Shanghai Transport
Being home to millions of residents, it is one of the country’s most prominent financial and commercial centers. Currently, it is a big industrial hub and China’s major seaport. As a bustling metropolis with traditional and modern features, Shanghai serves as one of the best destinations for tourists and business people alike.
Shanghai can be reachable by air, by train, and by waterway. Here’s a guide on how you can get to Shanghai.
Shanghai Airports
Shanghai services two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), both airports offer a range of flight services and transportation options to ensure smooth travel experiences for passengers arriving in or departing from Shanghai. Detailed information on flight schedules, airlines, and specific transportation services can be obtained from airport websites or through online travel resources.
1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in China and serves as an important international transportation hub. It is located approximately 30 kilometers east of downtown Shanghai.PVG offers a wide range of domestic and international flight services. It serves as a major hub for numerous airlines, connecting Shanghai to destinations around the globe. Passengers can access a variety of flights, including long-haul international routes and domestic connections to other cities in China.
Transportation
- Metro: Pudong International Airport is connected to Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro, offering convenient access to various locations in the city. It is an efficient and affordable transportation option.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport, with supervised queues outside the terminals. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and ensure the meter is used properly.
- Airport Shuttle Buses: Several airport shuttle bus services operate between Pudong Airport and various destinations within Shanghai, providing affordable transportation options for travelers.
Related reading: How to Get from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport
2. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located in the western part of Shanghai, approximately 13 kilometers from downtown.
SHA primarily serves domestic flights within China and a few regional flights. It provides connections to numerous Chinese cities, making it convenient for travelers exploring different parts of the country.
Transportation
- Metro: Hongqiao Airport is directly connected to Shanghai Metro Line 2 and Line 10, providing convenient access to central Shanghai and other parts of the city.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport, with designated taxi ranks outside the terminals. Licensed taxis are recommended, and it's advisable to ensure the meter is used.
- Airport Shuttle Buses: Shuttle bus services operate between Hongqiao Airport and various locations in Shanghai, providing affordable transportation options for travelers.
Shanghai Train Stations
Shanghai has several train stations serving various types of trains, including high-speed trains, intercity trains, and long-distance trains. Here is a list of the main train stations in Shanghai:
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station - High-Speed Trains
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is a major railway transportation hub in Shanghai, located in the western part of the city. It has both high-speed and conventional train services.
High-Speed Trains: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station serves as a terminus for high-speed trains on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line, which is one of the busiest and fastest in China. It offers convenient connections to cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and more.
Transportation:
- Metro: The station is directly connected to the Shanghai Metro Line 2 and Line 10, making it easily accessible for travelers. These metro lines allow for seamless transfers to different parts of Shanghai.
- Buses: Several bus routes serve Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, providing additional transportation options within the city. Bus stops are conveniently located near the station exits.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the station, offering a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation to various destinations in Shanghai. Taxi ranks are
- located near the exits for easy access.
Shanghai South Railway Station - High-Speed Trains and K/T Trains
Shanghai South Railway Station is the largest railway station in Asia by area and is located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai. It serves as a major transportation hub for high-speed trains, connecting with destinations in southern and southwestern China.
High-Speed Trains: This station primarily handles high-speed trains that serve cities in southern and southwestern China, such as Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. It offers convenient connections for both domestic and international travelers.
Transportation:
- Metro: Shanghai South Railway Station is connected to Shanghai Metro Line 1 and Line 3, allowing for easy access to other parts of the city. These metro lines provide convenient options for onward travel.
- Buses: Several bus routes operate near Shanghai South Railway Station, providing additional transportation choices for travelers within Shanghai and surrounding areas.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the station, offering a convenient means of transportation. Taxi ranks are located near the station exits for easy access.
Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai Railway Station is one of the oldest and busiest railway stations in Shanghai. It is situated in the city center, near Zhabei District.
Train Services: This station primarily handles conventional high-speed trains that connect Shanghai with major cities across China. It offers a convenient transportation option for travel to destinations such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and more.
Transportation:
- Metro: Shanghai Railway Station is connected to Shanghai Metro Line 1, allowing for easy access to other parts of the city. It provides convenient transfers for travelers.
- Buses: Several bus routes operate near Shanghai Railway Station, providing additional transportation options to different parts of the city.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the station for travelers seeking a comfortable and private mode of transport. Taxi ranks are located near the station exits for convenience.
Shanghai Crusie Ports
Shanghai, one of the busiest and most important seaports in the world, has two main cruise ports: Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Port.
These two ports serve as the main departure and arrival points for cruise lines traveling in and out of Shanghai, including large international cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Costa Cruises among others. Both ports come equipped with modern amenities like restaurants, shopping facilities, and transport links.
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal Located near the downtown and the Bund district, this terminal is a great entry point for immediate exploration of Shanghai's central cityscape.
- Location: 500 Dongdaming Road - Hongkou District, Shanghai, China.
- Transport: It's a 10-minute drive to downtown Bund and around a 30 to 40-minute drive to the Pudong International Airport.
Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal (also known as Baoshan Cruise Terminal) Situated in the Baoshan District, this terminal is a little farther from the city center but offers a modern and well-equipped departure and arrival area for cruise passengers.
- Location: 1 Baoyang Road - Baoshan District, Shanghai, China.
- Transport: It's an approximately 40-minute drive to the city center and an hour's drive to the Pudong International Airport.
Related Reading: Shanghai Cruise Ports
Shanghai Metro
The Shanghai Metro is the rapid transit system of China’s biggest city. The Metro fuses the use of both light rail and subway lines. It’s now the longest network in the world, because of its 17 metro lines, 278 stations, and 270 miles of tracks.
Shanghai Metro Lines
The Shanghai Metro is a rapid transit rail network that operates both underground and on elevated railways. Here's a simpler breakdown of its lines.
- Line 1 (Red): Fujin Road – Xinzhuang
- Line 2 (Green): East Xujing – Pudong International Airport
- Line 3 (Yellow): North Jiangyang Road – South Shanghai Railway Station
- Line 4 (Purple): This line is a loop line with no specific start or end station
- Line 5 (Blue): Xinzhuang – Fengxian Xincheng
- Line 6 (Magenta): Gangcheng Road – Oriental Sports Center
- Line 7 (Orange): Meilan Lake – Huamu Road
- Line 8 (Blue): Shendu Highway – Aerospace Museum
- Line 9 (Magenta): Caolu – Songjiang South Railway Station
- Line 10 (Purple): Xinjiangwancheng – Hangzhong Road
- Line 11 (Light Brown): Huaqiao – Disney Resort
- Line 12 (Teal): Jinhai Road – Qixin Road
- Line 13 (Yellow): Jinyun Road – Zhangjiang Road
- Line 14 (Light Green): East section: Guiqiao Road – West section: Songmin Road
- Line 15 (Light Yellow): Gucun Park – Zizhu High-tech Zone
- Line 16 (Aqua): Luoshan Road – Dishui Lake
- Line 17 (Dark Green): Hongqiao Railway Station – Oriental Land
Shanghai Bus
Buses in Shanghai are an extensive and affordable mode of public transportation. They serve as a crucial part of the city's transportation network, covering a wide range of routes and reaching various neighborhoods. Here is some information about buses in Shanghai:
Types of Buses
Shanghai has different types of buses to cater to various travel needs. These include regular city buses, sightseeing buses, and specialized bus services for specific purposes, such as airport shuttle buses and long-distance intercity buses.
Bus Stops
Bus stops in Shanghai are marked with a blue sign displaying the bus number and route information. Many bus stops have electronic display boards that show the estimated time of arrival for buses. You can also check bus route information and schedules on the Shanghai Bus Transportation website or through mobile apps.
Bus Fares
Bus fares in Shanghai are generally lower than other modes of transport. The exact fare varies based on the distance traveled, with shorter routes starting around 2 CNY and longer routes costing up to 5 CNY. Some buses accept contactless payment methods like the Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC), while others only accept cash.
Ticketing
When boarding the bus, you typically pay the fare in cash directly to the bus driver or use the contactless payment method if available. Some buses also have ticket machines at the entry where you can purchase a ticket or use your transportation card.
Bus Routes and Schedules
Shanghai has an extensive network of bus routes covering a vast area of the city. Bus routes and schedules are available online, at bus stops, and through various mobile apps. It's advisable to check the route and schedule in advance.