The Metropolis Airport Line, which connects Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport, officially opened for operation on December 27, 2024. This new line not only greatly facilitates the travel of domestic tourists and foreign travelers but also enhances Shanghai’s status as an international transportation hub.
What is the Metropolis Airport Line?
The Metropolis Airport Line is the first newly constructed line in Shanghai’s suburban rail network and one of the 11 national suburban demonstration lines identified by the National Development and Reform Commission. It connects the two major airports—Hongqiao and Pudong—with key transportation hubs such as Hongqiao Railway Station and serves as a backbone line in Shanghai’s suburban rail network.
Main Functions
- Fast Commuting: The line reduces the travel time between the two airports from the previous 100 minutes to just 40 minutes.
- Interconnectivity: The line is designed to connect with the national railway network and the Yangtze River Delta intercity rail network in the future, facilitating regional transportation integration.
- Diverse Operation Modes: It offers various transportation modes, including station-to-station stops, express trains, and suburban cross-line services, to meet different travel needs.
What Would Happen Without the Metropolis Airport Line?
Before the Metropolis Airport Line was opened, the only options for traveling between the two airports were Metro Line 2 or ground transportation. These methods had several drawbacks:
- High Time Cost: Traveling by Metro Line 2 took about 100 minutes.
- Complex Transfers: Passengers had to transfer multiple times, making travel more complicated and tiring.
- Traffic Congestion: Ground transportation was often congested during peak hours, leading to unstable travel times.
- Limited Regional Development: The inconvenient transportation between the two airports restricted economic connections and development between the eastern and western parts of Shanghai.
The opening of the Metropolis Airport Line has solved these problems and provided strong support for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.
How to Travel on the Metropolis Airport Line?
Ticket Purchase
- Single Journey Ticket: The starting fare is 4 RMB, with the maximum fare being 26 RMB for a full journey.
- Electronic Multi-Ride Ticket: Available on the Metro Metropolis app or WeChat mini-program.
- Other Payment Options: Public transport cards and Shanghainese codes are also accepted.
Stations and Transfers
- Hongqiao 2nd Terminal Station: Seamless transfer to Metro Line 2 and Line 10.
- Zhongchun Road Station: Transfer to Metro Line 9 within the station.
- Pudong 1st & 2nd Terminals Station: Direct access to Pudong Airport with convenient transfers.
Operating Hours
- First and Last Trains: The first train departs from Hongqiao 2nd Terminal Station and Pudong 1st & 2nd Terminals Station at 06:00, and the last train departs at 22:00.
- Frequency: Trains run approximately every 15 minutes.
Why is the Metropolis Airport Line So Important?
The Metropolis Airport Line is not just a rail line connecting two airports; it is an essential part of Shanghai’s urban transportation network. By providing efficient connections, it promotes economic integration between Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region and enhances the city’s global competitiveness.
For foreign travelers and students, the Metropolis Airport Line offers a fast and convenient way to travel. Whether you are heading from Hongqiao to Pudong International Airport or returning to other cities in mainland China from Pudong, this line makes it easy.
The opening of the Metropolis Airport Line has made Shanghai’s transportation more efficient and convenient. Both domestic and international travelers can now enjoy the benefits of this modern transportation system.