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Shanghai Airport Link Line: New Suburban Rail

Shanghai Rail: Airport Link Open !

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation: 24.9 million
Shanghai Rail: Airport Link Open !
Tim Chambers8 min

China travel video

Shanghai Rail: Airport Link Open !. This China travel video was filmed by Tim Chambers. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

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
January 4, 2025, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Tim Chambers tries Shanghai’s new Airport Link Line, a suburban rail connection that the source describes as linking Hongqiao and Pudong airports. Tim’s filmed route starts at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 and continues toward Shanghai East Railway Station. He uses a metro card, checks the departure screens, and shows the transfer to Line 9. The route is 68.6 km, with trains about every 15 minutes. He notes the baggage storage, four-carriage train and the lack of an extra security check when transferring. The ride costs 6 RMB and is compared with the previous 90-minute Metro Line 2 route.

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Shanghai Rail: Airport Link Open !

Boarding the Airport Link

Tim Chambers starts at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 to try Shanghai's new Airport Link Line. He shows the ticket machines and explains the fare options, including paying with a standard metro card. The station machines can also be used to top up a card and choose a route. The suburban rail line runs 68.6 km from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 toward Shanghai East Railway Station. Tim compares it with the previous trip by Metro Line 2, which took about 90 minutes.

While waiting, he checks the station screens and notes that trains depart about every 15 minutes. He points out baggage storage for travelers making a short visit without carrying their luggage. The Airport Link train has four carriages, with a seating arrangement and luggage racks that differ from typical metro cars. These details give viewers a look at the station and train before the ride begins.

Transferring to Line 9 and arriving

Tim gets off at Jong Chong station to demonstrate the transfer to Metro Line 9. Clear signs point toward the connecting platform, and he describes the walk as relatively short. He notes that passengers do not pass through another security check when moving between the Airport Link and the metro system. The integrated ticketing and transfer make the new rail service part of Shanghai's existing network.

He continues to Shuway station and comments on its new entrance. Construction of nearby skyscrapers is expected to bring more activity to the area. Tim says his journey costs 6 RMB and highlights the time saved compared with the older route. The video follows the steps of buying a ticket, waiting for a train, storing baggage, riding the four-carriage service and transferring to another metro line. It ends with his assessment of the line's modern design and convenient connection to the rest of Shanghai.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What route does Shanghai’s Airport Link Line serve?
A: Tim describes it as a suburban rail link from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 toward Shanghai East Railway Station, connected with the Shanghai Metro.
Q: How much did Tim’s journey cost?
A: The trip shown in the video cost 6 RMB. He compares the new link with an earlier route that took about 90 minutes.
Q: How often do the trains depart?
A: Tim reads the station display and says trains depart approximately every 15 minutes.

Previous travel video:

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.