Shanghai Transportation

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, it has highly developed infrastructure, including a convenient public transportation network.
 

Getting there

The city has various links to the outside. Today you can easily get there from not only the adjacent cities of Suzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou, but also the distant cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Many cities in other countries also enjoy convenient transportation links with Shanghai. You can get there by air, train or ship.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Pudong International Airport
Check-in Counters
Check-in Counters at Pudong Airport

The city has two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. The two modern airports are equipped with very advanced facilities.
 
Everyday, about hundreds of flights travel through the two airports, linked with many domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.


Pudong International Airport

Pudong Airport Shuttle Bus to Downtown

 Pudong Airport Bus to Nearby Cities

Hongqiao International Airport

Hongqiao Airport Shuttle Bus
 

The railway network provides you with an inexpensive and comfortable way to get to the city. Jinghu (Beijing-Shanghai), Huning (Shangha- Nanjing) and Huhang (Shanghai-Hangzhou) High Speed Railways pass through Shanghai and connect its three main railway stations with cities all over the country.
 

Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai Railway Station

Here you can also take advantage of tourist trains and special 'Holiday Trains' to scenic areas in other provinces such as Mt. Huangshan in Anhui and Mt. Wuyishan in Fujian.

 

Long-distance buses are also convenient. Four national highways and four expressways pass through the city, composing the city's efficient long-distance bus transport system. Now over 1,000 routes are served by 40 long-distance bus stations.
 

Due to its strategic location, transportation via waterways is also highly accessible. International cruises can be taken at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and the main destinations include South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. Domestic ships leave from Wusong Passenger Transport Center to Mt. Putuo and islands in Chongming District. In addition, cruises between the city and Chongqing can be a good choice to tour the Yangtze River.
 

 Shanghai to Beijing 

 Beijing to Shanghai

 Shanghai-Beijing Train vs. Flight
 

How to Travel from Shanghai to Other Cities in Yangtze River Delta Area

  Shanghai Airport Shuttle Bus to Nearby Cities
 

How to Travel from Shanghai to Other Cities

 
 

Getting around

Generally, transportation inside the city is considered both convenient and satisfactory. As an international metropolis, this city will inevitably face the problem of overpopulation and traffic congestion. 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.
 

19 shanghai subway lines have connections all over Shanghai, with stops at or nearby the main attractions and commercial areas. If you are just sightseeing and in no hurry, the metro will provide you with fast and comfortable service (though you may want to avoid rush hour of 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:30).
 Metro Lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, Line 11, Line 12, Line 13, Line 15Line 16, Line 17, Line 18Pujiang Line

How to Take Metro

 Metro Transfer

 Metro Ticket

Bilingual List of Metro Stations

 Metro Maps
 

You may want to check out the speedy maglev train which runs between Longyang Road and Pudong Airport.


A high-density road network makes overland transportation easy. Taxis, city buses, and sightseeing buses are ready to bring you to everywhere. If you prefer driving yourself, sharing bikes are available - if possible, avoid the congested overhead roads in the urban area inside the Inner Ring Road during rush hour. 
Shanghai Subway
Metro
Shanghai Ferry
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 and its three islands of Chongming, Changqing and Hengsha.

All the transportation methods above accept Public Transportation Card. It is advised to prepare one if you plan to stay in the city for a long time.

- Last updated on Nov. 23, 2023 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Shanghai Transportation
Asked by KK from SINGAPORE | Mar. 17, 2024 19:53Reply
Pudong airport to Crown Plaza hotel at East Nanjing Rd
I am first timer to Shanghai, and want to know the best way to reach my hotel at East Nanjing Rd. Some people have advised taking taxi, but some other said you got to wait as there will be long queue at taxi stand.
Is taking long distance bus convenient ? Where the bus will stop in Shanghai, and it means I have to take a taxi from the bus station to my hotel, or it is within walking distance.
Asked by James Vogt from USA | Feb. 08, 2024 18:00Reply
What is the best way to travel from Shanghai international cruise port to Zhujiajiao?
what will it cost?
Answers (1)
Answered by Marcy | Feb. 17, 2024 18:45
00Reply


By metro. Take metro line 12 from International Cruise Center to Tiantong Rd., transfer to line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station, then take line 17 to Zhujiajiao. The whole journey takes nearly 2 hours and CNY 8. Taking a taxi takes one hour at a cost of more than CNY 200.
Asked by Meg from NEW ZEALAND | Jan. 25, 2024 15:27Reply
Airport transfer
Hi. I’m travelling from New Zealand (Air NZ) to Shanghai, then have a 4 hour 20 minute layover before transiting to Amsterdam (KLM). I will need to transfer between terminal 2 and 2. Is 4 hours 20 minutes plenty of time? And is there any documentation I should bring to speed things up?
Answers (2)
Answered by Jessica | Jan. 25, 2024 18:03
00Reply


Don't worry! If you just transfer in the same airport, the time is enough!
Answered by Meg | Jan. 25, 2024 21:26
00Reply


Sorry meant to say terminal 2 and 1. Thank you!
Asked by Cindy Wang from SINGAPORE | Jan. 18, 2024 00:38Reply
My flight arriving Pudong Int'l airport at 22.20 pm
Can I check with this arrival time late at night, what is the best way, cheapest way and fastest way to go to my hotel Central Shanghai Hotel?
Answers (1)
Answered by Molly | Jan. 18, 2024 01:48
00Reply


At that time, you can take Night Airport Bus Line directly from the airport to East Yan 'an Road Middle Zhejiang Road and then walk north about 700m to your hotel. It takes about 1.5 hours and costs CNY 22.
Asked by Shirley from SINGAPORE | Nov. 21, 2023 22:37Reply
Transport
Hi, how much will be taxi fare or bus fare from pudong airport to Fairfield marriott jingan? Is the taxi in meter ? Arriving at 6.30am. Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Hailey | Nov. 23, 2023 00:47
00Reply


Metro is more recommended. You can take Metro Line 2 from the airport to People's Square and then transfer to Metro Line 1 to Yanchang Rd. Station. Get out of the exit 3 and walk northwest about 600m, and you can reach the hotel. It takes about 100 minutes and costs CNY7.

If take taxi, it is in meter and the fare would be about CNY 220-250.
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