Key takeaways
- Maglev: about 8 minutes to Longyang Road, then change to the metro; ¥50 one way (¥40 with a same-day air ticket).
- Metro Line 2: the cheapest option, about 75 minutes to People's Square and East Nanjing Road.
- Taxi: 45–70 minutes to the Bund or People's Square, usually about ¥150–220.
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is much closer: about 30–40 minutes to the centre by metro or taxi.
Our drivers meet guests at Pudong and Hongqiao every day. If you prefer to make your own way, this is how the options compare.
Most international flights to East China land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), about 40 km east of the city centre. Many domestic flights and some flights from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan use Hongqiao Airport (SHA), much closer to downtown. Here are all your options, with realistic times and prices.
Pudong Airport (PVG): options at a glance
| Option | Time to centre | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev + metro | about 45 min | ¥50 + metro fare | Speed fans with light luggage |
| Metro Line 2 | about 75 min | about ¥7–8 | Budget travellers |
| Taxi | 45–70 min | about ¥150–220 | Families, heavy luggage, late arrivals |
| Private transfer | 45–70 min | Fixed price | A stress-free arrival with meet & greet |
Shanghai Maglev
The world's first commercial maglev line links Pudong Airport with Longyang Road station in about 8 minutes, at speeds of up to 300 km/h. A one-way ticket costs ¥50, or ¥40 if you show a same-day air ticket. At Longyang Road you still need to change to Metro Line 2 or 7 (or take a taxi) to reach your hotel, so the time saved over the metro is smaller than it looks. Trains run every 15–20 minutes from early morning until about 9:40 pm.
Metro Line 2
Line 2 starts at Pudong Airport and runs across the city via East Nanjing Road, People's Square and Jing'an Temple. It is cheap and reliable but takes around 75 minutes, and some trains require a quick same-platform change at Guanglan Road. Buy a ticket at the machines (they have English menus) or scan the metro QR code in Alipay.
Taxi
Follow the signs to the official taxi rank outside arrivals. A ride to the Bund or People's Square takes 45–70 minutes and usually costs about ¥150–220, a little more late at night. Taxis accept Alipay, WeChat Pay and cash. Have your hotel address ready in Chinese characters, or book a car in the DiDi app.
Private transfer
A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board, helps with your luggage and takes you straight to your hotel at a fixed price. It is the easiest option after a long-haul flight, especially with children, seniors or a lot of luggage. All of our tours include airport pick-up in Shanghai.
Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Hongqiao is about 15 km west of the centre, right next to Hongqiao railway station — the hub for bullet trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing. Metro Lines 2 and 10 reach People's Square and Nanjing Road in about 30–40 minutes; a taxi takes 30–45 minutes and costs roughly ¥60–100.
Between Pudong and Hongqiao
The Airport Link Line, opened at the end of 2024, connects Pudong Airport with Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao railway station in about 40 minutes — handy if you land at Pudong and want to take a bullet train straight to Suzhou or Hangzhou. A taxi between the two airports takes about an hour.
Arrival tips
- Set up Alipay before you leave home, or withdraw a little cash at the airport — see our payment guide.
- Get online as soon as you land with a travel eSIM or roaming — see internet & apps in China.
- Entering visa-free? Keep your onward ticket and hotel booking handy for immigration — see our visa-free entry guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way from Pudong Airport to the city?
How much is a taxi from Pudong Airport to the Bund?
Does the Maglev run late at night?
Written by our Shanghai-based trip planners, who have been arranging East China journeys for international travellers since 2012.
