Shanghai Maglev Train

The first commercial maglev line in the world is the Shanghai Maglev Train (also known as the Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Line). The line connects Longyang Road Station on Shanghai Subway Line 2 to Pudong International Airport, and the eight-minute trip covers the 30 km distance (19 miles). During the trip, it can achieve speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph). It was officially recognized as the fastest train in commercial usage in 2003 by Guinness World Records.

The train line runs from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (transfer to Line 2) to Longyang Road Station, which is on the outskirts of central Pudong and where travelers can change to Lines 2, 7, 16, and 18 to continue their journey to the city center through the Shanghai Metro. It offers a separate service to Pudong Airport between central Shanghai and Longyang Road Station, and is not a part of the Shanghai Metro network (Line 2).

The line's construction started on March 1, 2001, and public commercial service started on January 1, 2004. The Shanghai Transrapid project was finished in two and a half years at a total cost of 10 billion (US$1.33bn). The line has a track that is 30.5 km (18.95 mi) long and a side track that leads to a maintenance facility.

Country: China

Speed: 268 mph