Shanghai Airport to City Center - Best Options 2025 (PVG & SHA)

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong (PVG) for international flights and Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic. Here's how to get from both to downtown Shanghai.

From Pudong Airport (PVG) - International

Pudong is 30km east of downtown. You have several options:

Option 1: Maglev Train (Most Fun!)

World's Fastest Commercial Train - Top speed 431 km/h. An experience in itself!

• Price: ¥50 single / ¥80 round-trip (¥40 with same-day flight ticket)
• Time: 8 minutes to Longyang Road station
• Then: Transfer to Metro Line 2 to reach city center
• Hours: 6:45 AM - 9:40 PM
• Best for: Train enthusiasts, not carrying heavy bags

Option 2: Metro Line 2 (Cheapest)

• Price: ¥7-9 to most central locations
• Time: 60-90 minutes to city center
• Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Tip: Trains run every 5-10 minutes
• Best for: Budget travelers with time

Option 3: Taxi/Didi (Most Convenient)

• Price: ¥150-200 to city center (~$21-28)
• Time: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic
• Hours: 24/7
• Tip: Use Didi app or official taxi queue
• Best for: Late arrivals, groups, heavy luggage

Option 4: Airport Bus

• Price: ¥16-30 depending on route
• Time: 60-90 minutes
• Lines: 10+ routes to different parts of Shanghai
• Hours: First bus 6:00 AM, last bus with last flight
• Best for: Going directly to outer districts

From Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Domestic

Hongqiao is only 13km west of downtown. Much easier to reach!

Option 1: Metro Lines 2 and 10 (Best Choice)

• Price: ¥4-6 to most central locations
• Time: 30-45 minutes to city center
• Access: Terminal 2 connects directly to metro
• Best for: Almost everyone

Option 2: Taxi/Didi

• Price: ¥50-80 to city center (~$7-11)
• Time: 20-40 minutes
• Best for: Groups, late arrivals

Comparison Table

Method	From Pudong	From Hongqiao	Time
Metro	¥7-9	¥4-6	60-90 / 30-45 min
Maglev + Metro	¥50	N/A	30-40 min total
Taxi/Didi	¥150-200	¥50-80	45-90 / 20-40 min
Airport Bus	¥16-30	¥4-10	60-90 / 30-60 min

Pro Tips

For Pudong Airport

• 🚄 Take Maglev at least once - it's a unique experience
• 💳 Get a Metro card at the airport service center
• 🚕 Taxi queue is outside Arrivals - ignore touts inside
• 📱 Download Didi app before arriving
• ⏰ Allow 90+ minutes to reach central hotels

For Hongqiao Airport

• 🚇 Metro is almost always the best choice
• 🚉 Hongqiao Railway Station is in the same complex
• 🚕 Taxis are very cheap from here
• ⏰ You can reach The Bund in 40 minutes

Where to Stay Near Airports

Near Pudong (PVG)

Only if you have an early flight. Otherwise, stay in the city.

• Ramada Plaza Shanghai Pudong Airport
• Dazhong Airport Hotel

Near Hongqiao (SHA)

More convenient area with shopping and business:

• Pullman Shanghai Skyway
• Hotels in Hongqiao business district

What If My Flight is Late?

• Metro stops at 10:30 PM - Use taxi/Didi after that
• Maglev stops at 9:40 PM - Use metro or taxi
• Airport buses run until last flight - Check schedule at bus counter
• Taxis available 24/7 - Queue outside arrivals
• Didi works 24/7 - But surge pricing late at night

Related Guides

• Didi Guide - Book rides easily
• 144-Hour Visa Free - Visit without visa
• Alipay Setup - Pay for transport

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Last updated: December 2025