Shanghai Transport – Airport, Metro, Trains & Taxis
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Shanghai Transport – Airport, Metro, Trains & Taxis
Shanghai is a modern transportation marvel — home to the world’s largest metro system by route length, the famous Maglev train, two major airports, and high-speed rail connections to every eastern city. Here’s how to navigate it all as a foreign visitor.
Airport Access
Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Distance: 30km east of city center (Pudong district)
- Transfer options:
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev Train | 7 min | ¥50 | World’s fastest train (431km/h) |
| Airport Line Metro | 45 min | ¥16 | To People’s Square |
| Bus | 60-90 min | ¥20-30 | Various routes to hotels |
| Taxi | 45-90 min | ¥120-180 | +¥30 airport surcharge |
| Didi | 45-90 min | ¥100-160 | Designated pickup area |
Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- Distance: 15km west of city center (closer to downtown!)
- Transfer options:
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 2 | 30 min | ¥6 | To People’s Square directly |
| Bus | 45 min | ¥15 | Fewer routes than PVG |
| Taxi | 30-50 min | ¥60-100 | Convenient for hotels in west Shanghai |
| Didi | 30-50 min | ¥50-80 | Often cheaper than taxi |
The Maglev Experience
The Maglev Train at Pudong Airport is a must-do for transit enthusiasts:
- Speed: Up to 431 km/h (268 mph) — world record
- Trip: Pudong Airport → Longyang Road Station → transfer to Metro Line 2
- Runs 6:40 AM - 9:40 PM every 15-20 minutes
- Round trip discount: Buy a round-trip ticket for ¥80 within 7 days
Pro Tip: If you arrive at Pudong with time to spare, take the Maglev just for the experience even if your hotel is in Puxi. It's a unique 8-minute ride!
Metro Overview
Shanghai Metro is the world’s largest by route length (830+ km across 20+ lines) and incredibly tourist-friendly.
Key Lines for Visitors
- Line 2 (Green): Pudong Airport → Hongqiao Airport → People’s Square → Century Avenue — most important line
- Line 1 (Red): People’s Square → Xujiahui shopping area → Songjiang
- Line 10 (Purple): Bund area → People’s Square → Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station
- Line 11: Disney Resort → Xujiahui → Jiading
- Line 16: Trip to Dishui Lake and coastal area
Fares & Tickets
- Base fare: ¥3 for 6km, increases to max ¥10
- Metro Card: Purchase at stations for ¥20 deposit, top up easily
- QR Codes: Alipay and WeChat Pay supported
- Tourist Cards: Some stations offer 1-day (¥18) and 3-day (¥45) cards
Peak Hours
- 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM weekdays
- Line 2 is the busiest — consider alternative routes during peak
Tips
- Metro signs have excellent English
- Most stations have free WiFi
- Security screening is quick and efficient
High-Speed Train Stations
Shanghai Hongqiao Station (上海虹桥站)
- Primary high-speed rail hub
- Destinations: Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Kunming
- Metro access: Lines 2 and 10
- 10-minute walk from Hongqiao Airport — easy inter-airport connection
Shanghai Station (上海站)
- Traditional and high-speed trains to northern destinations
- Metro access: Lines 1, 3, 4
- Central location but smaller than Hongqiao
Shanghai South Station (上海南站)
- Serves southern routes
- Metro access: Lines 1, 3
Inter-Airport Tip: If you need to go from Pudong to Hongqiao Airport (or vice versa), take Metro Line 2 directly — it runs between both terminals!
Taxi & Ride-Hailing Tips
Taxis
- Base fare: ¥14 for first 3km, ¥2.5/km, ¥3.1/km after 15km
- Airport surcharge: ¥30 from Pudong, ¥15 from Hongqiao
- Flag color: Red = regular; Green = slightly cheaper; Yellow = premium
- Insist on meter — Shanghai taxi drivers generally are honest but always check
Didi & Ride-Hailing
- Didi works perfectly in Shanghai
- English interface and international card support
- Also available: Didi Bike (e-bike rentals) for short trips
- Uber: Uber exited China, so Didi is the primary choice
Taxi Apps Tip
Most Shanghai locals use Didi exclusively. Download it before you arrive — it’s safer and more convenient than street taxis.
Tourist Hotspot Access
| Attraction | Metro Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund | Line 2 or 10: Nanjing East Road | Walk 5 min, best at night |
| People’s Square | Line 1, 2, 8: People’s Square | Central hub, many exits |
| Shanghai Tower | Line 2: Lujiazui | Tallest building, 1 min walk |
| Nanjing Road | Line 2: Nanjing East/West Road | Shopping street |
| Yu Garden | Line 10: Yu Garden | Traditional Shanghai area |
| Shanghai Disney | Line 11: Disney Resort | Dedicated station |
| Xujiahui | Line 1, 9, 11: Xujiahui | Shopping & dining area |
Editorial Note: All facts verified against official metro and railway information. Prices may vary slightly. Always verify locally before travel. This article is for travel navigation reference only.
Related Guides
- High-Speed Trains Complete Guide
- Metro & City Transit Guide
- Airport Transfers Comparison
- City Transport Guides Overview
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