Getting Around Shanghai 2025
Navigate Shanghai like a local with our transportation guide.
Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Shanghai.
Public Transit
Shanghai Metro is one of the world's best β clean, fast, cheap, extensive, and fully bilingual. A transport card (Jiaotong Card) can be loaded at any metro station.
Taxis
Metered taxis are regulated and reliable; DiDi app is even easier as it avoids language barriers and shows the price upfront
Car Rental
Not practical for tourists β foreign licenses are not accepted and city driving is highly congested
Walking
The French Concession and Bund areas are highly walkable with pleasant streets
Getting There
How to arrive in Shanghai.
βοΈ By Air
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai's main international airport handles most long-haul international flights. Two terminals (T1 and T2) are connected by a free shuttle. The Maglev train provides a world-famous 7-minute transfer option.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Handles most domestic flights and some regional international routes. Directly connected to Hongqiao Railway Station (high-speed trains to Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing). Metro Lines 2 and 10 connect to the city.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Shanghai.
The metro is the backbone of city transport. For a typical tourist in Shanghai, 90% of journeys can be made by metro, with DiDi for late nights or areas not well served. Walking is feasible in the French Concession and along the Bund.
Metro (best value)
DiDi app (most convenient)
Walking (French Concession, The Bund)
Maglev (Pudong Airport only)
Ferry (Bund to Pudong scenic crossing)
Shared bikes (flat neighborhoods)
π Buses
1,000+ bus routes cover entire city; Β₯2 flat fare; Bus 20 and 66 are tourist-friendly Bund area routes
πΊ Local Alternatives
Metro (best), DiDi app ride-hailing, shared bikes (Meituan/Hello), Huangpu River ferry (scenic)
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Shanghai has two high-speed rail stations: Hongqiao Railway Station (west of city, connected to metro) and Shanghai Railway Station (central, metro Lines 1, 3, 4). High-speed trains connect to Beijing (4.5h), Hangzhou (45min), Suzhou (30min), Nanjing (1.5h), and other major cities. The G-class (350 km/h) and D-class (250 km/h) trains are the fastest. Book tickets on the 12306 app or via Ctrip.
Long-Distance Buses
Long-distance buses from Shanghai South Bus Terminal Β₯30-80 to nearby cities
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared DiDi Express available for intercity routes (not recommended for long distances)
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights from Hongqiao Airport from Β₯200-600 ($28-83); book on Ctrip
Private Car/Driver
Car hire with driver from Β₯800-1500/day ($110-207) including fuel and driver fees
Driving in Shanghai
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
Right
License Required
Foreign driving licenses are not valid in China β an International Driving Permit is also not accepted. A Chinese driving license is required.
Road Conditions
Inner Shanghai driving is impractical due to traffic, parking costs, and license plate lottery restrictions. Self-driving is feasible for day trips to rural Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Get a Jiaotong Card (public transport card) at any metro station β reloadable and saves queuing for tickets
Download MetroPoli or Explore Shanghai apps for offline metro maps with English station names
DiDi is easier than taxis β download before arriving, link international credit card or Alipay
The Maglev train from Pudong Airport is a must-experience; it reaches 430 km/h in the first minute
Avoid taxis between 7-9AM and 5-7PM β traffic jams are severe; metro is always faster during peak hours
Metro Line 2 is the key tourist line: it connects Pudong Airport β Lujiazui β People's Square β Jing'an β Hongqiao Airport
The Bund to Pudong ferry (Β₯2) is more scenic and often faster than the metro during off-peak hours
Shared bikes (Meituan blue bikes) are scattered everywhere β just scan to unlock and leave anywhere
Useful Apps
DiDi (ζ»΄ζ»΄εΊθ‘)
Ride-hailing app β equivalent to Uber; supports English; best for taxis without language barriers
MetroPoli
English metro map and navigation app for the Shanghai Metro; works offline
Meituan / Hello Bike
Dockless shared bike apps β scan QR code to unlock and ride anywhere in the city
12306 (ιθ·―12306)
Official Chinese rail booking app for high-speed trains to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing, etc.
Ctrip (ζΊη¨)
Comprehensive travel app for booking domestic flights, trains, hotels, and tours β English language supported
Navigate Shanghai Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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