Shanghai Airports at a Glance
This Shanghai airport transfer guide explains the best ways to get from Shanghai Airport to the city or downtown Shanghai. Whether you’re arriving at Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA), compare the Metro, Maglev, taxi, Didi and private airport transfers to choose the option that suits your budget, luggage and arrival time.
Shanghai has two airports, and they are quite far apart, so it is important to double-check which one your flight uses. Most long-haul international flights arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), while Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) mainly serves domestic routes and some regional flights within Asia.
Which Shanghai Airport Transfer Option Should You Choose?
The best option depends on your budget, luggage and arrival time.
| Best For | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Cheapest | Metro |
| Fastest overall | Maglev + Metro |
| Most convenient with luggage | Taxi / Didi |
| First-time visitors | Official airport taxi queue |
| Late-night arrivals | Taxi / Didi |
| Staying near People’s Square | Metro Line 2 |
| Staying near The Bund | Taxi/Didi usually easier with luggage |
| Stress-free arrival | Pre-booked airport transfer |
If taking a taxi, always use the official airport taxi queue rather than going with people approaching you inside the terminal, even if they appear to be airport or hotel staff. This avoids scams and over-charging.
Travel times can vary significantly depending on where you stay in Shanghai. See our guide to where to stay in Shanghai.
Pudong Airport is much further from central Shanghai than Hongqiao Airport, which affects journey times, transport options and taxi costs.
If You’re Visiting Shanghai for the First Time
If you are arriving in Shanghai for the first time, the easiest option is usually an official airport taxi or Didi, especially after a long flight or if you have heavy luggage or young children. However, Didi works best if you already have mobile data and payment apps properly set up before arrival. Otherwise, the official airport taxi queue is often the simpler option for your first trip into the city.
The Metro is cheap and efficient, but can be tiring with heavy luggage, especially during rush hour. The Maglev train is fast and fun to experience, although the overall time saving is often smaller than visitors expect once transfers are included, and is not ideal with lots of luggage.
Hongqiao Airport is much closer to the city centre and generally easier to reach by Metro or taxi than Pudong Airport.
If arriving late at night, taxi or Didi is usually the safest, simplest and most stress-free option.
How to Get from Pudong Airport to the City
Pre-booked airport transfers
A private airport transfer is the most convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel, with a driver waiting for you as soon as you arrive.
Your driver tracks your flight, waits if it’s delayed and meets you inside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name before taking you directly to your hotel. It’s a hassle-free option that avoids finding the taxi rank or Didi pickup point after a long international flight.
A private transfer is particularly worth considering if you are:
- visiting China for the first time
- travelling with children or elderly family members
- carrying several large suitcases
- arriving late at night
- travelling for business
- simply looking for the smoothest possible arrival
Compare prices on Trip.com and Klook:
Trip.com – I personally recommend Trip.com as it’s easy to use and also lets you book hotels, high-speed trains, domestic flights and attractions for the rest of your China trip.
Klook – Another popular option with a good choice of airport transfer services.
Taxi / Didi
For most visitors, an official airport taxi or Didi offers the best balance of convenience and cost. If you haven’t booked a private transfer, this is usually the option I recommend after a long flight. The ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to downtown areas such as Jing’an, the Bund or the former French Concession usually takes 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly RMB 180–250 depending on destination and time of day.
To use Didi easily after arriving, many visitors prefer to have mobile data working before landing. See our guide to the best eSIMs for China.
For first-time or infrequent visitors to China, I generally recommend taking an official airport taxi rather than Didi after a long flight. It’s often the simpler option, especially if your Alipay or WeChat Pay isn’t fully set up yet.
Metro (Line 2)
The cheapest way to reach the city is the Shanghai Metro. Line 2 runs directly from the airport through major parts of Shanghai including Lujiazui, People’s Square and Jing’an Temple. The journey to central Shanghai typically takes 60–75 minutes. While the Metro is cheap and efficient, it can feel like a long ride after a flight, especially with luggage. Personally, I would mainly recommend it for solo travellers looking to save money.
Airport Buses
Several airport bus routes connect Pudong Airport with different parts of the city. They are inexpensive but slower than the metro and can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the routes, so most visitors tend to use the metro or taxis instead.
Maglev Train
The Shanghai Maglev Train is one of Shanghai’s most unusual transport experiences. The magnetic levitation train reaches speeds of up to 430 km/h, making it the fastest commercial train in the world.
The ride between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road Station takes just about 7–8 minutes. From Longyang Road you can transfer to Metro Lines 2, 7 or 16 to continue into the city.
Although it is not always the most convenient way to reach your final destination, many visitors ride the Maglev at least once simply for the experience.
If you only have a few hours between flights, see our Shanghai layover itinerary for realistic timing advice and short sightseeing ideas.
How to Get from Hongqiao Airport to the City
Because Hongqiao Airport is much closer to central Shanghai, many visitors find it dramatically easier and less tiring than arriving at Pudong, especially during shorter trips or business travel.
Metro (Lines 2 and 10)
The easiest way to reach downtown Shanghai is the Shanghai Metro. Both terminals connect directly to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station, where Line 2 and Line 10 run through central areas such as Jing’an Temple, People’s Square and the Bund.
Travel time to central Shanghai is usually 30–40 minutes.
Taxi / Didi
Because Hongqiao Airport is much closer to the city centre, a taxi or Didi ride to central districts often takes 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly RMB 60–120.
High-Speed Trains
Hongqiao Airport is connected directly to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, one of China’s largest high-speed rail stations. This makes Hongqiao particularly convenient if you are connecting to cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou or Beijing.
If you’re deciding between the two, see our subway vs taxi and ride-hailing in Shanghai comparison.
Late-Night Arrivals
If you land after the Shanghai Metro has stopped running, the easiest option is usually a Didi or official airport taxi. Pudong Airport is much further from downtown than Hongqiao, so expect significantly higher fares and longer travel times late at night.
How to Travel Between Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao Airports
If you need to transfer between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, the fastest option is the Shanghai Airport Link Line. This dedicated rail line opened in December 2024 and connects the two airports in about 35 minutes, stopping at just five stations along its 68 km route.
Previously, the main option was Metro Line 2, which stops at many stations and can take close to two hours to travel between the airports.
The Airport Link Line is therefore the best option if you are transiting between flights at different airports, offering a much faster and more convenient connection.
Even with the fast connection, transferring between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport usually takes at least 2–3 hours once you include immigration, baggage collection and security checks.
Planning to rent a car instead? Foreign visitors can apply for a temporary driving licence in China without taking a driving test.
Planning the rest of your China trip?
I personally use Trip.com for much more than airport transfers. You can also compare hotels, high-speed train tickets, attractions, domestic flights and airport transfers across China, all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Shanghai airport is closer to the city?
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is much closer to central Shanghai than Pudong International Airport (PVG). From Hongqiao, journeys into the city often take around 20–40 minutes, while Pudong is usually 40–60 minutes away depending on traffic and your final destination.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pudong Airport to downtown Shanghai?
The cheapest option is the Shanghai Metro. Metro Line 2 connects Pudong Airport with major parts of Shanghai including People’s Square, Nanjing Road and Hongqiao. The journey to central Shanghai takes around 65 minutes, depending on your destination. The last train from Pudong Airport is usually around 10:40pm.
What’s the fastest way to get from Pudong Airport to the city?
The fastest route is usually the Maglev to Longyang Road followed by Metro Line 2, although for many hotels a taxi or Didi may be quicker overall because it takes you directly to your destination without changing trains.
Is the Maglev train worth taking?
For many visitors, yes. The Shanghai Maglev is one of the fastest commercial trains in the world and reaches speeds of up to 430 km/h. While it is not always the most convenient route for reaching your hotel, many travellers ride it at least once for the experience.
Is there Uber in Shanghai?
Uber no longer operates in China. Most visitors use Didi, China’s main ride-hailing app, or the official airport taxi queues.
Can foreigners use Didi in Shanghai?
Yes. Many foreign visitors use Didi successfully in Shanghai, especially through the English-language version inside the Alipay app. However, some first-time visitors may find official airport taxis simpler after a long flight.
Are taxis in Shanghai safe?
Generally, yes. Shanghai’s official airport taxis are considered safe and reliable. Always use the official taxi queue rather than accepting rides from people approaching you inside the terminal.
How long does it take to get from Pudong Airport to the city?
Most journeys from Pudong Airport to central Shanghai take around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic, your destination and the transport method used.
Can I take the Metro from Pudong Airport to People’s Square?
Yes. Line 2 takes you directly from Pudong Airport to People’s Square in about 65 minutes at a cost of 7¥.
How do I travel between Pudong and Hongqiao airports?
The fastest option is usually the Airport Link Line, which connects the two airports in around 35 minutes. Metro Line 2 is cheaper but much slower and can take close to two hours depending on waiting times and transfers.
Does the Shanghai Metro run late at night?
No. Metro services stop around late evening, so late-night arrivals usually need to use a taxi or Didi instead.
Which option is best with heavy luggage?
Taxi or Didi is usually the easiest option if you have large suitcases, especially if your hotel is not directly beside a metro station.
Explore more:
Living in Shanghai | Where to Eat in Shanghai | Shanghai Layover Itinerary | Shanghai 2-day Itinerary | Best eSIM for China