To get around in Shanghai, you can use a variety of transportation options, including the metro, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, as well as domestic flights, trains, and intercity buses to travel to and from the city.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Shanghai is a major transportation hub, with two international airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong Airport is the primary airport for international flights, while Hongqiao Airport handles mostly domestic flights and some international flights to nearby countries. You can fly directly to Shanghai from many major cities around the world, including London, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney. Shanghai is also connected to other Chinese cities by a network of highways, buses, and trains, making it easy to travel to and from the city by land. The city has several overland entry points, including the Shanghai Railway Station and the Shanghai South Railway Station, which receive trains from other Chinese cities.
If you're traveling from nearby countries, you can also take a bus or drive to Shanghai. The city is connected to neighboring cities and provinces by a network of highways, including the G42 Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway and the G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway. You can also take a ferry from nearby cities, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, to Shanghai. Shanghai is a major port city, and you can also arrive by sea from other Chinese cities or from international destinations.
Domestic Flights
Shanghai has an extensive domestic air network, with flights to most major cities in China. You can fly from Shanghai to other Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with airlines like China Eastern, China Southern, and Shanghai Airlines. Booking domestic flights in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Approximate costs for domestic flights vary depending on the route and airline, but you can expect to pay around $100-$300 for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to other major Chinese cities. You can book flights online through the airlines' websites or through travel agencies.
Trains & Rail
Shanghai has an extensive rail network, with high-speed trains connecting the city to other major Chinese cities. The Shanghai Railway Station and the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station are the main train stations in the city, with trains to destinations like Beijing, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. You can book train tickets online through the China Railway Corporation's website or at train stations. High-speed trains, also known as G-trains, can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, making them a fast and convenient way to travel to nearby cities. The booking process is relatively straightforward, and you can choose from different classes of service, including first class, second class, and business class.
Buses & Coaches
Intercity buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel to nearby cities from Shanghai. Several bus companies operate from Shanghai, including the Shanghai Bus Company and the China Bus Company. You can take buses to destinations like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, with fares starting from around $10-$20 for a one-way ticket. The quality of buses varies, but most are air-conditioned and comfortable. You can book bus tickets at bus stations or online through the bus companies' websites.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | Shanghai | $0.50-$1.50 | 16 lines, convenient and efficient |
| City Bus | Shanghai | $0.25-$1.00 | extensive network, affordable |
| Taxi | everywhere | $1.50-$3.00/km | widely available, but be prepared for traffic |
| Ride-Hailing | Shanghai | $3.00-$6.00 | Didi Chuxing and Grab available |
| Tuk-tuk/Rickshaw | limited | $5.00-$10.00 | not commonly used in Shanghai |
Driving
- To drive in Shanghai, you need a valid Chinese driver's license or an international driving permit.
- Road conditions in Shanghai are generally good, with well-maintained highways and city roads.
- Fuel costs are relatively high in Shanghai, with gasoline prices around $1.50 per liter.
- Car rental companies like Hertz and Avis have offices in Shanghai, but be prepared for high rental costs and traffic congestion.
- Driving in Shanghai can be challenging, especially for foreigners, due to the complexity of the city's road network and the aggressive driving style of local drivers.
- Be aware of traffic rules and regulations, such as the requirement to wear a seatbelt and the prohibition on using a mobile phone while driving.
Transport Tips
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at train and bus stations, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Download the Didi Chuxing or Grab app to use ride-hailing services in Shanghai.
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as "hello" (nǐ hǎo) and "thank you" (xiè xiè), to help you communicate with taxi drivers and other locals.
- Be aware of scams, such as overcharging by taxi drivers or fake ticket sellers.
- Use a money belt or a secure bag to protect your valuables, especially in crowded areas like train stations and tourist attractions.
- Consider purchasing a Shanghai public transportation card, which can be used to pay for metro, bus, and taxi fares.
- Stay safe by avoiding traveling alone at night and being mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- [CALLOUT] Be sure to validate your train ticket before boarding, as fines can be imposed for invalid tickets.
- [RATING] Shanghai's transportation system is rated 4/5 for its convenience and efficiency, but can be challenging for foreigners due to language barriers and crowds.