Shanghai Transportation Guide: Getting to & Around

Written by Ivy Dong | Updated August 21,2025

Shanghai on the east coast of China is the largest commercial and financial center and an important international port city in the western Pacific. Shanghai is definitely one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in China.

This is a city alive with colours. When we think of Shanghai, the image that often comes to mind is towering skyscrapers, cutting-edge technology, and bustling commercial streets. This is an Asian mega city which never stops evolving, where citizens leave yesterday’s sorrow behind. This is where you join the free souls and never get bored. Most of the Shanghai attractions are located in the city center, with the exception of the Shanghai Disney Resort and Zhujiajiao Water Town. This guide will help you navigate through various ways to get to Shanghai and move around the city, all with ease and style.

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How to Get to Shanghai
How to Get Around Shanghai
Shanghai Transportation to Famous Attractions
Tips for Tourists Using Shanghai Transportation
FAQs About Transportation in Shanghai

How to Get to Shanghai

As an Asian mega city, Shanghai transportation links are excellent. Whether you’ve up to travel by air, train, or bus, getting to Shanghai is straightforward. Let’s dive into some ideas for kicking off an unforgettable adventure in this cosmopolis.

By Air

There are two airports currently serving Shanghai, being Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

Pudong Airport is located about 30 kilometers east of the city center, being one of the busiest international hubs in Asia, handling a large volume of international flights. If you would like to visit Disney Land, better choose this one. Hongqiao Airport, situated closer to the city center, primarily serves domestic and regional flights, offering convenient access for travelers within China. It’s smaller than Pudong airport, but remains modern and exquisite, also with shorter walking distance within the airport, hence less stress for catching a flight.

Both airports are well-equipped with modern facilities and aesthetic design, ensuring domestic and foreign visitors a smooth travel experience. Here are the flight durations from some key cities:

Beijing– 2-3 hours
Urumqi– 4.5-5 hours
Guangzhou– 1-2 hours
Xi’an– 2 hours
Chengdu– 2.5-3 hours

Shanghai Airport Transportation

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is relatively far from city center, but its comprehensive transportation system will allow you commute with ease. There’re several convenient options.

The most popular choice is the Shanghai Maglev Train, which connects the airport to Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes. From there, passengers can transfer to Metro Line 2 or Line 7. Alternatively, Metro Line 2 also directly connects Pudong Airport to the city center, though the journey takes about 60 minutes. Many airport shuttle buses are also available, offering routes to major areas like People’s Square and Hongqiao Airport. Taxis are another option to suite personal preference, with a travel time of around 40-60 minutes.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is situated closer to the city center, about 13 kilometers west of downtown. Metro Line 2 and Line 10 carry you from Hongqiao Airport directly to the city center, with Line 2 reaching People’s Square in about 30 minutes. Taxis are readily available, with a 20-30 minute ride to downtown, depending on traffic. Additionally, airport shuttle buses provide connections to key locations like Pudong Airport and other urban areas.

By Train

Shanghai’s four major railway stations provide high-speed connections to major Chinese cities:

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station– This is the largest high-speed railway station in Shanghai, with extensive passenger flow. It serves several major lines, including Beijing-Shanghai (京沪), Shanghai-Kunming (沪昆), and Shanghai-Nanjing (沪宁)
Shanghai Railway Station– This station is incorporated with Mixed long-distance and high-speed rail, it provides long-distance routes to northern and some southern cities, as well as some passing high-speed trains.
Shanghai South Station– This is the Long-distance train station mainly serving southern China.
Shanghai West Station – This is the Short-distance station for Jiangsu and Anhui routes.

Transportation between Shanghai and major cities

If you’re already in China, we recommend incorporating other major cities to make a more unforgettable travel experience. For an in-depth journey in China, here are some preferred options:

From Beijing to Shanghai

Beijing, the capital of China, is a renowned ancient capital with over 3000 years of history. Beijing serves as a crucial transportation hub both internationally and within the country.

By flight: 2-3 hours.
By train: High-speed trains 4-6 hours; regular ones 12-18 hours

From Xi’an to Shanghai

Xi’an, the start of the Silk Road. Here you can explore the Terracotta Warriors, visit museums, learn Chinese calligraphy, savor Shaanxi cuisine, and bike along ancient city walls.

By flight: 2 hours.
By train: High-speed trains 6-7 hours; regular ones 15-21 hours

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From Hongkong to Shanghai

Honkong is a modern metropolis that jazzes up cross-ethnic cultures. From Hong Kong to Shanghai, the fastest way is by flight. High-speed trains offer a scenic option, taking about 8 hours from West Kowloon Station to Shanghai Hongqiao. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Shenzhen and then board a high-speed train to Shanghai, which is a unique way to explore the scenery.

By flight: 5-5 hours.
By train: 8 hours

From Hangzhou to Shanghai

Hangzhou is close to Shanghai. The most cost-effective option is the high-speed train, which takes around 45 minutes from Hangzhou East Station to Shanghai Hongqiao. Long-distance buses are available but take about 2-3 hours. Additionally note that, domestic flights exist but are unnecessary due to the short distance.

By bus: 2-3 hours
By train: 45 minutes.

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How to Get Around Shanghai

By Metro

This is the most rooted transportation among local commuters. Shanghai Metro System is extensive, with 21 lines and 517 stations spanning across the city, including one high-speed Shanghai Maglev Train. All metro lines are incorporated with air-conditioning.

By Bus

Shanghai Bus System is modern and comprehensive, with a surprisingly 1596 lines serving the city. Ticket prices are from 1-36 CNY depending on type of the buses you take.

By Taxi

Taxis cost at 14 RMB for the first 3 kilometers. A common ride within the city will be 35-100 RMB. If you are searching for more flexibility, especially when visiting attractions outside the city or in remote areas, renting a private car or hiring a driver can be an excellent option. This allows you to avoid crowds and explore most of the map at your own pace.

By Ferry

Another important part of Shanghai transport is the ferries. As you glide along the river take in breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline, including the historic European-style buildings in Puxi, the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong, and the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui. So taking a Huangpu River Cruise is a must-try for your Shanghai tour.

There are different cruise routes, so tourists can choose which one to take depending on their preferences. Most routes last around 1.5-3 hours. Ticket prices are at CNY 120-350 per person.

Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise — Huangpu River Cruise

Shanghai Transportation to Famous Attractions

Get to Disneyland Resort

Disneyland is every child’s dream, even for those who’re still a kid at heart! This is the perfect place to spend with family and close friends. Shanghai Disney Resort is the first Disney resort in mainland of China and the sixth worldwide. It is located at the heart of the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, at 310 Huangzhao Road, Chuansha Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. You can get there by bus Pudong Line 50, 51&52, or by metro Line 11 to the terminal station.

Get to Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town

Nowadays, Zhujiajiao Water Town, also called as “Jiangnan Pearl”, is one of the most well-known tourists destinations that attracts many tourists home and abroad each year with its long history and rich tourism resources, it is also one of the four famous ancient towns in Shanghai. To get there, you can take Huzhu Express Line at Pu’an Road East Yan’an Road Station and get off at the Zhujiajiao Station. Also, you can take Huzhu Special Line at Gaohong Road Shenkun Road Station and get off at the Zhujiajiao Bus Station. Alternatively, you can take Subway Line 17 and get off at the Zhujiajiao Station.

Get to Tianzifang

Tianzifang was once an industrial alley within Former French Concession, now it has become a labyrinth of art. In 1998, artists led by Chen Yifei transformed these aging factories into creative studios. With time, other renowned artists followed, gradually filling it with dreams, turning it into an artistic hub. You can find delicacies, vintage jewelry and handcrafted goods for a creative souvenir. Tianzifang is at 210 Lane, Taikang Road. You can get here by metro line 9 at Dapuqiao Station. Walk out Exit 1 and it’s just 300m-walk away.

Tips for Tourists Using Shanghai Transportation

Avoid Peak Hours: The metro and buses are most crowded from 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM.
Write Down Destination Names in Chinese: Though there are many locals speaking English in Shanghai, it’s recommended to prepare a note in Chinese.
Download Navigation Apps: Use Alipay and Shanghai indigenous app Metro-Politan 大都会 for real-time updates and discounts
Get a Transportation Card: The Shanghai Public Transportation Card 闪电卡 works for metros, buses, and even ferries, offering convenience and discounts.

FAQs About Transportation in Shanghai

Is Uber Available in Shanghai?

No, Uber does not operate in Shanghai. But there are several alternative servers, like Didi Chuxing 滴滴出行, China’s top ride-hailing app; Huaxiaozhu 花小猪 is also preferred, for its competitive price-setting.

How Do You Pay for Transport in Shanghai?

&nbspYou can always pay by cash, though digital payment can be more convenient. You may download Alipay and use its Alipay’s Bus&Metro QR code, or you can try Shanghai indigenous transportation app Metro-Politan (大都会), where you will have bundle discounts:

Metro Pass Options:

1-Day Pass (18 RMB): Unlimited rides within 24 hours
3-Day Pass (45 RMB): Unlimited rides within 72 hours

These are recommended if you plan to take multiple metro rides.

On May 19th, 2024, Shanghai officially launched Shanghai Pass, which is a prepaid enhance international visitors’ payment convenience on transportation, attractions, and shopping. The card cost for Shanghai Pass is CNY 20, and you can top up money and pay for all public transportations, major attractions and shoppings at selected retail shops, malls conveniently.

How to Travel Between Hongqiao and Pudong Airports?

The Airport Suburban Railway, is newly launched in December 2024. It connects Pudong and Hongqiao Airports in just 35 minutes (26 RMB). Trains run every 15 minutes from 6 AM to 10 PM. Simply scan a ride code to enter — no ticket needed. The train is new, spacious, and equipped with wireless charging and luggage storage. Perfect for airport transfers and city commutes, this line is a huge upgrade from the long, crowded Metro Line 2.

What is the Best Way to Travel Around Shanghai?

That depends on your preference and travel pace! For speed and affordability, the Shanghai Metro is ultimately unbeatable. For scenic river views, ferries are a hidden gem. Taxis and ride-hailing apps offer flexibility that handles daily commute.

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