Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transport Guide

How to get from Pudong Airport to downtown Shanghai and Hongqiao railway station with easy airport transfers - compare options, times and prices

Rosaline Nancy Kargbo

Published: May 8, 2026

Updated: May 29, 2026

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transport Guide

Shanghai is a renowned cultural and financial hub, blending traditional architecture and gardens with a futuristic skyline. If you’re flying in from overseas, you’ll most likely be landing in Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of two international airports serving the city (the other being Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport).

Looking for airport transfer options? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compared transport modes to downtown Shanghai and Shanghai Hongqiao station, so you can find the most convenient connection to the vibrant city.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the city’s largest airport and China’s fast-growing hub for international travel. Located on the coastline of eastern Pudong about 28 miles (45 kilometers) from the city center, the busy airport is a key gateway into East China from Asia, Europe, and North America. So much so that about half of all passenger traffic is international.

Shanghai Pudong International comprises two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with a free 24-hour shuttle service operating between them. There are many convenient services for global passengers, including luggage storage, duty-free and SIM card stores, currency exchange points, and, of course, airport transport routes into the city and beyond. Pudong Airport is a well-connected entry point into the Pearl of Asia and many other must-see destinations in China.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transport: Travel from the airport to Shanghai city center

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is roughly 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Huangpu District in the city center. There are several modes of public transport running frequently from the airport to downtown Shanghai late into the night. Whether you prefer speed, affordability, comfort, or flexibility, there’s a suitable airport transfer option for you - no matter your schedule. Choose from the rapid Maglev train, airport shuttle buses, the Metro, or a taxi. Some are direct, and others serve multiple stops, taking you to central spots like People’s Square and Nanjing Road. Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 station, the taxi stand, and the bus boarding point are minutes away from both terminals. Here’s how these airport transport options compare:

Maglev

The Maglev service from Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 station is the way to go if you need to be in the city fast. Follow signs to the station from your terminal. With only two stops on the network, the Maglev cuts journey times in half, meaning you can be in the city center in just 30 minutes. Simply hop on to reach Longyang Road station (eight minutes), then change for the Metro Line 2 to West Nanjing Road or People’s Square stations in the Huangpu District. Maglev trips cost roughly ¥50 (~US$7.50) one way but are cheaper at around ¥40 (~US$6) if you have proof of an airline ticket purchase. Including the Metro transfer, you’ll pay no more than ¥60 (~US$9). Buy tickets from the station counter, self-service machines, or use your bank card.

Metro

Want to keep costs low? Taking the Metro to downtown Shanghai is a great budget-friendly alternative. Shanghai Pudong International Airport is connected to Line 2 on the Metro network, offering direct and frequent services to East Nanjing Road, People’s Square, and West Nanjing Road stations in the city center. Journeys take around an hour. Trains depart from Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 station, a short walk that’s clearly signposted from both terminals. Accepted payment methods include physical tickets from the station machines, bank cards, the Shanghai Public Transport Card, or a QR code on the Suishenxing (SH MaaS) app.

Airport Shuttle Bus

If you’re looking to reach other parts of central Shanghai or are on one of the last flights, several Airport Shuttle bus lines run between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and various destinations. All routes depart from the North Wuzhou Path between Terminals 1 and 2. You can also catch direct buses and the night bus from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM. The night bus runs no more than every 30 minutes, dropping passengers off at Yan’an East Road/Zhejiang East Road near People’s Square about 45 minutes later. It’s an affordable option that costs between ¥18 (~US$2.50) and ¥34 (~US$5). You’ll need to have cash ready to pay the conductor on board for your journey.

Taxi

Groups, late-night travelers and those with a lot of luggage can opt for a taxi to reach the Huangpu District hassle-free. You’ll find the Shanghai Pudong International Airport taxi stand outside the terminal building. The journey is about 40–60 minutes door to door, depending on traffic. Drivers accept cash, cards, and the Shanghai Public Transport Card. Fares vary at ¥150–250 (~US$21–38) based on the time of day; prices are higher on public holidays and at peak hours/night.

Travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Situated in Shanghai’s Minhang District, Shanghai Hongqiao railway station is a major terminus for a number of interprovincial high-speed train lines. The vast complex also connects passengers from Shanghai Pudong International Airport via the Airport Link Line as well as lines 2, 10, and 17 on the Shanghai Metro. As a popular hub for the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway and lines serving the Yangtze Delta region, it’s a convenient transfer point for exploring other destinations, from the mountaintops of Nanjing to the capital Beijing.

To travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao station, you have a few options to choose from. Passengers can either take the recently opened Airport Link service, the Metro, or a taxi. The journey is usually under an hour and a half, no matter the transport method, allowing you to easily board a train service to another city and arrive the same day.

Metro

Both Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 and Shanghai Hongqiao stations are on Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro network, making it the most convenient airport transport option. The station is less than a three-minute walk from both of Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s terminals. The direct, low-cost Metro journey is less than ¥9 (~US$1.25) and takes between one hour and twenty minutes and one hour and forty minutes - great for hassle-free travel on a budget. Many payment methods are accepted. Purchase a ticket from the vending machine, tap and ride with your bank card, or use the Suishenxing (SH MaaS) app or Shanghai Public Transport Card. As the station has a multi-level configuration, hopping on the Metro is better suited to passengers with a minimal amount of luggage.

Airport Link

The newer Airport Link Line offers a speedier airport transfer, running from Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 station. From there, passengers can take a short walk to Hongqiao train station. Simply follow the signs from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the station, and either purchase a physical ticket or use the Suishenxing (SH MaaS) app or a contactless bank card to board. The trip costs less than ¥27 (~US$4) and only takes 40–50 minutes.

Taxi

For direct point-to-point travel and no transfers, taking a taxi is a convenient option - especially if you’re part of a large group or have bulky luggage. Typical taxi fares from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao range from ¥180 (~US$26) to ¥300 (~US$45). Both cash and cards are accepted, as well as the Shanghai Public Transport Card. Follow the signs to the taxi stand outside the terminal. You can expect the journey to take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the traffic.

Top Routes from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Shanghai Hongqiao – Hangzhou East

Located in Hangzhou’s Shangcheng District, Hangzhou East station is a key high-speed railway hub for exploring this ancient capital in East China. A popular destination among Chinese locals, Hangzhou has picturesque scenery and three breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites - the most famous being the tranquil West Lake. Traveling to Hangzhou via high-speed rail typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, making it an ideal day-trip spot.

Shanghai Hongqiao – Beijing South

Enjoy direct connections to China’s capital, taking you to Beijing South, one of the city’s main train stations. Beijing’s magical mix of opulence, greenery, modern architectural wonders and centuries-old imperial heritage is a sight to behold. With the Great Wall at its doorstep, highlights within the city are the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Trains from Shanghai Hongqiao to Beijing South transport you to the iconic capital in roughly four and a half to six hours.

Shanghai Hongqiao – Suzhou

Another top destination for day trips is Suzhou, only 25–35 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao on a high-speed train. Frequent departures run throughout the day, offering visitors flexibility to plan their visit. Dubbed the “Venice of the East”, the charming oasis is filled with a plethora of waterways, ancient canals and enchanting gardens. Enjoy waterfront views the minute you step outside the station.

Shanghai Hongqiao – Nanjing South

Nanjing South train station is one of the main railway hubs on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. An ancient capital across various Chinese dynasties, Nanjing is a longstanding cultural center that history buffs and nature lovers alike will adore. Beyond historical landmarks like the Confucius Temple and Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum, Nanjing is also a garden city lined with forests, lakes, rivers and city walls. Set aside one to one and a half hours to get to this underrated gem.

How to Book Train Tickets on Trip.com

Step 1: Choose stations and travel date(s)

Enter your departure and arrival stations (e.g., “Shanghai Hongqiao” in the From field and “Suzhou” in the To field).
Pick a departure date from the calendar. If you’re purchasing a round-trip ticket, select the return date.
If the departure date is over 15 days away, you can reserve the ticket. A waitlist is available for sold-out trains. Book ahead, especially for peak-time services.

Step 2: Select train and seat class

Choose the train that best suits your schedule and budget from the list.
Click on the desired seat class (e.g., 2nd Class, 1st Class, etc.). A side-by-side comparison of the price and amenities is available.
You may want to consider 1st Class or Business Class to make long-distance journeys more comfortable.

Step 3: Enter information and complete payment

Select the ID type and fill in the ID number for all passengers, ensuring it matches the ID exactly, and enter your contact information.
Choose your preferred payment method from the available options. You can pay via credit card, PayPal, etc.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an e-ticket. On the day, just use your passport or ID to board the train.

Advantages of Booking Train Tickets on Trip.com

No need to stand in line or learn how to read Chinese – on Trip.com, you can book cheap train tickets online anytime, anywhere and get 24-hour customer service in your language. Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a contactless e-ticket for a smoother journey. Head straight to the airport station from arrivals, and simply use your passport or ID to board the train. Whether you’re in town for a short business trip or traveling through multiple spots for sightseeing, your China train tickets are all available on the same platform. Make the most of your trip and book ahead on Trip.com.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a well-connected travel hub for global passengers with various transport options. Getting from the airport to the city center is not only speedy but also seamless when you travel by train. It also offers an easy interchange at Shanghai Hongqiao station to reach more destinations on the high-speed rail network. Take the hassle out of airport transfers and pre-book your China train tickets on Trip.com.

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Table of Contents

Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transport: Travel from the airport to Shanghai city center
Travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
How to Book Train Tickets on
Don’t Miss Our Other Airport Transfer Guides

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