Shanghai Maglev now accepts bank cards for tap-to-ride access

International visitors can now tap their bank cards to ride Shanghai's Maglev train thanks to a new pilot service launched on June 14 to accept foreign cards for ticket payments.
The Shanghai Maglev — the world's first commercial high-speed maglev line — links Pudong International Airport with the Longyang Road Metro Station in just eight minutes.
Now, passengers no longer need a local transit card or mobile app to board. Instead, eligible cards or devices can be tapped at the gate for instant access.

• Contactless chip cards issued by UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB (excluding Type-B chips and cards lacking ODA functionality).
• Mobile payment apps that comply with financial IC card standards.
• E-CNY hard wallets, including IC cards, NFC-enabled mobile phones, SIM cards, and wearable devices.

All payment methods must have a sufficient balance and have the small-amount password-free feature enabled. If the card supports both UnionPay and a foreign brand (dual-brand), the system will prioritize UnionPay for the deduction.

02 How It Works

• Fare payment is processed upon entry at the gate. Passengers are charged 50 yuan ($6.96) on entry. No separate activation is needed for the tap-to-ride feature — ensure the password-free function is active.
• If your card or device fails at the gate, alternative methods such as the Metro Daduhui app, Suishenma QR code, or Shanghai Public Transportation Card are available.
• If you cannot exit, you can go to the service center to pay the fare or purchase another ticket to exit.
• In cases where passengers enter without exiting (or exit without entering), known as a "unilateral transaction", the system will automatically deduct the fare within three days.

03 Need Help?
For assistance, passengers can visit the station service center or call the following hotlines:

• Shanghai Metro: 021-64370000
• UnionPay: 95516
• Bank of Communications: 95559
• E-CNY hard wallets: 956196

Please note: The current Maglev ticket discount for airline passengers is only available for tickets purchased at service centers. Tap-to-ride payments via bank card or e-CNY are not yet eligible.

Source: Intl Services Shanghai