How to Get Around Shanghai: Metro, Maglev & Airports

The short answer: take the metro — it’s excellent and English-signed. For Pudong Airport, ride the Maglev (8 minutes, world’s fastest). Don’t mix up the two airports, and use the ¥2 Huangpu ferry for the best budget skyline views.

Airports: Don’t Mix Them Up!

Shanghai has two airports — and they’re far apart.

• Pudong (PVG): Handles most international flights. Far east of the city — Maglev (8 min to Longyang Road, ¥50) or Metro Line 2.
• Hongqiao (SHA): Much closer to the city — about 30 minutes by metro. Mostly domestic flights.
• Warning: Don’t book a hotel near the wrong one! Check your arrival airport before booking.

The Maglev: World’s Fastest Train

The Shanghai Maglev hits 431 km/h — the fastest commercial train on Earth. It connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road in 8 minutes (¥50 one way). Worth doing at least once, even if the metro is cheaper.

The Metro: Your Best Friend

• Coverage: 20+ lines covering every major sight — Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden, Disneyland.
• Payment: Scan Alipay’s or WeChat Pay’s transport QR code at the gates, or use a transit card.
• Fares: ¥3–10 per ride.
• Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — packed.

The ¥2 Huangpu Ferry

The best budget skyline view in Shanghai: the ferry across the Huangpu River costs ¥2. Take the Dongchang Road line at sunset — the Bund and Pudong skyline from the water is unforgettable.

Shared Bikes: The French Concession Way

Shanghai is flat and bike-friendly — shared bikes are everywhere. Rent one and cruise the tree-lined streets of the French Concession at dusk. Scan with Alipay or WeChat.

Taxis & Didi

• Taxis: Metered and reasonable. Airport runs cost ¥150–250 depending on distance and traffic.
• Didi (滴滴): Shows the fare upfront — more transparent. Set your pickup point carefully.
• Tip: In rush hour, the metro is almost always faster.

Day Trips by High-Speed Rail

Shanghai is the perfect base for day trips:

• Suzhou: 30 minutes — classical gardens and canals.
• Hangzhou: 30 minutes — West Lake.
• Nanjing: About 1 hour — Ming dynasty history.

Book tickets on the official 12306 app or at the station with your passport.

Walking: The Suzhou Creek Route

For a quiet, scenic walk: follow the Suzhou Creek (苏州河) waterfront from the Bund to the M50 art district — fewer crowds than the Bund promenade, with great views of old industrial Shanghai.

Common Pitfalls

• Wrong airport: PVG vs SHA — they’re 40+ km apart. Always check.
• Rush hour: The metro is brutally packed at peak times.
• Maglev vs metro: The Maglev only goes to Longyang Road — you still need the metro from there. For direct trips, Metro Line 2 is simpler.

FAQ

Which airport should I fly into? Pudong for international, Hongqiao for domestic — Hongqiao is much closer to the city.

Is the Maglev worth it? Yes — 431 km/h, 8 minutes from Pudong Airport. Do it once.

How do I get from Pudong Airport to the city? Maglev + metro, or Metro Line 2 directly.

How do I pay for the metro? Alipay/WeChat transport QR code or transit card.

Can I do a day trip? Yes — Suzhou and Hangzhou in 30 minutes, Nanjing in 1 hour.

How do I get a cheap SIM? Carrier counters at Pudong Airport sell tourist SIMs with your passport — cheaper than eSIM but more hassle.

Last updated: October 2026.