Shanghai Cruise Ports - Shanghai International Cruise Port and Wusongkou (Baoshan) Cruise Port
Shanghai is the busiest seaport city in the world and welcomes many international cruise ships each year.
There are two major cruise ports in Shanghai: Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal 上海港国际客运中心 (often just referred to as the Shanghai Cruise Terminal) and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal 上海吴淞口国际邮轮港 (also known as Baoshan Cruise Terminal).
The cruise lines from Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia to China are mostly ports in Shanghai.
Taking advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit and the 15-day visa-free policy for international cruise tour groups, foreigners can enjoy layover tours in Shanghai without needing to get a China visa.
This article gives you the most useful information about Shanghai cruise ports. It also guides you on how to get to the city center and the main travel spots from these ports.
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River near the Bund, Shanghai Cruise Terminal directly faces the Oriental Pearl TV Tower across the river.
Shanghai Cruise Terminal covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters with a water depth ranging from 9 to 13 meters. Cruise ships of 70,000 tons and below can dock there.
- Terminal Address: No. 500 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
- Address in Chinese: 上海 虹口区 东大名路500号
Transportation
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal offers excellent transportation convenience. Located in the city center and near two subway lines, you can easily get from the terminal to the city center, airports, and train stations.
We share easy tips to travel from Shanghai Cruise Terminal to top places in Shanghai and nearby cities.
| From / To | Distance | Driving Time | Approximate Taxi Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong Airport | 45km | 50 minutes | RMB 200 |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Airport | 20km | 30 minutes | RMB 70 |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station | 23km | 40 minutes | RMB 80 |
| Shanghai South Railway Station | 18km | 30 minutes | RMB 60 |
| Shanghai Railway Station | 6km | 20 minutes | RMB 30 |
| The Bund (Nanjing Road) | 4km | 15 minutes | RMB 20 |
From Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal to Pudong Airport
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal is 45 kilometers away from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. There are many ways you can travel from Shanghai Cruise Terminal to PVG:
Option 1: By Metro (1.5 hours, RMB 7)
- Firstly, from the International Cruise Terminal Station, take Metro Line 12 (towards Jinhai Road) to Dalian Road Station (大连路).
- Secondly, at Dalian Road Station, transfer to Metro Line 4 to Century Avenue Station (世纪大道).
- Lastly, at Century Avenue Station, transfer to Metro Line 2 to Pudong International Airport Station.
The estimated travel duration is roughly 1.5 hours. It costs RMB 7 per person for a single way.
Option 2: By Taxi or Private Car Service (the Fastest Way)
A taxi is the most straightforward, though not the cheapest way to get to Pudong Airport. The taxi ride takes about 1 hour and costs approximately RMB 200.
You can also pre-book a private car service with us for a hassle-free transfer.
Option 3: By Shuttle Bus
Some cruise lines may offer shuttle buses from the port to the airport. Check with your cruise company to see if this service is available.
From Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal is 20 kilometers away from Hongqiao Airport.
Option 1: By Metro (1 hour, RMB 5)
- Firstly, walk about 600 meters to the International Cruise Terminal Station, and take Metro Line 12 (towards Qixin Road) to Tiantong Road Station (天潼路).
- Then, at Tiantong Road Station, transfer to Metro Line 10 (towards Hongqiao Railway Station) to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station.
Expect a journey time of around 60 minutes. It costs RMB 5 per person for a single way.
Option 2: By Taxi or Private Car Transfers (The Fastest Way)
Besides public transport, other options are taking taxis or booking a private transfer service with us.
It is faster and more direct, the journey might take between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
From Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal to Hangzhou
Travel to Hangzhou from Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal can be reached by bullet train or private car transfers.
Option 1: By High-Speed Train (the cheapest way)
Over 100 bullet trains serve between Shanghai and Hangzhou daily.
You can take Metro Line 12 (towards Qixin Road) to Tiantong Road Station (天潼路). From there, transfer Line 10 to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and then take a high-speed train to Hangzhou East Railway Station.
The trip will take 2 to 2.5 hours and cost approximately RMB 70. Book a train ticket online with us.
Option 2: Taxi or Pre-book Private Transfer Service
Hiring a taxi or private car service directly from the cruise port terminal to Hangzhou is a more comfortable but expensive option.
China Travel provides a private transfer service and pick-up from the airport, meet your driver after the luggage claim at the arrival hall then hop on the car to the next destination. Just contact us!
From Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal to Suzhou
Option 1: By High-Speed Train
Approximately 130 trains are servicing the route from Shanghai to Suzhou daily. The first train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station typically departs around 5:30 AM and the last one leaves at around 9:30 PM. Book a train ticket online with us.
The nearest metro station from Shanghai to the International Cruise Terminal station is Line 12, you can change to Line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station from Shan Xi Nan Lu (陕西南路) Station.
Option 2: Taxi or Book a Transfer to Suzhou
Take a Taxi to the cruise terminal after arrival, or pre-book a private transfer.
China Travel provides cross-city transfer with a local driver, you can pre-book in advance. You will be picked up from the cruise port, and hop on the car/van directly to the destination you require. Contact China Travel to Book a private transfer service.
Wusongkou (Baoshan) International Cruise Terminal
Located in the Baoshan District of Shanghai, Wusongkou Terminal sits at the junction of the Yangtze River, Huangpu River, and Wenzaobang River.
Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal boasts the highest number of visitor arrivals in Asia and ranks fourth globally. It is capable of accommodating 200,000-ton cruise ships.
- Terminal Address: No. 1 Baoyang Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai
- Address in Chinese: 上海 宝山区 宝杨路1号
Transportation
Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal is about 25 kilometers from the city center.
Here is some useful information for getting from Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to popular destinations in Shanghai and nearby cities.
| From / To | Distance | Driving Time | Approximate Taxi Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong Airport | 50km | 1 hour | RMB 200 |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Airport | 38km | 50 minutes | RMB 150 |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station | 40km | 55 minutes | RMB 150 |
| Shanghai South Railway Station | 38km | 50 minutes | RMB 130 |
| Shanghai Railway Station | 23km | 40 minutes | RMB 90 |
| The Bund (Nanjing Road) | 25km | 45 minutes | RMB 90 |
From Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Pudong International Airport
To travel from Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Pudong Airport in Shanghai, you have a few transportation options:
Option 1: By Taxi or Private Car (Most Recommended)
Taxis are readily available outside the cruise terminal. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and have the destination address written in Chinese to avoid any language barriers. The trip to Pudong Airport typically takes around 1 hour.
We offer hassle-free direct transfers from Wusongkou terminal to Pudong Airport. Just meet your guide at the arrival hall, and hop on the private car to the next destination.
Option 2: By Bus and Metro (3 hours, RMB 9)
If you prefer using public transportation, you can take the bus and then transfer to the subway. Here's the route you can follow:
- Walk 1200 meters to the bus station - Wusongkou Road & Baoyang Road Station (吴淞口路宝杨路), and take the No. 51 Bus for 23 stops to Xizang Zhong Road & Beijing Dong Road Station (西藏中路北京东路).
- After getting off the bus, walk 600 meters to People Square Station (人民广场) subway station.
- Transfer to Metro Line 2 (Green Line) to Pudong Airport.
The estimated travel duration is roughly 3 hours. It costs RMB 9 per person for a single way.
From Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport
Option 1: By Taxi or Take a Private Transfer
Taking a taxi or private car from Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport usually takes around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic conditions.
China Travel offers private transfers from Crusie terminal to Shanghai airports. Just contact us.
Option 2: By Metro (2 hours, RMB 7)
If you prefer using public transportation, you can take the metro from Wusongkou Cruise Terminal. Here's the route you can follow:
- Walk 1200 meters to the bus station - Wusongkou Road & Baoyang Road Station (吴淞口路宝杨路), and take the No. 51 Bus for 13 stops to Yixian Road & Changzhong Road Station (逸仙路场中路).
- After getting off the bus, walk 100 meters to Jiangwan Zhen Station (江湾镇) subway station.
- Continue on Metro Line 3 (towards Shanghai Nan Railway Sation) for 11 stops and get off at Zhongshan Park Station (中山公园).
- Transfer Metro Line 2 for 4 or 5 stops to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 Station or Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station, depending on your departure terminal.
The estimated travel duration is roughly 2 hours. It costs RMB 7 per person for a single way.
From Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Suzhou or Hangzhou
Take a taxi or use public transportation to reach Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and take a bullet train to Suzhou or Hangzhou. High-speed trains run frequently between the two cities. Book a train ticket online with us.
Trains from Shanghai Hongqiao to Suzhou take around 30 minutes and 1.5 hours to Hangzhou.
Waigaoqiao Cruise Terminal in Shanghai
Waigaoqiao Port is located in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai. However, it's important to clarify that Waigaoqiao is more commonly known as a container terminal, part of the Port of Shanghai, and it is primarily used for cargo handling. It is the largest automated container terminal in the world.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit China after the Cruise?
The visa-free policy at Shanghai Cruise Port allows certain nationalities to visit Shanghai and nearby destinations for a limited duration without obtaining a visa in advance.
15-Day Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Passengers
Foreign tourists arriving in Shanghai by cruise are allowed to visit certain coastal cities and provinces in China visa-free for a maximum of 15 days.
This policy is intended to make it more convenient for cruise passengers to explore China during their short stay. However, please note that some specific requirements and conditions need to be met to qualify for this visa-free policy. Some key points to consider include:
- 1. You should arrive in Shanghai from one of the approved ports of entry like Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal or Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal.
- 2. You must leave China on the same cruise ship which brought you to Shanghai.
- 3. You must be part of an organized tour group operated by a registered tour company approved by the Chinese authorities. We can assist you in planning your visa-free trip.
- 4. Your tour group must have at least 2 members.
- 5. Your stay in China should not be more than 15 days, beginning from the day after arrival.
- 6. Your stay in China will be limited to Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan.
Read more details on the 15-day visa-free policy for cruises arriving in Shanghai.
144-hour Visa-free Transit Policy in Shanghai
Citizens from 54 countries can benefit from the visa-free policy. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, most European countries, and many others.
Upon arrival at the Shanghai Cruise Port, you will need to proceed to the immigration counter and complete the necessary form. The immigration officers will then review the documents and process the 144-hour transit visa.
It's recommended to inform your cruise line about your intention to use the visa-free policy. They can offer assistance in verifying eligibility and provide the necessary documentation for immigration clearance upon arrival.
Read Shanghai 144-hour Visa-Free Policy for more details.
What Cruise Lines Port in Shanghai
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal are home to a variety of international cruise lines. The following are some noteworthy cruise lines that usually dock at these Shanghai terminals:
Royal Caribbean International: Known for its large and innovative ships, this cruise line frequently docks in Shanghai. Ships like the Quantum of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas often depart from Shanghai for various Asian routes.
Costa Cruises: An Italian cruise line that is a part of the Carnival Corporation, Costa Ceases usually operates several cruises out of Shanghai, often with ships such as Costa Serena and Costa Venezia to various destinations around Asia.
Princess Cruises: Part of Carnival Corporation, the cruise line offers many itineraries out of Shanghai. Ships like the Majestic Princess can often be found here.
MSC Cruises: The Swiss-based world's largest privately-owned cruise line, MSC Cruises, also includes Shanghai on numerous Asia Pacific itineraries, with ships such as the MSC Splendida.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Known for its relaxed onboard atmosphere, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) also has several cruises that start or stop in Shanghai.
Celebrity Cruises: Another part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises offers several cruises each year starting from or stopping over in Shanghai.
Cunard Line: Known for holding the tradition of luxury transatlantic travel, Cunard also serves Shanghai as a part of its world cruise schedules.
Dream Cruises (Genting Hong Kong): The Asian luxury cruise line offers itineraries to Japan and around Asia from Shanghai with their cruise ships, World Dream and Explorer Dream.