Shanghai Airport is the main gateway to China for millions of international travelers visiting the country every year. Arriving in a metropolis of over 25 million people can feel overwhelming at first, but Shanghai boasts an incredibly modern, comprehensive, and efficient public transportation network.
Before diving in, you should know that Shanghai is served by two international airports:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Located about 30 km (18.6 miles) east of the city center, this is the main hub for most incoming flights from Europe, the Americas, and the rest of Asia.
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Located roughly 13 km (8 miles) west of downtown, this airport primarily handles domestic flights within China.
Before arriving to China
One of the first things you need to know about China is that there is a digital firewall blocking most of the everyday apps you rely on. But don’t worry—we explain exactly how to use your favorite apps without a hitch in our dedicated guide!
Having a reliable internet connection is crucial for looking up maps, making mobile payments, or requesting a ride via DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber). The most convenient option is to get an unlimited-data Holafly eSIM (enjoy a 5% discount for being our reader!). Keep in mind that China relies on an entirely different ecosystem of apps compared to what we use in the West, all of which we cover in this article.
Finally, just like on any trip, having a good travel insurance policy with comprehensive medical coverage is essential, as unexpected medical emergencies in China can turn out to be extremely expensive. We personally recommend IATI Travel Insurance (get 5% off as a reader of our blog).
How to get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Downtown
If you are flying in from abroad, chances are high that you’ll land at Pudong Airport. Here are the best transfer options to get you into the city center.
1. The Maglev Train (Fast & Futuristic)
Maglev stands for Magnetic Levitation Train. True to its name, this high-tech train levitates magnetically off the tracks and ranks as one of the fastest commercial trains in the world, topping out at speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph).
The Maglev runs non-stop directly from the airport to Longyang Road Station in just 7 to 8 minutes. Once you arrive at Longyang Road, you will need to transfer to the Shanghai Metro or hail a DiDi ride to reach your hotel/accommodation.
- Operating Hours: 6:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Price: 50 CNY (~$7 USD for a single trip)
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Keep your boarding pass! Showing a same-day flight ticket or boarding pass gets you a discounted one-way Maglev ticket for 40 CNY (~$5.60 USD).
2. The Shanghai Metro (Line 2)
If you’re traveling on a budget, the metro is by far the most economical option, though significantly slower than the Maglev. Line 2 (the Green Line) runs directly from the airport through the heart of the city, making key stops at popular central hubs like East Nanjing Road, People’s Square, and Lujiazui. Expect the journey to downtown to take roughly 60 to 70 minutes.
The big perk is the price: fares range from just 7 to 9 CNY (~$1.00 – $1.25 USD). Unlike the Maglev, staying on or transferring between metro lines allows you to connect closer to your destination without needing an additional ride.
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM / 11:00 PM (depending on the exact starting and destination stations).
- Price: 7–9 CNY (~$1.00 – $1.25 USD)
3. Private Transfer
If you are traveling in a group or as a family, carrying heavy luggage, or arriving during late-night hours when public transportation is closed (between 10:30 PM and 5:30 AM), booking a private transfer is the best hassle-free solution. It’s also an ideal choice if you expect to be exhausted after a long flight and don’t want to navigate public transit or struggle to explain your hotel address to a local taxi driver.
Depending on your hotel’s location and traffic conditions, the drive typically takes 50 to 75 minutes.
We arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport in the middle of the night and booked this private transfer—it turned out to be an absolute lifesaver. As soon as we stepped out of arrivals, our driver was waiting holding a sign with our name on it and drove us straight to our hotel door. If you want to compare options, you can check out this private transfer service.
4. Official Taxi or DiDi (The Chinese Uber)
Upon landing at Shanghai Pudong Airport, you’ll easily find designated taxi ranks clearly signposted in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The fare to downtown usually ranges between 180 and 250 CNY (~$25 – $35 USD), depending on traffic and the time of day (nighttime rates are slightly higher). Similar to private transfers, the drive takes around 50 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic and your specific hotel location.
Keep in mind that local taxi drivers rarely speak English. It is important to have your destination address written in Chinese characters (ask your hotel for this beforehand or save it on your phone). Alternatively, you can book a DiDi ride directly inside the Alipay app, where you can type your destination in English, pay automatically, and avoid any language barrier with the driver.
5. Night Airport Bus (Late-Night Budget Option)
If your flight arrives late at night after the Metro and Maglev have closed (after 10:30 PM), and you want a cheaper alternative to taxis or private transfers, Pudong Airport operates a dedicated late-night bus service called the Night Line (守航夜宵线 – Shǒuháng Yèxiāoxiàn).
This bus runs from Pudong Airport (Terminals 1 & 2) with key stops across the city, including Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road, People’s Square, and finishes at Shanghai Railway Station.
- Operating Hours: Starts at 11:00 PM and leaves roughly every 20–30 minutes.
- Price: Around 18 to 34 CNY (~$2.50 – $4.80 USD) depending on your stop, making it significantly cheaper than a late-night taxi.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: While the night bus is highly economical, keep in mind that it drops passengers off at major transit hubs. Unless your hotel is within walking distance of a night bus stop, you may still need a short taxi or DiDi ride to reach your exact accommodation from the drop-off point.
How to get from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Downtown
Hongqiao is Shanghai’s second major airport, seamlessly integrated into a massive transportation hub alongside the Hongqiao Railway Station. This airport primarily handles domestic flights within China and select short-haul regional routes.
1. Shanghai Metro (Lines 2 & 10)
The metro is hands down the best and most convenient way to reach the city center from Hongqiao. At just 5 CNY (~$0.70 USD), it is remarkably affordable and efficient. This is without a doubt your top choice if you land between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM / 10:30 PM.
- Line 2 (Green Line): Takes you directly to major downtown hubs like People’s Square and Nanjing Road in about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Line 10 (Light Purple Line): Great for reaching areas like Xintiandi, Yuyuan Garden, or the French Concession.
2. Private Transfer
Just as with Pudong Airport, booking a private transfer from Hongqiao is a great choice if you’re traveling in a group, carrying heavy luggage, or arriving after 10:30 PM when the metro stops running. Fares generally range between $15 and $25 USD depending on your final destination in the city. Here are a couple of recommended options to consider:
- Private Transfer via Trip.com: Drivers track your flight status using your flight number, so you won’t have to worry if your plane is delayed.
- Private Transfer via GetYourGuide
3. Official Taxi or DiDi (The Chinese Uber)
A taxi ride from Hongqiao to the city center typically costs between 75 and 140 CNY (~$10.50 – $19.50 USD), depending on your final destination and traffic. In terms of travel time, expect the journey to take roughly 25 to 40 minutes.
