Learn everything about Shanghai airport transfer options to downtown Shanghai. Shanghai has two major airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). I cover all recommended transportation methods—metro, bus, and taxi—along with options for late-night or early arrivals. Please Check! 👇👇👇
| Transport Mode | Duration | Cost (CNY/USD) | Frequency | Operating Hours | Pros | Cons |
| Metro Line 2 | 59 minutes | 7 / ~$1 | Every 6-12 minutes | 06:00 - 22:30 | Economical, direct | Crowded during peak hours |
| Maglev + Metro | 8 + 20 minutes | 50 / ~$7 | Every 15 minutes | 06:45 - 21:40 (Maglev) | Fastest to city edge, exciting ride | Transfer required at Longyang Road |
| Shuttle Bus | 90 minutes | 2-28 / ~$0.28-3.85 | Varies (15-60 minutes) | 06:00 - 23:00 | Covers multiple routes directly | Slower, potential language barriers |
| Taxi | ~45 minutes | 150-190 / ~$21-26 | On-demand | 24/7 | Convenient, especially with luggage | Expensive, traffic-dependent |
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Source from chinaairlinetravel
Metro Line 2, identified by its light green color, runs directly from Pudong Airport to major city center locations such as Lujiazui, People's Square, and Nanjing East Road, which are close to many of Shanghai's key attractions.
You need to change trains at Guanglan Road Station to continue towards Pudong Airport, where the service switches from 8-car to 4-car trains. The transfer is straightforward—simply cross to the opposite platform.
| Location | First Train | Last Train | Frequency (mins) |
| Pudong International Airport | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM | 8-10 |
| East Xujing | 5:30 AM | 10:45 PM | 8-10 |
| Destination | Duration | Cost (CNY) |
| Hongqiao Airport T2 | 88 mins | 8 (~USD 1.1) |
| Hongqiao Railway Station | 90 mins | 8 (~USD 1.1) |
| Nanjing East Road (City Center) | 59 mins | 7 (~USD 0.96) |
Route: PVG Airport - Guanglan Road - Hongqiao Airport - East Xujing
Main Stops: People’s Square, West Nanjing Road, East Nanjing Road, Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, Zhongshan Park, Jing’an Temple, Century Park
| Station | Nearby Attractions |
| Lujiazui | Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower |
| People’s Square | Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Exhibition Center |
| Nanjing East Road | The Bund, close walking distance to riverside views and cultural sites |
For a faster transfer, consider the Shanghai Maglev Train, which operates from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station. From there, you can switch to Metro Line 2 for continued travel into the city.
| Mode | Segment | Duration | Cost (CNY) | Operation Times |
| Maglev + Metro Line 2 | Pudong Airport to Longyang Road (Maglev), then to City Center (Metro Line 2) | 8 mins (Maglev) + Additional Metro Travel Time | 50 (Maglev) + 7 (Metro) | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
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Source from chinaairlinetravel
The Shanghai Maglev Train is the world's first commercial high-speed magnetic levitation line. This service connects Pudong International Airport directly to Longyang Road Metro Station, covering a distance of 30 kilometers in just 8 minutes. Its peak operational speed can reach up to 430 km/h, offering one of the fastest airport transfers in the world.
Route: Pudong International Airport – Longyang Road
Boarding Point: Airport Location: 2F of Pudong Airport Maglev Station; Longyang Location: 2F of Longyang Road Maglev Station (No. 2100 Longyang Road)
| Station | First Train | Last Train | Interval |
| Pudong International Airport | 07:02 AM | 22:40 PM | 15 min during peak hours, 20 min off-peak |
| Longyang Road Metro Station | 06:45 AM | 21:40 PM | 15 min during peak hours, 20 min off-peak |
| Ticket Type | Cost (CNY) | Cost (USD Approx.) | Details |
| One Way | 50 | 7.3 | Standard ticket |
| Round Trip | 80 | 11.5 | |
| VIP One Way | 100 | 14.5 | Access to VIP seating |
| VIP Round Trip | 160 | 23 | |
| Discounts | 20% off with same-day airline ticket. Applies to train tickets | ||
Source: TravelChinaGuide.com
To transfer from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city center by shuttle bus, you have several options depending on your destination within Shanghai. These shuttles take different routes and offer Line No. 1 through Line No. 8, most of them traveling to the city center.
Tickets can typically be purchased from the bus driver or at designated ticket counters at the airport.
Expect the duration to the city center to range between 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and specific stops.
| Line | Destination | Operating Hours (T1/T2) | Frequency | Duration | Fare (CNY) | Fare (USD) |
| 1 | Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM / 7:05 AM - 11:05 PM | Every 15-25 mins | ~70 mins | 30 | ~$4.13 |
| 2 | City Terminal (Jing'an Temple) | 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM / 6:35 AM - 11:05 PM | Every 15-25 mins | ~90 mins | 22 | ~$3.03 |
| 4 | Hongkou Football Stadium | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM / 7:05 AM - 11:05 PM | Every 15-25 mins | ~80 mins | 16-22 | ~$2.20 - $3.03 |
| 5 | Shanghai Railway Station | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM / 7:35 AM - 11:05 PM | Every 15-25 mins | ~80 mins | 16-22 | ~$2.20 - $3.03 |
| 7 | Shanghai South Railway Station | 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM / 7:35 AM - 11:05 PM | Every 10-20 mins | ~80 mins | 8-20 | ~$1.10 - $2.75 |
| 8 | Nanhui Bus Station | 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM / 7:05 AM - 7:35 PM | Every 15-60 mins | ~90 mins | 2-10 | ~$0.28 - $1.38 |
| 9 | Xinzhuang Metro Station | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM / 7:05 AM - 11:05 PM | Every 45-60 mins | ~60 mins | 28 | ~$3.85 |
| Night | Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center | 11:00 PM - Last flight + 45 mins | Every 45 mins | Variable | 16-30 | ~$2.20 - $4.13 |
The Shuttle bus mostly runs from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for the Airport Night Bus between PVG and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.
Buses run from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, so make sure you head to the correct terminal for your bus line.
Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle bus service, which takes 5 minutes for one-way trip. Here is the genreal overview of it:
| Transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 | ||
| Operation Time | 06:00 - 24:00, the interval is 10 minutes | |
| Stops | Terminal 1 | Gate 1, Gate 8, Gate 11 on 3F |
| Terminal 2 | Gate 21, Gate 26, Gate 27 on 3F | |
Source from Finance.sina
Where to Board the Taxi: At Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), you can find taxi stands located outside the arrivals area of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These are clearly marked, and there are typically airport staff available to help direct passengers and manage the queue. It’s advisable to follow the signs to the "official taxi" lines to avoid unlicensed taxis and ensure fair pricing.
Taxi Fares and Routes: Shanghai taxis operate with a metered fare system, which varies slightly between day and night hours.
| Distance | Day Time (5:00 AM - 11:00 PM) | Night Time (11:00 PM - 5:00 AM) |
| 0 - 3 km | $1.93 (14 CNY) | $2.48 (18 CNY) |
| 3 - 10 km | $0.33 per km (2.4 CNY/km) | $0.43 per km (3.1 CNY/km) |
| Above 10 km | $0.50 per km (3.6 CNY/km) | $0.65 per km (4.7 CNY/km) |
Note: All fares include a fuel surcharge of approximately $0.14 (1 CNY).
Estimated Costs to Key Locations: Here are some estimated costs for common destinations from PVG to the city center. The exact fare will depend on the specific destination, traffic conditions, and the time of day:
| Destination | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Shanghai City Center (People's Square) | $18 - $25 |
| Jing'an Temple | $20 - $28 |
| The Bund | $20 - $30 |
Tips for Taking a Taxi:
| Mode | Duration | Cost (CNY/USD) | Frequency | Operating Hours | Pros | Cons |
| Subway (Line 10 & Line 2) | 35 minutes | 5 / ~$0.69 | Every 6-12 minutes | 05:35 - 22:50 | Cost-effective, frequent | Crowded during peak hours |
| Taxi | ~30 minutes | 100-150 / ~$14-21 | On-demand | 24/7 | Direct, comfortable | Cost varies with traffic, language barrier |
| Shuttle Bus | 25-30 minutes | 2 / ~$0.28 | 30-40 minutes | 06:25 - 22:30 | Direct route to key areas | Slower than taxi or subway |
| Private Transfer | ~30 minutes | Variable (starts at 25 USD per person) | On demand | 24/7 | Most convenient, door-to-door service | More expensive than other options |
from chinaairlinetravel
The most economical option is the subway. Hongqiao Airport is well-connected by Shanghai’s Metro system, with access to both Line 10 and Line 2.
Line 10 is ideal for those heading to areas closer to the airport, such as the Shanghai Zoo or Hongqiao Railway Station, while Line 2 connects to major city center locations including People’s Square and Nanjing Road.
Trains run from early morning (around 5:35 AM) until late at night (around 10:50 PM), with frequencies of every 6-12 minutes. The cost is minimal at around 5 RMB ($0.70 USD), and the total travel time to People’s Square is about 35 minutes.
| Feature | Detail |
| Line | Metro Line 10 (for closer downtown areas), Metro Line 2 (for broader city access) |
| Operating Hours | 05:35 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Frequency | Every 6-12 minutes |
| Duration | About 35 minutes to People's Square via Line 2 |
| Cost | RMB 5 (~$0.70 USD) |
| Major Stops | Shanghai Zoo, Hongqiao Road, Jing’an Temple, People’s Square |
| Attractions | Jing'an Temple, Xintiandi, Yu Garden |
Shuttle buses from Hongqiao Airport offer another affordable alternative to taxis and private transfers. The buses cover various routes, including direct lines to key locations like Shanghai Railway Station. Operating hours range broadly from early morning to late evening, with buses departing every 15-30 minutes. Fares are typically between 2 to 6 RMB ($0.28-0.83 USD), depending on the distance and specific line.
| Feature | Detail |
| Service | City center lines including Line 941 to Shanghai Railway Station |
| Operating Hours | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Frequency | Every 20 minutes |
| Duration | About 30-60 minutes depending on the route |
| Cost | RMB 2-6 (~$0.30-0.90 USD) |
| Major Stops | Shanghai Zoo, Hongqiao Road, Shanghai Railway Station |
| Attractions | Access to key city points with economical fares |
Taxis offer a direct and comfortable way to travel to the city center, although they are more expensive than other public transport options.
| Feature | Detail |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 |
| Boarding Locations | Official taxi stands outside the arrival gates |
| Route | Direct to any location in central Shanghai |
| Duration | About 45-60 minutes depending on traffic |
| Cost | Approximately RMB 150-200 (~$21-28 USD) during the day; higher at night |
| Attractions | Direct access to hotels or landmarks as per passenger's choice |
Here are recommended transportation options from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to popular destinations in Shanghai:
| Destination | Route & Transfers | Travel Time | Cost (USD) |
| The Bund | Metro Line 2 directly to East Nanjing Road | 1h 1m | $1–2 |
| Nanjing Road | Metro Line 2 directly to East Nanjing Road | 1h 1m | $1–2 |
| Yuyuan Garden | Metro Line 2, transfer to Line 10 at East Nanjing Road | 1h 10m | $1–2 |
| Lujiazui | Metro Line 2 directly to Lujiazui Station | 1h | $1–2 |
| Xintiandi | Metro Line 2, transfer to Line 10 at East Nanjing Road | 1h 15m | $1–2 |
| Destination | Route & Transfers | Travel Time | Cost (USD) |
| The Bund | Metro Line 10 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 2 | 45m | $0.70 |
| Nanjing Road | Metro Line 10 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 2 | 45m | $0.70 |
| Yuyuan Garden | Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station | 50m | $0.70 |
| Lujiazui | Metro Line 10 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 2 | 50m | $0.70 |
| Xintiandi | Metro Line 10 directly to Xintiandi Station | 35m | $0.70 |
If you arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) after 23:00 and need to travel to the city center, taking the Night Bus is a highly recommended option, especially if you want to save money compared to taxis. Here's a detailed guide for using the Night Bus service:
Route: The Night Bus route from Pudong Airport heads to the Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center, passing through several major stops:
Details about the Night Bus service from Shanghai Pudong Airport to central Shanghai:
| Detail | Information |
| Boarding Points | Terminal 1 (Exit 6, Arrival Level), Terminal 2 |
| Operating Hours | 23:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily |
| Frequency | Every 45 minutes or less, departs when full |
| Duration | Approximately 30-40 minutes to central areas like Jing'an |
| Ticket Price | CNY 18 to CNY 34 (~$2.48 to ~$4.68 USD) |
Tips:
If you arrive very early in the morning at Shanghai Pudong Airport and are considering using public transportation, the first train of Metro Line 2 starts at 6:00 AM from Pudong Airport. This line connects you directly to key locations in downtown Shanghai, including Lujiazui, People’s Square, and the Hongqiao transportation hub. The journey to central Shanghai typically takes about 59 minutes and costs approximately 7 CNY.
However, if you arrive before the subway starts operating and need to travel immediately, you could consider other options such as:
Consider booking a room at a nearby hotel that offers free shuttle services if your arrival time is awkward. 👇👇👇
The hotel is conveniently located just 3km from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and 45km from Shanghai Railway Station. Just a short walk from Haitiansan Road Metro Station.
The hotel is located near to the airport and provides shuttle services every 30 minutes. It is relatively new, and everything is nice and clean.
There are many delicious places around, such as durian, fruit, mangosteen, and a snack center！
It was just perfect. So reasonably priced, breakfast included, airport shuttle each was included, Disney shuttle each way included. Everything ran on time. Can’t fault it for a layover location or Disney trip.
The room was really nice, it had a Mickey Mouse theme which made it a lot more aesthetically pleasing, especially for family with children. It was spacious and huge as well. I will definitely recommend travelers to stay at this hotel. The staffs there were really helpful and friendly.
The location is pretty near Pudong International Airport and the hotel provides free shuttle bus to and pro from Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Disneyland. 5 stars from me!!
No. 462 Ganghong Road, Jichang Town
If you arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) either very early in the morning or late at night, there are several reliable options to get to the city center:
Taking a taxi is the quickest and most direct method available 24/7. The journey to downtown Shanghai usually takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately CNY 80 during the day and CNY 100 at night (about $11-14 USD). Taxis are readily available at official taxi ranks outside both terminal buildings.
For late-night travel, you can use the night bus service. The Night Bus Line 316 operates from the Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center to key destinations such as East Yan’an Road/The Bund, running from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM the next day. This service is frequent, departing every 30-40 minutes, and is very affordable at just CNY 2. This makes it a viable option for those on a budget.
If your arrival aligns with metro operating hours, you can catch the metro as early as 5:35 AM and as late as 11:30 PM. The subway, particularly Line 10 from Hongqiao Airport, connects directly to downtown areas like People’s Square, with trains running every 6-12 minutes. This is the most economical option, with fares as low as CNY 5 (about $0.70 USD).
For convenience and comfort, especially with heavy luggage or group travel, consider pre-booking a private transfer. Hotels with shuttle services can best suit your needs, check the hotels below to get airport shuttle👇👇👇
Nice new hotel with a super comfortable bed. The hotel is near the Hongqiao airport and does provide shuttle bus service to the airport. Definitely a great choice for transit.
No. 38 Huqingping Highway
Because the flight was delayed, I chose Feiman Hotel. The service was really great. They served tea and water and helped to take the luggage to the room. In the morning, because it was raining, the handsome boy Xiao Guo also helped with the luggage, helped to hold the umbrella, and helped to send it to the car. The breakfast was also good and the room was very clean. There was also a midnight snack in the evening, and the robot helped to deliver it. Comrade Xiao Guo also helped to dry the clothes. The service was first-class. The hotel is really good and all the requirements that can be met will be met good👍
No. 38 Huqingping Highway
When visiting Shanghai, choosing the right hotel can make your trip even better. For top comfort, consider one of the city's five-star hotels. 🏩
There are also hotels for everything from business centers for work trips to spas, indoor swimming pools, hot springs, and gyms for relaxing. 😍
Located in the best parts of Shanghai, these hotels offer excellent service and all the amenities you could want for a comfortable stay. ✨
From personal experience, having lived in China for 12 years, I've curated a list of indispensable apps that will make your trip to Shanghai much easier.
| Category | App Name | Description |
| Transportation | DiDi Chuxing | Similar to Grab, offers ride-hailing through app or Alipay. |
| Payment | Alipay | Like Paypal, widely used for QR payments and transit services. |
| Hotels and Flights | Trip.com | Provides cheap bookings for hotels, flights, and local tours. |
| Food | Ele.me | Comparable to Uber Eats, offers fast food delivery via app. |
DiDi Chuxing is akin to Grab and essential for getting around Shanghai easily. If you have a Chinese phone number, you can use the app directly for ride-hailing. For those without a local number, Alipay provides integration with DiDi, allowing you to book rides and automatically handle fares through your Alipay account, streamlining the process whether you're a local or a visitor.
Alipay is a must-have for any visitor to China, functioning nearly everywhere for easy payments. By simply scanning a QR code, you can pay for goods and services seamlessly. Before arriving, it’s wise to set up your Alipay account and link it to an international debit or credit card. Alipay also simplifies public transit and taxi rides through its ‘Transport’ feature, which lets you use subways and buses or hail taxis directly from the app, with charges directly applied to your card.
Trip.com is an invaluable tool for anyone traveling in China, offering services entirely in English. From booking hotels and flights to securing tours and local transportation, Trip.com covers all your travel needs. It boasts a vast selection of accommodation and travel options, with over 5,000 hotels and flights across more than 45 cities. Additionally, Trip.com provides exclusive discounts across a network of over 3,000 partners, making it not just convenient but also cost-effective.
Ele.me is your go-to for food delivery in Shanghai. If you have a Chinese phone number, you can directly download the app and register. Without a local number, you can still order through Alipay. The service is known for its fast delivery, often within an hour, and offers very reasonable or even free delivery options. Make sure to have your address handy in Chinese to ensure a smooth delivery experience.
Shanghai Disney Resort is an unforgettable treat for both the young and young at heart. With an abundance of fun rides and beautiful scenery, it truly feels like a fairy tale come alive. It's perfect for a day out with family or friends. Each visit feels special, as there's always something new to discover. I'd recommend planning a full day to really soak in the magic and excitement of this place. Whether it’s the thrill of the rides or the joy of the parades, there’s something here to delight everyone.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is not just an icon of Shanghai's skyline but also a fantastic place to explore modern architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Walking along the Bund and looking up at this towering structure is a breathtaking experience. It's particularly beautiful at night when the lights of the city and the tower itself light up the sky. For anyone interested in photography or just looking for the best view in Shanghai, this is the place to be.
Lujiazui is known for its dazzling skyscrapers and the wealth of dining options hidden within its bustling streets. Here, you can find some of the best local dishes at very reasonable prices. The area is safe to wander around, and discovering these hidden gems is part of the adventure. It's a must-visit for food lovers and anyone looking to experience the vibrant local culture of Shanghai.
The Bund is an essential part of any visit to Shanghai, offering some of the most picturesque views of the city's historical architecture juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers. It's a lively place, especially in the evening, with locals and tourists alike soaking up the atmosphere. Great for a leisurely stroll, it's a cultural landmark that captures the essence of old and new Shanghai perfectly.
A visit to Shanghai Wild Animal Park is a thrilling adventure, especially for families. It's home to a variety of animals from around the globe, including the beloved giant pandas. The park is spacious, allowing for leisurely walks while observing animals in well-maintained habitats. It’s a fantastic spot for kids to learn about wildlife and conservation. The park is also quite large, so be prepared for a lot of walking, but it’s worth it for the up-close animal encounters!
Yu Garden is a peaceful retreat in the heart of Shanghai, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The traditional Chinese garden design here is meticulous, with beautiful pavilions, koi ponds, and lush greenery. It’s also a great spot for souvenir shopping and trying out local snacks. The garden itself is a delightful experience, rich with history and perfect for a slow, relaxing day of exploration.