Getting Around Shanghai
Shanghai offers visitors a comprehensive range of transport options to navigate the city. Public transport is the dominant mode of travel, supported by an extensive network of metro, bus, tram, and ferry services. Taxis and ride-hailing are also available, though the metro and buses carry the majority of passengers. Walking is feasible in many central areas, particularly around major attractions.
The Metro System
Shanghai Rail Transit is the backbone of the city's public transport network. The system includes high-volume and low-to-medium-volume railway lines, along with a Maglev service connecting Pudong Airport. The metro is extensive and well-integrated with other transport modes, making it the most reliable way to move between districts. Service typically operates from early morning until late evening, with trains running frequently during peak hours.
A major advantage of the metro is its integration at key transport hubs. All four main railway stations—Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station, Shanghai West Railway Station, and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station—are connected to the metro network, allowing seamless transfers between intercity rail and local transit.
Buses and Trams
Shanghai has one of the world's most extensive bus systems, with nearly one thousand bus lines operated by various transportation companies. Bus fares are typically inexpensive, usually around ¥2 per trip, though some routes may charge more. The bus network complements the metro by serving areas and routes where rail coverage is limited.
The city also operates several tram systems. The Zhangjiang Tram, which opened in 2009, uses modern rubber-tyred vehicles. The Songjiang Tram, opened in 2018, is a modern light rail system with multiple lines. The Lingang DRT, which opened in 2021, is an autonomous rapid transit system. Additionally, Shanghai operates the world's oldest continuously operating trolley bus system, with routes still in service.
Ferry Services
The Shanghai Ferry system provides routes across the Huangpu River, offering an alternative transport option and a perspective on the city's geography. While ferry ridership declined after bridges and tunnels were built, the service remains operational with multiple routes available.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available throughout Shanghai and operated by six major taxi groups, each identifiable by colour. Qiangsheng Taxi operates green and yellow taxis and is the only company offering accessible "London Taxis." Other groups operate vehicles in blue, light cyan, white, dark blue, and orange. Taxi fares are regulated by the city government, with a base charge for the first few kilometres and additional charges for waiting time and traffic. Holiday surcharges apply during certain periods.
Because of licence plate restrictions—which make car ownership expensive and difficult for most residents—taxi availability can be limited during peak hours, and waiting times at major locations may be substantial. Allow extra time when heading to airports during evening arrival peaks.
Public Transport Cards and Ticketing
All public transport within Shanghai can be paid for using the Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC), a contactless card available at metro stations and convenience stores. Using this card offers a significant advantage: when you take a second trip—whether by metro, bus, or tram—within 120 minutes of your first trip, you receive a discount of 1 RMB on the second journey. This transfer discount applies across all public transport modes.
Metro fares vary by distance, ranging from ¥3 to ¥16 depending on how far you travel. Buses and trams typically cost ¥1.8 to ¥2 per trip. The card also works on ferry services. Individual journey tickets can be purchased at metro stations if you prefer not to use a card.
Walkability and Central Areas
Many of Shanghai's central districts are walkable, particularly around popular areas like Nanjing Road East and the Bund. The city's layout means that visiting multiple attractions within a neighbourhood can often be done on foot. However, Shanghai is large, and distances between major attractions can be significant, making public transport essential for most journeys.
Arrival from Pudong Airport
Pudong International Airport, Shanghai's main gateway for international flights, is located approximately 40 kilometres to the southeast of the city centre. Several transport options connect the airport to downtown:
- Maglev Train: The magnetic levitation train is an iconic and swift option, running at a maximum speed of 300 km/h. A single ticket costs ¥60, reduced to ¥50 if you present an airline ticket from the day of travel or use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card. Return tickets within seven days are ¥100. The Maglev terminates at Longyang Road station, where you can connect to metro lines 2, 7, 16, and 18 to reach central areas. The station also houses a Maglev museum for those interested in the technology.
- Metro Line 2: This line connects directly to Pudong Airport and runs through downtown Shanghai to Hongqiao Airport. Travel by metro is slower than the Maglev but considerably cheaper and can be useful if you have time and lighter luggage. Luggage space is limited during rush hours.
- Airport Link Line: As of 2025, the new Airport Link Line provides service connecting Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 and Hongqiao Railway Station in approximately 40 minutes. However, this line passes well south of the city centre, making it useful mainly for passengers continuing to other cities via rail or air from Hongqiao rather than for reaching downtown Shanghai.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport but are most practical for passengers with heavy luggage or specific central destinations. Expect costs in the range of ¥200 to ¥500 depending on your destination and traffic conditions.
- Airport Buses: Six dedicated airport bus lines serve Pudong, connecting to downtown areas and nearby cities including Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Free tourist maps of central Shanghai with major sights labeled in English are available at both airports—worth picking up as maps are scarce elsewhere in the city.
Arrival from Hongqiao Airport
Hongqiao International Airport, located much closer to central Shanghai than Pudong, primarily handles domestic flights and a small number of international city-shuttle services to nearby destinations in East Asia. It serves as a major transport hub with direct connections to the railway network.
- Metro: Metro Line 2 serves Terminal 2 directly and connects to downtown areas and Pudong Airport. Line 10 serves both terminals but follows a different route through the city. Service typically operates from early morning (05:35) to late evening (22:50), though service between Hongqiao and Pudong has limited hours. The two terminals are connected by an internal shuttle bus, though waiting and travel time can take up to 45 minutes; alternatively, metro line 10 provides a faster connection between terminals for ¥3.
- Night Bus: After metro service closes, a night bus operates from approximately 22:30 to 45 minutes after the last inbound flight, serving Jing'an Temple, People's Square, and Lujiazui for ¥10 to ¥16. This departs from Door 1 of the Arrivals level of Terminal 2, with tickets purchased onboard.
- Public Buses: Several public bus lines serve Hongqiao, including routes to Xujiahui, Shanghai Zoo, and the Lupu Bridge. Fares are typically ¥2 to ¥5.
- Taxi: The 12-kilometre trip to central Shanghai normally takes 20 minutes in light traffic, but allow an extra 30 minutes for taxi queues, particularly if arriving after 19:00. Verify which terminal your flight uses beforehand, as English signage is limited and drivers cannot reliably assist.
- Railway Connection: Hongqiao Railway Station is adjacent to the airport, accessible by metro or on foot, allowing direct connections to China's high-speed rail network for travel to other cities.
Both airports have shuttle buses connecting them, though the journey takes approximately 40 minutes by shuttle or about an hour by taxi. Alternatively, metro line 2 can connect the airports in approximately two hours if you are not in a hurry and willing to transfer at downtown stations.
Travelling Between Airports
If you need to transfer between the two airports, several options exist. The new Airport Link Line (as of 2025) offers a direct connection in approximately 40 minutes but passes south of central Shanghai. An older shuttle bus service is still available. Metro line 2, which connects both airports, is the most economical option if you have time. The Maglev train can also be used as part of a routing to connect the airports via Longyang Road station, though this may take longer than direct shuttle services.
Practical Tips
Purchase a Shanghai Public Transportation Card early in your visit to benefit from transfer discounts and avoid queuing at ticket machines. The card is available at metro stations and convenience stores and works across all public transport modes. Maps marked in English are available at airports but difficult to find elsewhere; grab one when you arrive. Plan extra time when using taxis during peak evening hours or when weather conditions are poor. Metro service is reliable and extensive, making it the best choice for most journeys, particularly if you have luggage concerns or tight schedules.