How to Get from Shanghai Airports to City Center (PVG & SHA) — 2026 Guide
Last updated: June 2026 — Shanghai has two international airports: Pudong (PVG) handles most long-haul international flights, while Hongqiao (SHA) serves domestic routes and some regional Asian flights. Getting from either airport to downtown Shanghai is straightforward, with options ranging from the world-famous maglev to budget-friendly metro and convenient taxis.
This guide breaks down every transportation option with real prices, travel times, and honest advice for first-time visitors to China.
Shanghai Airports at a Glance
| Airport | Code | Distance to City Center | Main Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pudong International | PVG | ~30-40 km east | International long-haul, some domestic |
| Hongqiao International | SHA | ~13 km west | Domestic, regional Asia (Japan/Korea) |
Most international travelers arrive at Pudong (PVG). Hongqiao (SHA) is significantly closer to the city center and often preferred for domestic connections.
From Pudong Airport (PVG) to City Center
1. Shanghai Maglev — The Speed Icon
The Shanghai Maglev is the world's first commercial high-speed maglev line, reaching a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). It runs from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes. Yes, eight minutes for a 30 km journey.
- Price: ¥50 (about $7) single ride; ¥40 ($5.50) with same-day flight ticket
- Duration: 8 minutes (plus 15-20 minute metro transfer to city center)
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes, 6:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Best for: First-time visitors wanting the experience, business travelers in a rush
Catch: Longyang Road is not the city center. From there, transfer to Metro Line 2 (15 min to People's Square) or Line 7. If your destination is in Pudong (Lujiazui, Century Park), you're much closer.
2. Metro Line 2 — The Budget King
Shanghai Metro Line 2 runs directly from Pudong Airport through the heart of the city. It's the cheapest option.
- Price: ¥7-10 ($1-1.40) to city center stations
- Duration: 50-70 minutes to People's Square
- Hours: ~6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Best for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers, those without heavy luggage
Metro Line 2 passes through or connects to: Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road, People's Square, Jing'an Temple, and Hongqiao. If your hotel is along this line, it's the perfect choice.
3. Taxi
- Price: ¥170-220 ($24-31), ¥10-15 surcharge after 11 PM
- Duration: 45-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Best for: Couples, families, travelers with heavy luggage, late arrivals
Taxis queue outside arrival halls at both terminals. Show the driver your hotel address in Chinese (have it written down or on your phone). Important: Use the official taxi line — ignore touts offering rides inside the terminal.
4. Didi (Chinese Ride-Hailing)
- Price: ¥150-200 ($21-28) depending on demand
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Best for: Tech-savvy travelers, those with the Didi app
Didi is China's ride-hailing giant. Download the app before your trip (it supports English). You can pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay. During peak hours or bad weather, expect surge pricing (1.2x-2x normal rate).
5. Airport Shuttle Bus
- Price: ¥30-36 ($4-5)
- Duration: 60-90 minutes
- Best for: Budget travelers heading to specific areas (Hongqiao, Shanghai Railway Station)
Multiple bus lines connect PVG to different parts of the city. Line 1 goes to Hongqiao, Line 5 to Shanghai Railway Station. Buses operate until late — some run until the last flight arrives.
6. Private Transfer (Pre-Booked)
- Price: ¥300-500 ($42-70)
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Best for: Families with kids, groups, business travelers wanting a meet-and-greet service
Book through Trip.com for a driver holding a sign at arrivals. More expensive but zero stress — the driver handles luggage and navigates while you relax.
From Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to City Center
Hongqiao is much closer to downtown Shanghai, making transfers cheaper and faster.
1. Metro — Fast & Cheap
Metro Line 2 and Line 10 both serve Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. Line 10 also serves Terminal 1.
- Price: ¥3-5 ($0.40-0.70)
- Duration: 15-25 minutes to People's Square / Nanjing Road
- Hours: ~5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Best for: Everyone — it's the fastest and cheapest option from Hongqiao
From Hongqiao, Metro Line 2 takes you directly through the city center in about 20 minutes. Line 10 goes through French Concession and Old Town. Both are excellent options.
2. Taxi
- Price: ¥50-80 ($7-11)
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Best for: Late arrivals, anyone with heavy luggage
From Hongqiao, a taxi to central Shanghai is quick and affordable. Even to the Bund area, it rarely exceeds ¥80.
3. Didi
- Price: ¥40-70 ($6-10)
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Best for: Those with the app who want the lowest price
Comparison: All Options at a Glance
| Transport | Price (¥) | Price ($) | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVG → City | ||||
| Maglev + Metro | ¥50-70 | $7-10 | 25-35 min | Speed experience, light luggage |
| Metro Line 2 | ¥7-10 | $1-1.40 | 50-70 min | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | ¥170-220 | $24-31 | 45-60 min | Comfort, families, late night |
| Didi | ¥150-200 | $21-28 | 45-60 min | App users, slight savings vs taxi |
| Airport Bus | ¥30-36 | $4-5 | 60-90 min | Budget, specific areas |
| Private Transfer | ¥300-500 | $42-70 | 45-60 min | Stress-free, groups |
| SHA → City | ||||
| Metro | ¥3-5 | $0.40-0.70 | 15-25 min | Best all-round option |
| Taxi | ¥50-80 | $7-11 | 20-30 min | Convenience, luggage |
| Didi | ¥40-70 | $6-10 | 20-30 min | App users |
Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Late Night / Early Morning Arrivals
Metro and maglev stop running around 10:30 PM. If your flight lands late:
- Option 1: Taxi/Didi — Available 24/7 from both airports. Official taxi stands remain open.
- Option 2: Night shuttle buses — Some airport bus routes run until the last flight.
- Option 3: Pre-book a hotel near the airport — Both PVG and SHA have excellent airport hotels. Take the shuttle, sleep, and head into the city fresh the next morning.
With Heavy Luggage
Metro stations have elevators and escalators at most exits, but not all. If you're hauling big suitcases, a taxi or Didi is worth the extra cost. The maglev is fine with luggage — there's dedicated space for bags.
Traveling with Kids or Elderly
Private transfer or taxi is your best bet. The convenience of door-to-door service, no lugging suitcases through subway corridors, and the ability to stop if needed makes the ¥200-300 well worth it.
Paying for Public Transport
You don't need a physical Shanghai Metro card. Alipay and WeChat Pay both have public transport QR code features:
- Open Alipay → click "Transport" icon → select "Shanghai" → get a metro QR code
- Scan the QR code at metro turnstiles to enter and exit
- Works for buses too. Payment is deducted automatically in RMB.
If you don't have Alipay set up yet, check our guide on WeChat Pay for foreigners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Exchange Money at the Airport
Airport exchange counters offer terrible rates. You'll lose 5-10% compared to using Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a bank ATM. Use an international ATM in the arrival hall for better rates — or better yet, set up Alipay linked to your foreign card before arrival.
❌ Don't Take Rides from Touts
Inside the terminal, ignore anyone offering "taxi" or "private car" rides. Always go to the official taxi queue outside. The touts charge 2-3x the normal rate.
❌ Don't Forget to Download Essential Apps
Before you leave baggage claim: install Alipay and Didi. They'll make your entire China trip smoother. For VPN access (needed for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram), read our 2026 VPN guide.
Step-by-Step: Your First Arrival at PVG
- After baggage claim: Follow signs for "Taxi" or "Metro/Maglev"
- If taking Metro: Follow signs to the Metro entrance. Buy a ticket at the machine (some accept foreign cards) or scan Alipay QR code.
- If taking Maglev: Follow "Maglev" signs in Terminal 1 (connected by walkway) or Terminal 2 (direct access). Purchase a ticket at the counter or machine.
- If taking Taxi: Exit the arrival hall and follow the covered walkway to the official taxi line. A coordinator will direct you to the next available cab.
- If taking Didi: Open the app, set pickup to "Pudong Airport Terminal X, Arrival Level." Your driver will call or message you via the app. Wait at a clearly marked door number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center?
The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest option — just 8 minutes from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station (¥50, or ¥40 with same-day flight ticket). From there, transfer to Metro Line 2 or 7 to reach central areas like People's Square or Nanjing Road.
How much is a taxi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center?
A standard taxi from PVG to central Shanghai costs ¥170-220 (about $24-31) and takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Add ¥10-15 for late-night surcharge after 11 PM. Didi rides are slightly cheaper at ¥150-200.
Is the Shanghai Maglev worth it?
Yes if you value speed and novelty. The maglev hits 431 km/h and completes the journey in 8 minutes. However, Longyang Road station is not in the city center — you still need a 15-20 minute metro ride to reach People's Square or the Bund area. For pure speed to city center, the total is about 25-30 minutes, which still beats the metro (50-70 min) and taxi (45-60 min).
What is the cheapest way from Shanghai airports to city?
Shanghai Metro is the cheapest option. From PVG, take Metro Line 2 for ¥7-10 total. From Hongqiao, take Metro Line 2 or 10 for just ¥3-5. Both accept Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Can I use Uber in Shanghai from the airport?
Uber does not operate in China. The local equivalent is Didi (DiDi Chuxing), available via the Dedicated app. You can also book taxis through Alipay's ride-hailing feature. Download Didi before arrival — it supports English interface.
What should I do if I arrive at Shanghai airport late at night?
Metro services run until approximately 10:30-11 PM. After that, options include: taxi (available 24/7), pre-booked private transfer, Didi ride-hailing, or airport shuttle buses that operate until the last flight.
How do I pay for public transport in Shanghai with a foreign card?
Alipay is the easiest method. Link your foreign credit card to Alipay, then use the Transport QR code feature to scan at metro turnstiles. Alternatively, some metro ticket machines now accept foreign Visa/Mastercard. Always carry some cash (¥50-100) as backup.
Final Word
Getting from Shanghai's airports to the city center is easier than you might think. The Metro network is world-class, taxis are affordable, and the maglev is genuinely one of the coolest train rides on the planet. For most travelers, Metro Line 2 from Hongqiao or the Maglev + Metro combo from Pudong offer the best balance of cost, speed, and convenience.
✈️ Plan ahead: Book your Shanghai airport transfer or hotel with Trip.com for a hassle-free arrival — compare prices, read reviews, and lock in your ride before you land.