Shanghai Transportation

Shanghai, situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, is the busiest transport hub in eastern China. As an important financial and business center of China and of the world, it has highly developed infrastructure, including a convenient public transportation network.
 

Getting there

The city has various links to the outside. Today you can easily get there from not only the adjacent cities of Suzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou, but also the distant cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Many cities in other countries also enjoy convenient transportation links with Shanghai. You can get there by air, train or ship.
 

The city has two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. The two modern airports are equipped with very advanced facilities.
 
Everyday, about hundreds of flights travel through the two airports, linked with many domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Pudong International Airport, Shanghai


Pudong International Airport

Pudong Airport Shuttle Bus to Downtown

 Pudong Airport Bus to Nearby Cities

Hongqiao International Airport

Hongqiao Airport Shuttle Bus
 

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

The railway network provides you with an inexpensive and comfortable way to get to the city. Jinghu (Beijing-Shanghai), Huning (Shangha- Nanjing) and Huhang (Shanghai-Hangzhou) High Speed Railways pass through Shanghai and connect its three main railway stations with cities all over the country.
 

Here you can also take advantage of tourist trains and special 'Holiday Trains' to scenic areas in other provinces such as Mt. Huangshan in Anhui and Mt. Wuyishan in Fujian.

 

Long-distance buses are also convenient. Four national highways and four expressways pass through the city, composing the city's efficient long-distance bus transport system. Now over 1,000 routes are served by 40 long-distance bus stations.
 

Due to its strategic location, transportation via waterways is also highly accessible. International cruises can be taken at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and the main destinations include South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. Domestic ships leave from Wusong Passenger Transport Center to Mt. Putuo and islands in Chongming District. In addition, cruises between the city and Chongqing can be a good choice to tour the Yangtze River.

A Ferry Terminal in Shanghai
 

 Shanghai to Beijing 

 Beijing to Shanghai

 Shanghai-Beijing Train vs. Flight
 

How to Travel from Shanghai to Other Cities in Yangtze River Delta Area

  Shanghai Airport Shuttle Bus to Nearby Cities
 

How to Travel from Shanghai to Other Cities

 
 

Getting around

Generally, transportation inside the city is considered both convenient and satisfactory. As an international metropolis, this city will inevitably face the problem of overpopulation and traffic congestion. To relieve the transportation pressure, the government has done a lot of work including constructing a large number of roads, subways, and opening more new bus routes. Now, the city has the world's largest public transportation system handling the largest daily volume of passengers.
 

19 shanghai subway lines have connections all over Shanghai, with stops at or nearby the main attractions and commercial areas. If you are just sightseeing and in no hurry, the metro will provide you with fast and comfortable service (though you may want to avoid rush hour of 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:30).
 Metro Lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, Line 11, Line 12, Line 13, Line 15Line 16, Line 17, Line 18Pujiang Line

How to Take Metro

 Metro Transfer

 Metro Ticket

Bilingual List of Metro Stations

 Metro Maps

Shanghai Metro Line 2
Shanghai Metro Line 2
Inside Shanghai Metro Station
Inside Shanghai Metro Station
 You may want to check out the speedy maglev train which runs between Longyang Road and Pudong Airport.

Shanghai Maglev Train

A high-density road network makes overland transportation easy. Taxis, city buses, and sightseeing buses are ready to bring you to everywhere. If you prefer driving yourself, sharing bikes are available - if possible, avoid the congested overhead roads in the urban area inside the Inner Ring Road during rush hour. 

Shanghai Ferry
Nanpu Bridge, Yangpu Bridge, Xupu Bridge, Lupu Bridge and various tunnels across the Huangpu River provide direct links between Pudong New District and Puxi Area. Ferries offer convenient shuttle service across the Huangpu River, allowing you to avoid the crowded bridges and tunnels while appreciating the river scenery. Additionally ferryboats are available between the mainland and its three islands of Chongming, Changqing and Hengsha.

All the transportation methods above accept Public Transportation Card. It is advised to prepare one if you plan to stay in the city for a long time.

- Last updated on Nov. 07, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Shanghai Transportation
Asked by Ibrahim aziz from EGYPT | Nov. 14, 2024 22:00Reply
How to take metro from Pudong airport to Shanghai automatic exhibition
How to take metro from Pudong airport to Shanghai automatic exhibition
Answers (1)
Answered by Janice | Nov. 17, 2024 17:06
00Reply


Take metro line 2 at the airport to National Exhibition and Convention Center, taking 2h15min and CNY 8.
Asked by Chupanich C from THAILAND | Nov. 03, 2024 05:10Reply
China rail pass for high speed train in Shanghai
Where can I buy a Shanghai 3-days pass high speed train?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Nov. 04, 2024 01:42
00Reply


Sorry, no 3-day pass for high speed trains.
Asked by ZQ from MALAYSIA | Oct. 29, 2024 02:06Reply
Train station to go..
Hi. I am staying at People's Square/ East Nanjing Road area. Which station should I book for my Hangzhou trip?

Many thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Oct. 29, 2024 23:27
00Reply


Shanghai South Train Station is the closest station to your hotel operating frequent trains to Hangzhou.
Asked by Anna from ITALY | Oct. 16, 2024 05:18Reply
LINE 2 TO Xu Jing East
Is there any possibility to find a written detailled Line 2 time table with departure and arrival times?
Answers (1)
Answered by Daniel | Oct. 16, 2024 19:44
00Reply


You can check the first and last metro train of line 2 and the departure frequency on this page:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/transportation/subway-line2.htm
Asked by SL from MALAYSIA | Oct. 16, 2024 02:15Reply
Which airport is better?
Hi. Are there train connections from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to the city centre? Where can I check the time schedule?

Is it better or convenient to land at Hongqiao or Pudong?

Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Oct. 16, 2024 19:36
00Reply


Yes, Hongqiao airport is connected with metro line 10 and 2 to the city center. And Hongqiao is closer to the city center.
You can check the first and last train of metro line 10 and 2 on the pages:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/transportation/subway-line10.htm
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/transportation/subway-line2.htm

Actually, it's convenient to land at either of the airport. Both of them are connected with the city center by metro. You may just choose a flight according to your schedule and at cheaper price.
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