Shanghai, situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, is the busiest transport hub in eastern China. As an important financial and business center of China and of the world, Shanghai has highly developed infrastructure, including a convenient public transportation network.
Getting to Shanghai
The city has various links to the outside. Today you can easily travel to Shanghai from not only the adjacent cities of Suzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou, but also the distant cities such as Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Many cities in other countries also enjoy convenient transportation links with Shanghai. You can travel there by air, train, long-distance bus, or ship.
By Air
Pudong International Airport → Pudong Airport Shuttle Bus
Hongqiao International Airport → Hongqiao Airport Shuttle Bus
Shanghai Airport Shuttle Bus Routes to Nearby Cities
Shanghai is the only Chinese city that has two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. The two modern airports are equipped with very advanced facilities. Everyday, about 1,000 flights travel through the two airports, linking Shanghai with many domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.
By Train
The railway network of Shanghai provides you with an inexpensive and comfortable way to get to the city. Huning (Shanghai - Nanjing) Railway and Huhang (Shanghai - Hangzhou) Railway pass through Shanghai and connect its three main railway stations with cities all over the country. Here you can also take advantage of tourist trains and special 'Holiday Trains' from Shanghai to scenic areas in other provinces such as Mt. Huangshan in Anhui and Mt. Wuyishan in Fujian.
By Long-Distance Bus
Long-distance buses are also convenient when traveling to Shanghai. Four national highways and four expressways pass through Shanghai, composing the city's efficient long-distance bus transport system. Now over 1,000 routes are served by 40 long-distance bus stations in Shanghai.
By Ship
Due to its strategic location, transportation via waterways is also highly accessible in Shanghai. The city is located on the estuary of Yangtze River and midpoint of China's north-south coastline, and currently stands as China's largest port. The increasing quantity of goods and passengers moved in and out has promoted the development of economy and tourism of Shanghai and its adjacent cities.
The great number of domestic and international passenger liners will easily accommodate your travel needs as you journey to Shanghai.
Getting around Shanghai
Generally, transportation inside Shanghai city is considered both convenient and satisfactory. As an international metropolis with the largest population in China, Shanghai will inevitably face the problem of overpopulation and traffic congestion. However the situation is currently somewhat better than in Beijing. To relieve the transportation pressure, the government has done a lot of work including constructing a large number of roads, subways, and opening more new bus routes. Now, the city has the world's largest public transportation system handling the largest daily volume of passengers.
By Taxi
By City-Bus
By Sightseeing Bus
A high-density road network makes overland transportation easy. Taxis, city buses, and sightseeing buses are ready to bring you to everywhere in Shanghai. If you prefer driving yourself, rental cars are available - a word of caution though - if possible, avoid the congested overhead roads in the urban area inside the Inner Ring Road during rush hour.
By Subway
Subway Lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 8, Line 9
How to Take
Transfer
Ticket
Bilingual List of Subway Stations
Shanghai Subway Map
Shanghai's eight subway lines have connections all over the city, with stops at or nearby the main attractions and commercial areas. If you are just sightseeing and in no hurry, the subway will provide you with fast and comfortable service (though you may want to avoid rush hour of 7:00 to 9:30 and 16:30 to 19:30).
By Maglev
Shanghai Maglev Train Ticket
Transfer at Maglev Stations
You may want to check out the speedy maglev train which runs between Longyang Road and Pudong Airport.
By Ferry
Nanpu Bridge, Yangpu Bridge, Xupu Bridge, Lupu Bridge and various tunnels across the Huangpu River provide direct links between Pudong New District and Puxi Area. Ferries offer convenient shuttle service across the Huangpu River, allowing you to avoid the crowded bridges and tunnels while appreciating the river scenery. Additionally ferryboats are available between the mainland of Shanghai and its three islands of Chongming, Changqing and Hengsha.
Shanghai Public Transportation Card
Scope of Use
Directions for Use
Travelers' Voices on Shanghai Transportation
1.
Nov. 19,2009 03:09 Reply
Mr.Yudhi(Indonesia) said:
Dear all, How could I get directory from Shanghai Railway station to Swissotel Grand Shanghai Yu Yuan Road, Jing An District? and which is the nearest Shopping mall or the exciting place from my hotel? Are they have the Factory outlet for branded items? Thank you in advance.
Nov. 19,2009 19:06
Mr.SHANA(China) replied:
At Shanghai Railway Station, you could take the subway Line 1 to arrive at the People's Square firstly and then transfer to Line 2 here to reach Jing'an Temple station. Out of the Exit 3, you could find the hotel immediately.
Just in front of the hotel, you could find the City Plaza, which is one of the best shopping malls in Shanghai. On the other hand, you could walk along the Nanjing West Road, nearby the hotel, where many boutiques and featured shops could be found.
2.
Nov. 12,2009 01:37 Reply
Mr.Kitagenda(Uganda) said:
Hello,
I planning to continue my journey from Hangzhou to Guangzhou. Please let me know if it is advisable to travel by train on this route.
Thanks fr your help.
Nov. 13,2009 02:50
Mr.LEOSTAR(United States) replied:
Currently, there are four trains departing from Hangzhou to Guangzhou everyday. The fastest one takes about 16.5 hours. Privately, I prefer to take a flight which is much convenient.
3.
Nov. 12,2009 03:53 Reply
Mr.Ravi(India) said:
Hello..
How can I reach Longyang road station from Wuxi and catch Maglev.
Can I purchase tickets in advance
Nov. 13,2009 02:45
Mr.LEOSTAR(United States) replied:
Actually, it is not suggested that you take the Maglev, which will make your journey to the airport complicated. From Wuxi, you could take an express train to arrive in Shanghai Railway Station around one hour. Just at the south square, the shuttle bus Line 5 could be taken to the Pudong Airport.
Of course, you could take the subway Line 1 firstly and then transfer to Line 2 at the People's Square. The Line 2 could take you to Longyang Lu directly.
4.
Nov. 9,2009 15:53 Reply
Mr.Steve(USA) said:
Mr. Leo
I will be arriving at Shanghai (Pudong) on December 10, at 3:00pm, connecting on a domestic flight to Wuhan. How much time should I allow between flights? One airline departs at 4:30pm (1-1/2 hours difference)...the next leaves at 7:00pm (4 hour difference). I am reluctant to book the earlier flight since there may not be enough time, and this assumes my US flight arrives on time; if it is late, the situation is worse.
What do your advise?
thanks
Nov. 9,2009 22:31
Mr.Leo replied:
It is suggested that you take the fligt leaving at 7:00pm. When you arrive Pudong Airport, you have to accept H1N1 check currently and then go through the customs and immigration. All of these procedure will take you no less than one hour. So, I think you are impossible to check-in the flight to Wuhan in time. On the other hand, if your two flights are set in different terminals, it will take you more time for transfer. Hope this helps!
5.
Oct. 21,2009 21:47 Reply
Ms.Sunshine(Vietnam) said:
I will attend China-Pharm 2009 at Shanghai New International Expo Center from Oct 26 to Oct 30.
I will arrive Shanghai Pudong Airport at 5h30 am, Oct 26 and I will come to my hotel Named: SUPER 8 SHANGHAI PUDONG NEW DISTRICT at No. 151 Miaopu Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China, 200135. Please advise me the way from Airport to Hotel by Long distance Buses or Subway or Train!
Thanks in advance!
Oct. 21,2009 22:15
Mr.Frankie replied:
The fast way is take the Maglev train to reach Longyang Road firstly (40RMB) and then hire a cab driving to the hotel directly. The taxi fare is around 20RMB.
Oct. 23,2009 04:35
Ms.Sunshine(Vietnam) replied:
Thanks so much Mr.Frankie. I will use the way you show.
This is the second time I visit Shanghai but last time, I only have a half day after then I fly to Xi'an. At this time, I have 5 days in Shanghai. Can you show me where place for shopping and the way to Biggest Shoping Center from my hotel?
Oct. 25,2009 20:30
Mr.frankie replied:
The nearest shopping center: Shanghai Nextage DEpartment Store in Zhangyang Road, which can be reached bu Subway Line 6 from your hotel and get off at Century Av.
The most famous shopping place: Nanjing Road: Use Subway Line 2 at Century Av to Nanjing East Road. Then you can walk along the street from the east to the west.
The most local snack and old street: City God Temple - Cheng Huang Miao: Not far from the Nanjng Road, suggest you take taxi.
Other busy shopping Center: Xujiahui, the central area of Xuhui District. It can be reached by Subway Line 1 at People's Square, at the juncture of Nanjing East and West Roads.
Huaihai Road also have some places to shop.
6.
Oct. 23,2009 13:15 Reply
Mr.Pang(Canada) said:
We are going to have a cruise trip (Princess Line) from Shanghai to Tokyo on Feb., 2010 (Chinese New Year period). May you tell me where is the cruise ship port? We will have a couple of large luggages, how shall we go to the port from Jing'an area?
Oct. 25,2009 20:21
Mr.James replied:
The cruise ship port is in Dongdaming Road, north of the Bund. If you go from Jing'an are, you can just take a taxi, 15 minutes or so.
7.
Oct. 13,2009 22:00 Reply
Ms.Poo(Thailand) said:
Hello,
Pls. advise how to go to Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Nanpu Hotel from Pudong Airport. Can we walk from the hotel to the Exhibition place?
Thank you.
Poo
Oct. 16,2009 01:42
Mr.Leo replied:
The fastest way is taking the Maglev train from the airport to reach Longyang Rd metro station firstly. Only 10 minutes and CNY40/person. Then, please hire a cab driving to the hotel directly, the journey is about 4.5kms so the taxi fare is no more than 20RMB.
Which Exhibition place? Is it the Shanghai New International Expo Center? If so, this center is close to the Longyang Road station, so you should go there by cab.
8.
Oct. 11,2009 11:45 Reply
Mrs.ele(denmark) said:
Hi all,
I am arriving in Pudong airport arouns 12:20(noon) and I have booked the hotel White Mansion (1755 Sichuan Road Shanghai). Could you tell me how to reach my hotel please? Moreover a friend who is staying at VIVAsha Resort Hotel (No.99, Fuping Road (No.2779, Jiaotong Road)) will join me later on. Could you give some info also for this?
Thanks a lot
Oct. 11,2009 20:22
Mr.Jamie replied:
Take airport Bus Line 5 to Shanghai Railway Station, your fiend can take a taxi to the hotel directly, and so do you. However, you can also take Subway Line 3 to Dongbaoxing Road. Your hotel is just 5-10 minutes by walk east of the the station.
9.
Oct. 11,2009 07:14 Reply
Mr.Akira(Japan) said:
I'll be arriving in Shanghai, China at Shanghai Pudong Airport this coming Thursday. How can I reach my hotel at Vivasha Resort Hotel from Pudong Airport. Please I need your help on how to go to the hotel.
Oct. 11,2009 20:10
Mr.Jamie replied:
please see my replay to Mrs Elma below who has the same question. Hope it helps. :-)
10.
Oct. 11,2009 06:24 Reply
Mrs.Elma (Japan ) said:
hello everyone, I need help. How could I reach VIVASHA RESORT HOTEL from Shanghai Pudong Airport. Please I need your help urgently because I'm leaving tomorrow for Shanghai.
Oct. 11,2009 20:09
Mr.Jamie replied:
Hope it is not too later to tell you that info. You can take airport Bus line 5 to Shanghai Railway Station and then change to a taxi to the hotel. If you travel by subway or city bus, you should make several transfers. I recommend this one. You can go to Shanghai Railway Station by Maglev train to Longyang then by Subway Line 2 to People's Square and then Line 1 to Shanghai Railway Station, which may be faster than take airport bus.