last train leave for Longyang is 9.42 pm. We arrived at the airport at around 5 am, after checking out from the airport we had our breakfast since the ticketing was still closed.
Everything was pretty clear as you do see signboard in English. You can pay cash or credit card.
10 comments
Wow, sounds like you really have a good experience riding on that train. Knowing that the 30km only takes 7 – 8 mins riding on that train, that really so fast. I hope to ride on that train once I visit Shanghai.
Wow what an incredible experience! I think I would be very nervous on there but it’s so convenient when you want to get around such a busy city and sight see!
That’s crazy how fast it goes! I would be a bit terrified if I was watching – but I’m sure it leads to way less traffic in the end.
Wow that sounds amazing. I’d be so nervous to take the faster one, but I’d definitely do it.
If I ever visit Shanghai which I hope I do, I will be sure to ride the train to get this experience.
That is so neat! I wish they had things like that here in the states. Our public transit isn’t great at all.
that sounds like a really cool trip, we have nothing like that here. most of use either drive or travel by plane. we have a train but it’s super super slow.
I read this post and thought to myself “WTH?!” Now I’m here googling the science behind the magnets for lack of better term. This is extremely important information you provided. Very GMA morning segment. Keep writing!
Oh, wow. That is FAST! I’m hoping to travel more over the next few years so hopefully I’ll get to ride on a Maglev train 😀
Louise x
I hope one day to visit Shanghai and if we do I will make sure we try this out. My boys love trains and the fact that this one floats will probably keep them entertained all the way in!