ShanghaiTransportation Guide
Travel Essentials — A Complete Guide to Subways, Taxis, Airport Shuttles, and Payment Methods
Shanghai Metro Guide
Shanghai’s 19 subway lines cover the entire city. Use the “Metro Metropolis” app or Alipay to scan a QR code for fare payment.Direct access to attractions: Nanjing East Road Station (Lines 2/10, 5-minute walk to the Bund); Yuyuan Station (Lines 10/14, Yuyuan Garden); Lujiazui Station (Line 2, Shanghai Tower); Shanghai Library Station (Line 10, French Concession); People’s Square Station (Lines 1/2/8, Shanghai Museum). Line 2 connects the two major airports, Hongqiao and Pudong.
Practical Advice
- •Download the Metro App
- •Line 2 connects the two major airports
- •Shared bikes + subway is the best combination
Taxis & Didi
Base fare: 14 yuan (3 km). Didi is also the most convenient option. Short trips within the city cost 20–40 yuan; a ride from downtown to Pudong Airport costs 150–200 yuan.
Practical Advice
- •Using Didi is more reliable than hailing a cab on the street
- •Avoid taking taxis during morning and evening rush hours
Airport Shuttle
Pudong Airport (PVG): Take Metro Line 2—about 60–90 minutes, 7 yuan. Take the Maglev—7 minutes, 50 yuan. Hongqiao Airport (SHA): Take Metro Lines 2 or 10—about 30 minutes. If possible, choose Hongqiao—it’s much closer to the city center.
Practical Advice
- •The 7-minute maglev ride to Longyang Road is worth experiencing
- •Hongqiao is much closer than Pudong
High-Speed Rail Guide
Shanghai has three high-speed rail stations. Hongqiao Station: The largest, serving the Beijing–Shanghai and Shanghai–Kunming high-speed rail lines; 30 minutes into the city via Lines 2 or 10; adjacent to Hongqiao Airport. Shanghai Station: Serves the Shanghai–Nanjing Intercity Line; located in the city center; 10 minutes to People’s Square via Line 1. Shanghai South Station: Serves the Shanghai–Hangzhou route. Shanghai Station is the preferred choice—it’s in the city center.
Practical Advice
- •Choose the station closest to the scenic area