June 24, 2015

Shanghai, China: Ride the Maglev Train/Transrapid; things to do

Ride the Maglev Train/Transrapid 


The Maglev Train is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world.  Built by German technicians for the Olympics, it cost US$1.2 billion to build and began service in 2004.  With a top speed of 431 kmh/268 mph, this train rides 2 inches above the rails and takes only 8 minutes to travel 19 miles to the airport.  It is very loud outside the train, but very quiet inside, and the train accelerates from zero to 431 kilometers in 3 minutes (it operates at full acceleration only from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.). 

This train connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the outskirts of central Pudong, but at $25/person round-trip it isn’t inexpensive.  Access to the new Disneyland opening in 2016 is coming on another track at the station.
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12 comments:

  1. The Travelling LindfieldsSeptember 28, 2015 at 3:24 AM

    Riding 2 inches above the rails must be amazing. It sounds very futuristic.

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    1. Carole Terwilliger MeyersSeptember 28, 2015 at 6:54 AM

      It sort of reminded me of the monorail in Disneyland, way updated.

      Delete
  2. IreneSeptember 28, 2015 at 4:42 AM

    I'd love to ride that train next time we're in China.

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  3. Betsy WuebkerSeptember 28, 2015 at 2:14 PM

    Wow, very futuristic! Getting things in place for the Disney onslaught must be daunting.

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  4. Donna MeyerSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:34 PM

    I have wanted to ride a maglev train ever since I first heard about the technology years ago. I would love to try this. I imagine the ride would be very smooth, since you are basically riding on air. Makes me wonder if any other countries are planning them.

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    1. Carole Terwilliger MeyersSeptember 29, 2015 at 7:45 AM

      The ride is very smooth. But I was so busy videoing that I didn't get up to walk around and experience that part.

      Delete
  5. UnknownSeptember 29, 2015 at 2:00 AM

    Impressive; I clocked one going from Madrid to Valencia and it hit 300km. In Japan I haven't seen the shinkansen display their speed. Must watch

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  6. The GypsyNestersSeptember 29, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    Loved riding the Maglev! When two trains pass in opposite directions it is quite a rush.

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    1. Carole Terwilliger MeyersSeptember 29, 2015 at 8:11 AM

      Yes, but they pass so fast that you can barely even see the other one!

      Delete
  7. UnknownSeptember 30, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    The high speed train network which China has built across China over the past couple of decades is nothing short of amazing. Will have to forego the hotel limo and try the Maglev on our next visit to Shanghai, a city we love going back to.

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  8. AnonymousOctober 1, 2015 at 1:06 AM

    I'd love to try the Maglev train. It sounds a bit like flying, only very close to the ground!

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  9. BeingglutenfreeOctober 3, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    Wow, this is pretty cool, love the futuristic look. Wonder what travelling that fast feels like...

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