Join me on the newly opened Link Line Suburban Rail. Airport Link Line of Shanghai Suburban Railway is a commuter rail line, running from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in Minhang District to Shanghai East railway station in Pudong. The 68.6-kilometer (42.6 mi) express line shortens the travel time between the airports of Hongqiao and Pudong from 90 minutes (by Metro Line 2) to under 40 minutes. Construction started in June 2019. The Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 to Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 section of the line started operations on 27 December 2024.
The line leads from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, heads south along the east side of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Passenger Dedicated Line, crosses the Shanghai-Hangzhou Railway Passage, and then turns to the east and travels along Chunshentang, 1.6 kilometers (0.99 mi) south of S20, after crossing the Huangpu River. Walk on the south side of S20 and S1, pass through Pudong International Airport, and then follow the north side of S32 into Shanghai East railway station. The line is 68.6 kilometers (42.6 mi) long, of which, the elevated section is 4.313 kilometers (2.680 mi), the at-grade section is 2.578 kilometers (1.602 mi), and the underground section is 60.448 kilometers (37.561 mi). The project is divided into east and west construction. The west section is located in Minhang District, starting from Hongqiao Hub in the west and ending at the east end well of Huajing station in the east. It has a total investment of 9.549 billion yuan.
It used a large tunnel boring machine for construction, developed by Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. The shield, named Qiyue, or "swift horse", weighs around 3,200 tons and is 99 meters (325 ft) long. It has 14-meter (46 ft) diameter blades, whereas normal blades used to dig the city's metro lines are 6.9 meters (23 ft). It can dig and push 60 millimeters per minute (12 ft/h) underground.
Initial operation section of the line started operations on 27 December 2024 with seven...
Tim Chambers rides Shanghai's new Airport Link Line, experiencing a fast, easy airport-city transfer. Smooth connections & modern facilities impressed him. A great Shanghai travel upgrade!
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's new Airport Link Line, a suburban rail connecting Hongqiao and Pudong airports. He details his journey, highlighting the ease of transfer between the Airport Link Line and the Shanghai Metro. The video showcases the modern infrastructure, efficient ticketing system, and convenient baggage facilities. Tim's experience reveals a seamless and surprisingly quick commute, a significant improvement over previous travel times.
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6 min
2025
Shanghai Airport Link Line: New Suburban Rail
Join me on the newly opened Link Line Suburban Rail
Airport Link Line of Shanghai Suburban Railway is a commuter rail line, running from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in Minhang District to Shanghai East railway station in Pudong. The 68.6-kilometer (42.6 mi) express line shortens the travel time...
Shanghai Airport Link Line: Suburban Rail Journey
Experience the thrill of Shanghai's newest transportation marvel! Tim Chambers takes us on a journey aboard the newly opened Shanghai Airport Link Line, a high-speed suburban rail connecting Hongqiao and Pudong airports in under 40 minutes. Discover the engineering feat behind this 68.6-kilometer line, from its impressive tunnel boring machine to its unique route. Witness the seamless integration of this new line into Shanghai's bustling transportation network, a testament to the city's ongoing development.
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-01-04)
This video by Tim Chambers follows his journey on Shanghai's newly opened Airport Link Line, a suburban rail connecting Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 to Shanghai East Railway Station. The editor's commentary highlights the efficiency and convenience of this new line, contrasting it with the previous 90-minute journey via Metro Line 2.
The video begins at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, showcasing the ticketing machines and the process of purchasing a ticket using a standard metro card. Tim Chambers explains the different fare options and the overall route, mentioning the 68.6 km length of the line. He then waits for the train, noting the frequency of departures (approximately every 15 minutes).
The journey itself is described, with observations about the train's design, including the seating arrangement and luggage racks. Tim notes the differences between the design of this train and typical metro trains. The video also shows the various stations along the route and the ease of transferring to other metro lines, specifically line 9.
Tim gets off at the first stop, Jong Chong, to demonstrate the transfer to line 9. He highlights the clear signage and relatively short walking distance between platforms. The lack of additional security checks between the Airport Link Line and the metro system is noted as a positive aspect.
The video concludes at Shuway station, where Tim comments on the overall cost of the journey (6 RMB) and the time saved compared to alternative routes. He also mentions the new entrance to the Shuway station, which is expected to become busier with the ongoing construction of nearby skyscrapers. The video emphasizes the positive aspects of this new transport link, showcasing its modern design, convenience, and efficient integration with the existing metro system. Throughout, Tim Chambers provides insights into the passenger experience, making it a valuable resource for travelers planning a trip to Shanghai.
