For families traveling with children and luggage, the cheapest option is not always the most practical. The number of transfers, walking distance inside stations, elevator access, arrival time and distance from the station exit to your hotel can make a significant difference.

This guide explains how to travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to the city center, how to use Alipay for public transportation, and how to get around Shanghai by metro, bus, ferry, taxi and DiDi.

The information and fares in this article are based on conditions in October 2026. Transportation schedules and prices may change during public holidays, maintenance periods or temporary service adjustments. Check the official app or station departure board before traveling.

Shanghai Airport Transportation at a Glance

The most affordable way to reach central Shanghai from Pudong Airport is usually Metro Line 2. However, an official taxi or larger ride-hailing vehicle may offer much better value for a family of three or four carrying several large suitcases.

The Maglev and Airport Link Line serve different purposes. The Maglev connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road, while the Airport Link Line connects Pudong Airport with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2.

How to Get from Pudong Airport to Central Shanghai

Metro Line 2: The Most Affordable Option

Metro Line 2 runs from Shanghai Pudong International Airport toward major districts in central Shanghai. The airport metro station is located in the transportation center between Terminals 1 and 2.

A journey from Pudong Airport to People’s Square takes approximately one hour and costs around CNY 7. Line 2 also serves Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road, People’s Square and Jing’an Temple, making it particularly convenient for first-time visitors.

How to Take Metro Line 2

1. Leave the arrivals area and follow signs marked Metro or 地铁.
2. Look for the green signs for Line 2 or 2号线.
3. Prepare a single-journey ticket, Alipay transport QR code, transport card or supported contactless bank card.
4. Pass through the ticket gate and confirm the direction of travel on the platform display.
5. At your destination, check the exit number closest to your hotel before leaving the station.

Fares and Travel Time

• Base metro fare for journeys up to 6 kilometers: CNY 3
• Pudong Airport to People’s Square: approximately CNY 7
• Pudong Airport to East Nanjing Road: approximately CNY 7
• Pudong Airport to People’s Square: approximately 60 minutes
• Frequency: varies by time of day
• First and last trains: depend on the station and direction of travel

Advantages

• Usually the cheapest way to reach central Shanghai
• Not affected by road congestion
• Direct access to several popular accommodation districts
• Compatible with Alipay transport QR codes and supported contactless cards

Disadvantages

• Trains and transfer corridors can become very crowded
• Large suitcases and strollers can be difficult to manage
• Walking distances inside major stations can be long
• Exit selection can significantly affect the final walk to your hotel
• Not suitable for arrivals after the last train

Recommended For

• Solo travelers and couples with light luggage
• Families carrying only one or two manageable suitcases
• Hotels near Line 2 stations
• Travelers arriving well before the last train
• Visitors prioritizing low transportation costs

Traveler Tip
Save the nearest station exit number, not just the station name. Large stations such as People’s Square and East Nanjing Road have numerous exits, and choosing the wrong one can add a long walk with luggage.

Shanghai Maglev: A Fast Ride to Longyang Road

The Shanghai Maglev connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road Station. The train journey takes approximately eight minutes, but Longyang Road is not the final destination for most visitors.

Travelers staying near East Nanjing Road, People’s Square or Jing’an will need to transfer to the metro or take a taxi from Longyang Road. The total door-to-door travel time therefore depends on the hotel location and connection time.

Operating Hours

• Pudong Airport T1 & T2 Station to Longyang Road: 7:02 AM–9:42 PM
• Longyang Road to Pudong Airport T1 & T2 Station: 6:45 AM–9:40 PM

Fares

• Standard one-way ticket: CNY 50
• Standard round-trip ticket: CNY 80
• VIP one-way ticket: CNY 100
• VIP round-trip ticket: CNY 160

Fares and operating hours are correct at the time of writing. Check the latest schedule before traveling.

How to Take the Maglev

1. Follow signs marked Maglev or 磁浮 from the arrivals area.
2. Purchase a ticket from a ticket machine or staffed counter.
3. Board the train bound for Longyang Road.
4. At Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Lines 2, 7, 16 or 18, or continue by taxi.

Advantages

• Very fast journey between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road
• A distinctive Shanghai transportation experience
• Convenient for hotels in Pudong and around Longyang Road
• An enjoyable experience for families with children

Disadvantages

• Does not travel directly to People’s Square or East Nanjing Road
• Requires an additional transfer for most central hotels
• Costs considerably more than Metro Line 2 for a family
• Not available for late-night arrivals

Recommended For

• Travelers staying near Longyang Road or elsewhere in Pudong
• Visitors interested in experiencing the Maglev
• Families using the train as part of the sightseeing experience
• Travelers without excessive luggage

Traveler Tip
The Maglev is exceptionally fast between the airport and Longyang Road, but it may not dramatically reduce the total journey time to a downtown hotel. Choose it for the experience or for convenient access to Pudong, rather than assuming it is always the fastest door-to-door option.

Airport Link Line: The Fastest Rail Connection Between Shanghai’s Airports

The Airport Link Line connects Pudong Airport Terminals 1 and 2 with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. The journey between the two airports takes approximately 40 minutes.

It is significantly faster than using Metro Line 2 for an airport-to-airport transfer. Trains also provide luggage storage areas, making the service more suitable for passengers carrying large suitcases.

Operating Hours

From Pudong Airport T1 & T2 Station

• First train: 6:00 AM
• Last train: 10:15 PM
• Frequency: approximately every 15 minutes

From Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2

• First train: 5:45 AM
• Last train: 10:00 PM
• Frequency: approximately every 15 minutes

Schedules are based on information available at the time of writing. Check departure boards for temporary changes.

Fares and Travel Time

• Minimum fare: CNY 4
• Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2: CNY 26
• Full journey: approximately 40 minutes

How to Use the Airport Link Line

1. Follow signs marked Airport Link Line or 市域机场线.
2. Confirm whether you are traveling to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 or an intermediate station.
3. Enter with a valid ticket or supported transportation payment method.
4. Check the platform display and floor markings for the correct boarding position.
5. Place large suitcases in the designated luggage storage area.

Advantages

• Fast connection between Shanghai’s two airports
• Immune to road congestion
• Space for large luggage
• More affordable than a long-distance taxi
• Useful for connections to Hongqiao Railway Station

Disadvantages

• Does not travel directly to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1
• Some transfers to regular metro lines may require exiting and re-entering
• The 40-minute journey does not include airport formalities
• Immigration, baggage claim and check-in time must be calculated separately

Recommended For

• Passengers connecting between Pudong and Hongqiao airports
• Travelers continuing by high-speed train from Hongqiao Railway Station
• Visitors seeking a predictable airport-to-airport journey
• Travelers carrying luggage but wishing to avoid taxi fares

Traveler Tip
A 40-minute train ride does not mean a 40-minute flight connection. Allow time for immigration, baggage collection, walking to the station, waiting for the train, moving through the Hongqiao transportation complex and checking in again.

Pudong Airport Buses

Airport buses are practical when your hotel or destination is close to one of the scheduled stops. They are also a useful alternative when the regular metro has stopped operating.

Airport Bus Line 4

• Terminal 1 departures: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
• Terminal 2 departures: 7:03 AM–11:03 PM
• Major stops: Wujiaochang, Dabaishu and Hongkou Football Stadium
• Final stop: Shanghai Railway Station North Square
• Frequency: approximately every 20–70 minutes
• Fare: CNY 2–28

Airport Bus Line 7

• Terminal 1 departures: 7:30 AM–11:00 PM
• Terminal 2 departures: 7:35 AM–11:05 PM
• Final stop: Shanghai South Railway Station
• Frequency: approximately every 25–45 minutes
• Fare: CNY 4–20

Pudong Airport Late-Night Bus

• Terminal 1 departures: 11:00 PM–5:30 AM
• Terminal 2 departures: 11:03 PM–5:33 AM
• Frequency: adjusted according to passenger demand, with a maximum interval of approximately 30 minutes
• Fare: CNY 18–34
• Major stops include Longyang Road and Fangdian Road, Century Avenue Metro Station, East Yan’an Road and Middle Zhejiang Road, Middle Yan’an Road and Huashan Road, and West Yan’an Road and Hongxu Road
• Final stop: Hongqiao East Transportation Center

Schedules and fares are current at the time of writing. Traffic restrictions, flight disruptions and special events may affect operations.

How to Take an Airport Bus

1. Follow signs marked Airport Bus or 机场巴士.
2. Check the route number and final destination.
3. Identify the stop closest to your hotel before boarding.
4. Show the stop name to airport staff if necessary.
5. Plan the final journey from the bus stop to your hotel.

Advantages

• Available after the metro stops running
• Can reduce transfers when the route matches your destination
• Less expensive than a late-night taxi
• Useful for hotels near major railway stations or central transfer points

Disadvantages

• Travel time is affected by traffic
• Waiting intervals may be long
• Stops may still be far from your accommodation
• Managing children and suitcases after leaving the bus can be inconvenient

Traveler Tip
For a family, calculate the total cost of all bus tickets plus the taxi required after reaching the city. If the difference is small, a direct airport taxi may provide substantially better value and convenience.

Official Taxis from Pudong Airport

Official taxi stands at Pudong Airport operate 24 hours a day.

• Terminal 1 taxi stand: outside Arrivals Gate 12
• Terminal 2 taxi stand: outside Arrivals Gate 26

Airport routes and walking paths may occasionally change. Follow the current signs marked Taxi or 出租车 after arrival.

How to Take an Official Taxi

1. Ignore unofficial drivers approaching passengers inside the terminal.
2. Follow the official taxi signs to the designated queue.
3. Show the driver your hotel’s Chinese name and full address.
4. Confirm that the meter is running after departure.
5. Request a receipt at the end of the journey.

Shanghai Taxi Fares

• Standard vehicle starting fare: CNY 14 for the first 3 kilometers
• Certain larger or electric vehicles: CNY 16 for the first 3 kilometers
• Distance fare after the first 3 kilometers: CNY 2.7 per kilometer
• Long-distance surcharge: 50% added to the distance rate for the portion beyond 15 kilometers
• Night surcharge: 30% added to the starting and distance fares between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM
• Pudong Airport to People’s Square: approximately CNY 180
• Typical journey time: 50 minutes or more

The final fare depends on traffic, waiting time, route, nighttime pricing and holiday surcharges.

Advantages

• Direct journey to the hotel
• No transfers or station navigation
• Suitable for families with children or elderly travelers
• Available during late-night and early-morning hours
• No app setup required

Disadvantages

• Travel time and price increase during congestion
• Standard sedans may not hold several large suitcases
• Nighttime surcharges apply
• Pudong Airport is far from central Shanghai

Traveler Tip
A standard sedan may not accommodate four passengers and three or four large suitcases. Book a larger ride-hailing vehicle or private transfer when luggage capacity is a concern.

DiDi and Private Airport Transfers

DiDi is available through its standalone app and through Alipay. Because the destination is sent directly to the driver, it can be easier than explaining a hotel address verbally.

How to Book DiDi

1. Open DiDi or Ride Hailing in Alipay.
2. Check the pickup point and enter your destination.
3. Compare vehicle categories and estimated fares.
4. After a driver accepts, check the license plate and vehicle color.
5. Walk to the ride-hailing pickup area shown in the app.
6. Be prepared to confirm the last four digits of your mobile number.
7. Check the automatic payment after the trip.

At the airport, ride-hailing vehicles may use a different pickup area from official taxis. Carefully check the floor, exit, zone and pillar number shown in the app.

Advantages

• Destination is transmitted automatically
• Estimated fare is displayed before booking
• Multiple vehicle sizes are available
• Vehicle details and route can be tracked in the app

Disadvantages

• Requires mobile data and a configured payment method
• Airport pickup zones can be difficult to locate
• Prices may increase during high-demand periods
• Communication may be necessary if the driver cannot find you

Traveler Tip
Move your entire group and all luggage to the designated pickup zone before requesting a vehicle. Calling the car too early can result in waiting charges or cancellation.

How to Get from Hongqiao Airport to Central Shanghai

Hongqiao Airport is closer to central Shanghai than Pudong Airport. Terminal 1 is served by Metro Line 10, while Terminal 2 is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10.

Metro from Hongqiao Airport

How to Use It

1. Follow signs marked Metro or 地铁.
2. From Terminal 1, use Line 10.
3. From Terminal 2, choose Line 2 or Line 10 according to your destination.
4. Confirm the direction of travel before entering the platform.
5. Enter using an Alipay QR code, transport card, ticket or supported contactless card.
6. Check the best exit number before leaving your destination station.

Line 2 is often convenient for People’s Square and East Nanjing Road. Line 10 can be more convenient for Xintiandi and Yuyuan Garden. The most efficient route depends on the precise hotel location.

• Fare: from CNY 3, based on distance
• Typical travel time to central districts: approximately 30–50 minutes
• Best for: travelers with manageable luggage arriving during metro hours
• Main drawback: crowding around the Hongqiao transportation hub

Traveler Tip
Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1, Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 and Hongqiao Railway Station are separate stations. Select the exact terminal or railway station in your navigation app.

Taxi from Hongqiao Airport

• Estimated fare to central Shanghai: approximately CNY 100–150
• Typical travel time: approximately 30 minutes or more
• Terminal 1 taxi stand: outside Gate 1 on the arrivals level
• Terminal 2 taxi stand: outside Gate 4 on the arrivals level
• Availability: 24 hours

For a group of three or four, a taxi from Hongqiao Airport can offer an excellent balance of cost and convenience. Outside peak traffic periods, the fare may be worthwhile when compared with multiple metro tickets and the difficulty of moving luggage through the station.

Traveling from Central Shanghai to the Airport

Airport departure days require more time than normal sightseeing journeys. Include the walk from your hotel, station access, platform waiting time, transfers and airport security queues in your schedule.

Early-Morning Flights

If the first metro or airport train does not provide enough time for international check-in, arrange a taxi or larger ride-hailing vehicle the night before.

A scheduled booking in a ride-hailing app may improve the chance of receiving a vehicle, but it should not always be treated as an unconditional guarantee. Ask your hotel whether reception can arrange a backup taxi.

Flights During Rush Hour

Roads can become congested during weekday morning and evening commuting periods. Taxi travel times and metered fares may increase substantially.

When the airport railway or metro operates at a convenient time, rail is usually more predictable than road transportation.

Late-Night Airport Journeys

Shanghai Metro closing times are not identical across the entire line. The last usable train depends on the boarding station, destination and travel direction.

Do not check only the general closing time for Line 2. Enter your actual departure station, destination airport station and travel date into the route planner.

Traveler Tip
Pudong Airport uses the code PVG, while Hongqiao Airport uses SHA. Check the airport code and terminal number again on the day before departure.

How to Set Up a Shanghai Transport QR Code in Alipay

Alipay allows passengers to use a transport QR code instead of buying an individual ticket for every journey.

Quick Setup

1. Install Alipay and create an account with your mobile number.
2. Open Me → Bank Cards and add an eligible international payment card.
3. Select Transport on the home screen.
4. Change the city to Shanghai.
5. Select Metro or Bus and activate the Shanghai transport QR code.
6. Scan the QR code when entering and leaving the metro. For buses, scan it when boarding and whenever an additional exit scan is required.

If the Transport option is difficult to locate, search for:

• Shanghai Metro
• Shanghai Transport
• Shanghai Bus
• 上海公共交通乘车码
• 上海地铁

Important Alipay Transport Rules

• One transport QR code cannot be used for multiple passengers.
• Every fare-paying traveler needs a separate QR code, contactless card or ticket.
• Use the same payment method when entering and leaving the metro.
• Do not rely on a screenshot because transport QR codes refresh.
• Mobile data is generally required to load the current QR code.
• Carry a backup contactless card and a small amount of cash.

Traveler Tip
Install Alipay, create your account and add a bank card before departure. After arriving in Shanghai, you should only need to select Shanghai as the city and activate the local transport code.

How to Use Public Transportation in Shanghai

The most efficient strategy is to use the metro for most journeys and add buses, taxis, ferries or DiDi for the final section.

For first-time family visitors, the most practical combination is usually metro plus walking. If children become tired or the hotel is far from the station, use a taxi or DiDi for the final segment.

Shanghai City Transportation Comparison

How to Use the Shanghai Metro

Shanghai Metro connects most major visitor districts, including People’s Square, East Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, Xintiandi, Yuyuan Garden and Jing’an Temple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Search for the departure and destination stations in a navigation app.
2. Check the line number, transfer station and direction of travel.
3. Enter using Alipay, a transport card, supported contactless card or ticket.
4. Confirm the terminal station shown for the correct direction.
5. Follow Transfer or 换乘 signs when changing lines.
6. Check the exit number nearest your destination.
7. Leave using the same payment method used to enter.

Metro Payment Options

• Alipay Shanghai transport QR code
• Supported international contactless bank card
• Shanghai Public Transportation Card
• Shanghai Pass
• Single-journey ticket
• Ticket purchased at a station service center

Transfers

Remain inside the paid area for standard transfers. Some stations or transport systems use out-of-station transfers, requiring passengers to exit and enter again.

Transfer corridors can be unexpectedly long. Families carrying luggage or using a stroller may find that a route with fewer transfers is more comfortable even if it takes a few extra minutes.

Children’s Metro Fares

Children under 1.3 meters in height traveling with an adult may ride free. Use the wider staffed gate when traveling with a child or stroller.

Station employees may check a child’s height. If the child is close to the limit, be prepared to purchase a ticket.

Traveler Tip
Do not rely only on the line color. Check the terminal station or direction displayed on the platform because trains on the same line travel in opposite directions.

How to Use Shanghai City Buses

Standard city bus routes generally cost CNY 2. Suburban and special routes may follow different fare systems.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check the bus number and direction in your navigation app.
2. Confirm the final destination to avoid boarding in the opposite direction.
3. Enter through the front door and scan the Alipay bus QR code or transport card.
4. Track your position and remaining stops on your phone.
5. Prepare to leave one stop before your destination.
6. On distance-based routes, another scan may be required when leaving.

Advantages

• Reaches neighborhoods far from metro stations
• Convenient for certain short journeys
• Standard city routes are inexpensive
• Useful for hotels located between metro stations

Disadvantages

• Affected by road traffic
• Easy to confuse opposite directions
• Difficult with strollers and large suitcases
• English announcements may be limited

Traveler Tip
There is no need to master Shanghai buses on the first day. Begin with the metro, then use simple direct bus routes once you are familiar with local navigation.

How to Use the Huangpu River Ferry

The Huangpu River ferry is a practical local transportation service connecting areas of Puxi and Pudong. It is less expensive than a sightseeing cruise and provides excellent river views.

Not every ferry route connects the central Bund area directly with the heart of Lujiazui. Check the departure and arrival terminals carefully.

How to Take the Ferry

1. Confirm the departure and arrival ferry terminals.
2. Check whether the route is operating and note the next departure.
3. Enter with a transport QR code, transport card or ticket.
4. Follow boarding instructions.
5. Check the walking route from the arrival terminal to your next destination.

Advantages

• Combines transportation with Huangpu River views
• A short and enjoyable experience for children
• An interesting alternative to crossing by metro
• Useful for connecting parts of Puxi and Pudong

Disadvantages

• Ferry terminals can be far from metro stations
• Weather or operating conditions may affect service
• Local ferries and sightseeing cruises use different facilities
• The arrival terminal may not be close to central Lujiazui attractions

Traveler Tip
Do not assume the ferry will drop you directly beside the Oriental Pearl Tower. Check the walking distance from the arrival terminal to Lujiazui or the nearest metro station.

How to Use Regular Taxis in Shanghai

Regular taxis are useful after a long sightseeing day, when children are tired or when shopping has added extra luggage.

Taxis may be hailed from the street, but drivers cannot stop safely at every intersection, bus stop or restricted curb.

How to Take a Taxi

1. Look for a taxi displaying the available sign.
2. Show the driver the destination’s Chinese name and full address.
3. Confirm that the meter is operating.
4. Pay the fare displayed on the meter.
5. Request a receipt in case of a lost item or fare dispute.

Payment Methods

• Chinese yuan in cash
• Alipay
• Weixin Pay
• Shanghai Public Transportation Card
• International cards in some taxis

International bank cards are not accepted in every vehicle. Carry Alipay access or cash as a backup.

Traveler Tip
An English hotel name may match more than one property. Save the hotel’s Chinese name, full street address and telephone number on one screen.

How to Use DiDi in Central Shanghai

DiDi is helpful when you want point-to-point transportation without verbally explaining the destination.

Booking with Alipay

1. Open DiDi or Ride Hailing in Alipay.
2. Confirm the pickup location.
3. Search for the hotel, attraction or restaurant.
4. Compare vehicle categories and estimated prices.
5. Request the vehicle.
6. Check the license plate and vehicle color.
7. Confirm the pickup exit, building or side of the road.
8. Check the automatic payment after arrival.

Large shopping centers, railway stations and airports often have designated ride-hailing pickup areas. Drivers may not be able to stop directly beside your current location.

Traveler Tip
Before requesting a vehicle, enlarge the map and check that the pickup pin is on the correct side of the road. Moving across a large junction after the driver arrives can cause delays and cancellation.

Shanghai Transport Cards and Payment Methods

For a short visit, every family member does not necessarily need a physical transport card. Adults can use separate Alipay QR codes or contactless cards, while eligible children can use the free-fare policy.

Traveler Tip
A single contactless card cannot normally be passed back and used to admit several travelers. Prepare a separate payment method for each fare-paying passenger.

Recommended Transportation by Travel Situation

Light Luggage and a Limited Budget

• Pudong Airport: Metro Line 2
• Hongqiao Airport: Metro Line 2 or Line 10
• Around the city: metro and walking

This is the most economical combination when your accommodation is near a station.

Families with Children and Suitcases

• One or two manageable suitcases: consider Metro Line 2
• Three or more large suitcases: official taxi or larger ride-hailing vehicle
• Stroller or elderly traveler: official taxi or private airport transfer

Consider luggage capacity as well as passenger numbers when selecting a vehicle.

Late-Night Arrival at Pudong Airport

• Hotel near a late-night bus stop: airport night bus
• Significant journey required after the bus: official taxi
• Family of three or four: compare the total bus cost with a taxi
• Infant or elderly traveler: direct taxi or pre-booked transfer

If another taxi is required after leaving the airport bus, a direct airport taxi may be the better choice.

Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport

• Recommended transportation: Airport Link Line
• Fare: CNY 26
• Rail journey: approximately 40 minutes
• Important: immigration, baggage collection and check-in are separate

Do not book a tight flight connection based only on the train journey.

Combining the Bund and Pudong

• Travel one direction by metro
• Return in the opposite direction by Huangpu River ferry
• Use DiDi or an official taxi for a late-night return

This avoids repeating the same route and adds a river crossing to the itinerary.

Shanghai Transportation Tips and Common Mistakes

1. Do not accept unofficial airport taxi offers. Use the designated taxi queue.
2. Save your hotel address in Chinese. This reduces confusion between similarly named properties.
3. Check the last metro from your actual station. Last-train times vary by station and direction.
4. Identify the correct exit number. A poor exit choice can add significant walking time.
5. Allow for the nighttime taxi surcharge. Higher fares apply between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
6. Consider passengers and luggage together. Vehicle capacity may matter more than the fare.
7. Verify the ride-hailing license plate. Never identify a vehicle by color alone.
8. Distinguish PVG from SHA. Pudong and Hongqiao airports are far apart.
9. Use the same payment method to enter and leave the metro.
10. Recheck transportation schedules on the day of travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Shanghai Transport Card?

No. Travelers can use an Alipay transport QR code, supported contactless bank card or single-journey ticket.

A transport card can still be convenient for frequent public transport use or a longer stay.

Can International Credit Cards Be Used on the Shanghai Metro?

Eligible contactless cards from supported networks may be used directly at compatible gates.

Approval can depend on the issuing bank and card settings. Always carry a secondary payment method.

Can Children Ride the Shanghai Metro for Free?

Children under 1.3 meters tall traveling with an adult may ride free. Use the wider staffed gate when traveling with a child or stroller.

What Is the Cheapest Way from Pudong Airport to Central Shanghai?

Metro Line 2 is generally the cheapest option. The journey to People’s Square costs approximately CNY 7 and takes about one hour.

How Can I Reach the City After Arriving at Pudong Airport Around Midnight?

The regular metro and Maglev will probably have stopped operating by the time immigration and baggage collection are completed.

Use the late-night airport bus, official taxi, DiDi or a pre-booked transfer.

How Long Does It Take to Travel Between Pudong and Hongqiao Airports?

The Airport Link Line takes approximately 40 minutes between the two airports. This does not include immigration, baggage, walking, waiting or check-in time.

Can One Alipay Transport QR Code Be Used for a Family?

No. Each fare-paying passenger needs an individual transport QR code, contactless card or ticket.

Can I Pay for a Shanghai Taxi with an International Credit Card?

Some taxis accept international cards, but acceptance is not universal. Alipay, Weixin Pay, a Shanghai transport card or cash provides a useful backup.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai’s transportation network looks complicated at first, but the practical choices are relatively straightforward.

Choose Metro Line 2 when cost is the main priority. Use the Maglev when traveling toward Longyang Road or when the ride itself is part of the experience. For transfers between Pudong and Hongqiao airports, the Airport Link Line is usually the most efficient option.

Families should not automatically choose the cheapest route. A journey involving long transfer corridors, multiple station exits and several suitcases may not be worth the small saving.

Set up Alipay before departure, save your hotel address in Chinese and record the nearest station exit number. For late-night arrivals or early departures, keep an airport bus, official taxi or pre-booked transfer as a backup.

Pre-Departure Transportation Checklist

• Confirm whether the airport code is PVG or SHA
• Check the correct terminal
• Save the hotel’s Chinese name and full address
• Record the nearest metro exit number
• Install and sign in to Alipay
• Add an eligible international payment card
• Enable international and online transactions with the card issuer
• Set the Alipay transport city to Shanghai
• Activate the Shanghai metro or bus QR code
• Prepare a payment method for each fare-paying passenger
• Carry a backup contactless card
• Carry a small amount of Chinese yuan
• Check the height-based child fare policy
• Compare the flight arrival time with the last airport train
• Check the distance between the late-night bus stop and the hotel
• Reconfirm the airport, terminal and route on the day before departure