Early Flight? Late Arrival? Shanghai's Airport Link Line Extends Hours From Wednesday

Catching an early flight or landing late at night in Shanghai will not be cumbersome.

Starting April 1 (Wednesday), Shanghai's Airport Link Line will run 30 minutes longer each day, with earlier first trains and later last departures, the operator said on Monday.

Under the new timetable, the first train from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station toward Pudong Airport will depart at 5:45am, 15 minutes earlier than before, while the last train on the route remains unchanged.

In the opposite direction, the last train from Pudong Airport will leave at 10:15pm, 15 minutes later than the current schedule, while the first train remains unchanged.

Service intervals will remain at around 15 minutes.

Launched in December 2024, the Airport Link Line connects the city's two major airports in about 40 minutes, cutting travel time by more than half compared with Metro routes.

As cross-city travel demand grows, the line is increasingly used by commuters traveling between western districts such as Songjiang, Qingpu, and Minhang and job hubs in the Pudong New Area.

Unlike traditional subway trains, the line offers high-speed-train-style seating and onboard charging facilities, making it more suitable for longer journeys.

Fares range from 4 to 26 yuan (US$0.55-3.60), with discounts available for transfers within the city's public transport system.

Passengers making transfers are advised to check the operating hours of connecting Metro lines and plan their journeys accordingly.