Shanghai Maglev Train - The Fastest Train in the World

Shanghai Maglev Train (Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Line) is the first commercial maglev line in the world. The line runs between Longyang Road Station on the Shanghai Subway Line 2, to Pudong International Airport, and the journey takes no more than 8 minutes to complete the distance of 30 km (19 miles). It can reach up to 431 km/hr (268 mph) during the journey. In 2003, it was enrolled by Guinness Records to be the fastest train in the world in commercial use.

Chinese: 上海磁浮列车 Shànghǎi Cífú Lièchē /shung-heye tsrr-foo lyeah-cher/
Speed: record test speed: 501 kph (311 mph); commercial max. speed: 431 kph (268 mph); average speed: 230 kph (143 mph)
Route: east to Longyang Road (Shanghai Subway Line 2), west to Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Distance: 30 km (19 mi)
Duration: within 8 minutes

Shanghai Maglev trains don't have wheels: They use magnetic levitation technology to move without touching the ground.

Environmentally friendly: There is no waste gas produced.

Lower energy consumption than airplanes: The energy consumption is only half that of buses and a quarter that used by airplanes.

Less noise: The trains don't touch the railway line, which makes the sound quieter than other trains. And even when they speed up to 300 kph, the decibel levels are only about 65 to people situated 50 meters away from the train.

Run smoothly: Due to the magnetic levitation technology, there are no wheels touching the railway line. Therefore, the Maglev trains run more smoothly and quieter than trains with wheels.