Tips · China
Shanghai Pudong Airport to the City: Maglev, Metro or Taxi?
How to get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) into town by Maglev, Metro Line 2 or taxi: times, fares, areas and an arrival-day checklist.
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First, check the airport on your ticket
Shanghai also has Hongqiao Airport (SHA), so check that the airport on your ticket is Pudong (PVG); if it is Hongqiao, see the airport's official information.
This article only covers what our Shanghai guide includes. From Pudong International Airport (PVG) there are three ways into the city: the Maglev train, Metro Line 2 and taxis.
Pudong (PVG): Maglev train to Longyang Road
The Maglev train is a very fast train from Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road station. It takes about 8 minutes to Longyang Road and costs about 40-50 CNY.
The Maglev only goes as far as Longyang Road. To reach downtown you change to the metro there, and the whole trip takes about 40 minutes including the change.
Pudong (PVG): Metro Line 2 and taxis
Metro Line 2 is the cheapest way from Pudong Airport to East Nanjing Road and People's Square. It takes about 60-75 minutes to downtown and costs about 7-8 CNY. Depending on the time, you may need to change trains on the way, so follow the station signs.
For a taxi, only use the official taxi rank and make sure the meter is on. Expect about 45-70 minutes and about 150-250 CNY to downtown. Showing your hotel address in Chinese helps. Ride-hailing can also be booked inside Alipay; have your destination ready in Chinese.
By area: the Bund, People's Square and Jing'an
From the guide's area notes, we kept only what connects to the airport trip. Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport heads toward East Nanjing Road and People's Square.
- The Bund and East Nanjing Road: riverside views and the pedestrian street are close together and walkable; Metro Line 2 heads this way
- People's Square: the central hub where several metro lines meet, handy for everything; Metro Line 2 heads this way
- Jing'an: a busy area with a temple, malls and restaurants, well connected to the Bund and the airport
- Former French Concession and Xintiandi: the guide gives no airport route for this area, so check the metro station near your hotel
Lujiazui (Pudong) and the Huangpu River ferry
Lujiazui is the skyscraper district across the river, which the guide describes as handy for the airport. Many hotels there look back at the Bund.
The Huangpu River ferry links the Bund side and Lujiazui. It is a commuter ferry that crosses in a few minutes and costs very little.
At a glance
All times and fares below are approximate, based on our guide.
- Maglev train (PVG): about 8 min to Longyang Road, about 40 min to downtown with the change, about 40-50 CNY; change to the metro at Longyang Road
- Metro Line 2 (PVG): toward East Nanjing Road and People's Square, about 60-75 min to downtown, about 7-8 CNY; you may need to change trains depending on the time
- Taxi (PVG): official taxi rank, check the meter, about 45-70 min and about 150-250 CNY to downtown
- Ride-hailing: can be booked inside Alipay; have your destination ready in Chinese
Ticket check and arrival-day checklist
Check the airport on your ticket again before your return flight.
In China, mobile payment is more common than cash, and some foreign apps and services may be restricted. Sort out the items below before you travel.
- Connection: arrange roaming, an eSIM or similar, plus a Chinese map app, before you go
- Payment: link an overseas card to Alipay or WeChat Pay and finish sign-up and verification before you travel
- Metro and buses: ride with the transit QR code inside Alipay or WeChat Pay, or buy a single ticket with cash at the station
- Security checks: every metro station has bag checks, so allow extra time; do not carry lighters or knives
- Hotel address: have it ready in Chinese to show taxi drivers or use in a ride-hailing app
- Entry and visas: check the latest official information before you travel
Plan your Shanghai trip
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FAQ
How do I pay for the metro from Pudong Airport?
Transit QR codes inside Alipay or WeChat Pay work on the metro and buses. You can also buy single tickets with cash at stations.
What is the cheapest way from Pudong Airport into town?
Metro Line 2. It takes about 60-75 minutes to East Nanjing Road and People's Square and costs about 7-8 CNY. Depending on the time, you may need to change trains on the way.
Does the Maglev go straight to downtown?
No. The Maglev takes about 8 minutes to Longyang Road, where you change to the metro. Including the change, it is about 40 minutes to downtown, and the fare is about 40-50 CNY.
How much is a taxi from Pudong?
About 150-250 CNY and about 45-70 minutes to downtown. Only use the official taxi rank and make sure the meter is on.
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