Shanghai Airport Transfer: The Short Answer
From Pudong Airport (PVG), Metro Line 2 is the lowest-cost direct rail route into central Shanghai. The Maglev is much faster for the airport-to-Longyang Road section, but Longyang Road is not the city center, so most travelers still need a metro or taxi afterward.
From Hongqiao Airport (SHA), the metro is particularly convenient because the airport is much closer to central Shanghai. Terminal 2 is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10, while Terminal 1 is served by Line 10.
If you have several bags, children, a larger group, a late arrival, business appointments, or simply want airport-to-hotel service without another connection, taxi, DiDi or a pre-booked private transfer is usually more convenient.
- PVG — Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- SHA — Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- PVG → People's Square by Metro Line 2 — about 1 hour / about 7 RMB
- PVG Maglev → Longyang Road — about 8 minutes / 50 RMB
- PVG ↔ Hongqiao T2 Airport Link Line — about 40 minutes / 26 RMB
- Door-to-door — taxi, DiDi or private transfer
PVG or SHA? Check Your Airport First
Shanghai airport transportation is much easier to plan once you identify the airport code on your ticket.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is east of central Shanghai and handles a large share of the city's international flights. Because it is farther from downtown, the difference between rail and road transport matters more.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is west of central Shanghai and much closer to the city's main commercial and residential areas. Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 is also integrated with the Hongqiao transport hub and railway station area.
Do not assume that a flight labelled simply "Shanghai" uses Pudong. Always check PVG or SHA before planning pickup.
| PVG — Pudong Airport | SHA — Hongqiao Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | East of central Shanghai | West of central Shanghai |
| Approx. distance from city center | About 30 km | About 13 km |
| Metro | Line 2 | Line 10 at T1; Lines 2 and 10 at T2 |
| Special rail | Maglev + Airport Link Line | Airport Link Line at T2 |
| Door-to-door | Taxi, DiDi, private transfer | Taxi, DiDi, private transfer |
| Main transport issue | Longer airport-to-city distance | Terminal and final-destination choice |
Shanghai Airport Transfer Options Compared
Shanghai offers more airport-rail choices than many Chinese cities, but the fastest train is not always the simplest airport-to-hotel option. The practical choice depends on the airport, your final address, luggage, arrival time and whether you want door-to-door transport.
| Available from | Door to door? | Main advantage | Main trade-off | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | PVG + SHA | No | Lowest-cost mainstream option | Luggage + final connection |
| Maglev | PVG | No | Very fast airport-to-Longyang section | Does not reach central Shanghai |
| Airport Link Line | PVG + SHA T2 | No | Fast airport-to-airport / cross-city rail | Not a direct hotel service |
| Official taxi | PVG + SHA | Yes | Simple direct ride | Traffic-dependent |
| DiDi | PVG + SHA | Yes | Destination and fare estimate handled digitally | Must find designated pickup area |
| Private transfer | PVG + SHA | Yes | Arranged before arrival | Higher cost than public transport |
| Airport bus | Mainly route-dependent | Usually no | Useful for some specific destinations / late hours | Fixed route and timetable |
For most daytime travelers with light luggage, rail is efficient. Taxi, DiDi and private transfer become more useful when the final hotel is inconvenient from a station or when avoiding an extra transfer matters.
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Pudong Airport has the widest choice of transport into Shanghai. The main options are Metro Line 2, the Maglev, taxi, DiDi, airport bus and pre-booked private vehicle.
PVG Option 1: Metro Line 2
Metro Line 2 provides a direct rail route from Pudong Airport toward central Shanghai.
A trip from Pudong Airport to People's Square costs about 7 RMB and takes roughly one hour under normal operation.
Line 2 is useful because it continues through major central areas, but the full airport-to-hotel journey depends on where your accommodation is relative to a station.
Best for:
- Solo travelers
- Couples with manageable luggage
- Daytime arrivals
- Travelers staying near Line 2
- Budget-conscious visitors
Less convenient for:
- Several large suitcases
- Families managing children and luggage
- Hotels requiring additional transfers
- Arrivals after normal rail service
*Current fare/time reference: Shanghai Airport Authority / Shanghai Municipal Government.*
PVG Option 2: Shanghai Maglev
The Shanghai Maglev connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road in about eight minutes.
A standard single journey costs 50 RMB, while a standard round trip costs 80 RMB.
The key point is that Longyang Road is not central Shanghai. From Longyang Road, most visitors still need Metro Line 2, another metro connection, taxi or DiDi to reach their hotel.
The Maglev therefore saves time on the airport-to-Longyang segment, but it does not eliminate the final city connection.
Best for:
- Travelers who specifically want to experience the Maglev
- Destinations convenient from Longyang Road
- Travelers who value a very fast first rail segment
- Light-luggage travelers comfortable transferring
Less useful for:
- Door-to-door hotel travel
- Groups where several rail tickets approach road-transfer cost
- Heavy luggage
- Hotels requiring another long connection
PVG Option 3: Official Taxi
Official taxis provide direct airport-to-hotel transport from Pudong Airport.
As a general reference, Shanghai Airport Authority currently estimates a Pudong Airport to People's Square taxi trip at around 180 RMB and around 50 minutes, although the actual fare and travel time depend on traffic, distance and applicable surcharges.
Follow airport signs to the official taxi queue rather than accepting unsolicited rides inside the terminal.
Keep your hotel name and address in Chinese on your phone.
PVG Option 4: DiDi
DiDi is useful if you prefer entering your hotel digitally and seeing an estimated fare before pickup.
Shanghai airports use designated ride-hailing pickup areas, so follow the pickup instructions in the app after a driver accepts the booking.
DiDi offers an English-language interface, and international visitors can use services through DiDi itself or supported Alipay and WeChat workflows.
The app reduces the need for spoken destination instructions.
PVG Option 5: Pre-Booked Private Transfer
A pre-booked transfer is useful when you want the airport pickup arranged before landing rather than deciding between rail, taxi and ride-hailing after arrival.
It becomes more valuable with several suitcases, children, elderly travelers, larger groups, business schedules, late arrivals or additional stops after the airport.
DragonTrail's private-driver service is vehicle + driver with English-language coordination. A licensed sightseeing guide is separate unless specifically included.
See Shanghai private driver vehicles and options →
From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Hongqiao Airport is much closer to central Shanghai than Pudong, so public transport and road transfers are generally simpler.
The correct rail option depends on your terminal.
SHA Option 1: Metro
Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 is served by Metro Line 10.
Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10.
For many central Shanghai destinations, metro is the simplest low-cost choice because Hongqiao is already on the western side of the urban area.
Terminal 2 is also part of the larger Hongqiao transport hub, making it particularly useful for travelers connecting with Hongqiao Railway Station.
SHA Option 2: Official Taxi
An official taxi is straightforward when you want to travel directly from Hongqiao Airport to your hotel.
Shanghai Airport Authority currently gives a general city-center reference of about 100–150 RMB and around 30 minutes, depending on traffic and destination.
Use this only as an approximate reference.
SHA Option 3: DiDi
DiDi works well for travelers who prefer to enter the destination in an app rather than explain it verbally.
Hongqiao Airport has designated ride-hailing pickup areas. Follow the current terminal signs and app instructions after booking because pickup locations can change as airport traffic arrangements evolve.
SHA Option 4: Pre-Booked Private Transfer
Because Hongqiao is closer to central Shanghai, taxi or DiDi may be sufficient for a simple hotel transfer.
A pre-booked private vehicle becomes more useful when airport pickup is part of a larger schedule — for example business meetings, multiple stops, luggage-heavy group travel, railway connections or a full-day vehicle booking.
View Shanghai Private Driver Service →
Shanghai Maglev: When Does It Make Sense?
The Maglev is famous because it covers the Pudong Airport to Longyang Road section in about eight minutes, but that does not mean every traveler reaches their hotel faster.
Longyang Road is in Pudong, east of the traditional city center. Most visitors still need another metro or road journey afterward.
| Situation | Maglev makes sense? |
|---|---|
| Hotel near Longyang Road | Yes |
| Want to experience the Maglev | Yes |
| Light luggage + comfortable transferring | Often |
| Hotel near People's Square / Bund | Depends on the onward connection |
| Several large suitcases | Usually less convenient |
| Family or group wanting one direct ride | Usually less convenient |
| Late-night arrival | Check current operating hours first |
If your goal is simply the lowest-cost rail trip into central Shanghai, Metro Line 2 is usually easier to understand.
If your goal is door-to-door convenience, compare taxi, DiDi or private transfer instead.
Taxi vs DiDi vs Private Transfer
All three provide door-to-door travel. The main difference is how the journey is arranged.
| Official Taxi | DiDi | Pre-Booked Private Transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking | Join official airport queue | Book in app | Arranged before arrival |
| Price | Metered | App estimate / quoted fare | Fixed quote before booking |
| Destination | Show hotel/address | Enter digitally | Confirmed before arrival |
| Pickup | Official taxi stand | Designated ride-hailing area | Confirmed pickup instructions |
| English coordination | Usually limited | App helps reduce language issue | DragonTrail coordinates in English |
| Best for | Simple airport-to-hotel ride | App-comfortable traveler | Groups, luggage, business, planned schedules |
If your only requirement is a straightforward airport-to-hotel ride, an official taxi or DiDi may be sufficient.
A pre-booked private vehicle becomes more useful when the transfer is part of a larger plan — for example airport pickup followed by meetings, sightseeing, another city transfer, or several stops.
PVG to Hongqiao Airport
Shanghai's Airport Link Line connects Pudong Airport T1 & T2 with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in about 40 minutes.
The full end-to-end fare is 26 RMB.
The line is particularly useful when transferring between Shanghai's two airports or when one of its intermediate stations works for your destination.
It does not replace Metro Line 2, the Maglev or road transport for every airport-to-hotel journey.
| Airport Link Line | Current reference |
|---|---|
| Pudong Airport T1 & T2 → Hongqiao Airport T2 | About 40 minutes |
| Full fare | 26 RMB |
| Intermediate stops | Zhongchun Road, Jinghong Road, South Sanlin, East Kangqiao, Shanghai International Resort |
| Metro connections | Available at selected stations |
If connecting between airports, always leave additional time for walking, terminal access, check-in, security and any flight-specific requirements.
Late-Night Arrivals in Shanghai
Do not assume Metro Line 2, the Maglev or Airport Link Line will still be operating when a late international flight clears immigration and baggage claim.
For late arrivals, the practical options are usually:
- official taxi
- DiDi or another licensed ride-hailing service
- pre-booked private transfer
- an airport night-bus service where the route suits your destination
Pudong Airport operates late-night airport-bus service after normal rail hours, but timetables and stops can change. Check the current airport schedule for your arrival date.
For travelers with luggage whose hotel is not near a night-bus stop, a direct road transfer is usually simpler than taking a bus and arranging another connection afterward.
Which Shanghai Airport Transfer Fits Your Trip?
Choose the Metro if
- You arrive while rail service is operating
- Your luggage is manageable
- Your hotel is convenient from the metro
- Low cost matters more than door-to-door convenience
Choose the Maglev from PVG if
- You want the fastest airport-to-Longyang Road rail segment
- Your destination is convenient from Longyang Road
- You specifically want to experience the Maglev
- You are comfortable making another connection
Choose an Official Taxi if
- You want a direct ride
- You are comfortable using the airport taxi queue
- You can show your destination in Chinese
- You do not need the pickup arranged in advance
Choose DiDi if
- You prefer entering the destination digitally
- You are comfortable using a ride-hailing app
- You can follow the designated airport pickup instructions
- You want an estimated fare before pickup
Choose a Private Transfer if
- You want the pickup arranged before landing
- You have children, elderly travelers or several suitcases
- You are traveling as a larger group
- You arrive very early or late
- You have business meetings or multiple stops
- You need the airport transfer to connect directly into a longer vehicle service
Need a vehicle arranged before you land?
See Shanghai Private Driver Service
View airport, business and flexible day-hire options.
Airport Transfer to Popular Shanghai Areas
The most practical airport transfer depends on the final district, not only the airport.
| Destination | From PVG | From SHA |
|---|---|---|
| People's Square | Line 2; Maglev + Line 2; or direct road transfer | Metro or direct road transfer |
| The Bund | Line 2 + final walk/taxi; or direct road transfer | Metro + final connection; or direct road transfer |
| Lujiazui | Line 2; Maglev + onward connection; or direct road transfer | Metro or direct road transfer |
| Jing'an | Line 2 / onward metro; or direct road transfer | Metro or direct road transfer |
| French Concession | Metro + final connection; or direct road transfer | Metro / taxi / DiDi / private transfer |
| Hongqiao Railway Station | Airport Link Line or other rail/road connection | Integrated with the Hongqiao hub from T2 |
| Hotel with several large bags | Taxi, DiDi or private transfer | Taxi, DiDi or private transfer |
Payment, Apps and Practical Arrival Tips
Save your hotel in Chinese
Keep the hotel's Chinese name and full address on your phone. This is useful for taxi drivers and when confirming a destination.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
International travelers can use Alipay and WeChat Pay for many transport services in China.
DiDi has an English interface
DiDi can be used in English and allows the destination to be entered digitally. The app also provides vehicle and license-plate information after a driver accepts.
Shanghai rail is increasingly foreign-card friendly
Shanghai Metro supports eligible international contactless bank cards at rail gates, including supported Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB cards.
The Maglev also supports eligible international contactless bank-card payment.
Follow official pickup signs
Use official taxi stands and designated ride-hailing pickup areas.
Do not accept unsolicited rides from people approaching travelers inside the terminal.
Check current transport hours
Rail and airport-bus operating hours may change because of schedule revisions, seasonal services or temporary operating conditions.
If you are connecting through Shanghai rather than staying in the city, see our Shanghai Layover Guide.
For Pudong-specific layover timing, see the PVG Layover Guide.
Continue with the Shanghai City Guide once you have arrived.
Prefer to Arrange the Shanghai Airport Pickup Before You Land?
DragonTrail can arrange a private vehicle and driver from either Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), with the vehicle matched to your group, luggage and planned schedule.
The airport pickup can also continue into business meetings, sightseeing or additional stops if arranged in advance.
Private driver means vehicle + driver. A licensed sightseeing guide is separate unless specifically included in your quote.
Shanghai Airport Transfer FAQ
- Yes. Shanghai Pudong International Airport uses the code PVG and is east of central Shanghai. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport uses the code SHA and is west of the city. Always check the airport code on your flight before planning your transfer.
- The main options are Metro Line 2, the Shanghai Maglev followed by an onward connection, official taxi, DiDi, airport bus or a pre-booked private transfer. Metro Line 2 to People's Square costs about 7 RMB and normally takes around one hour.
- A standard one-way Maglev ticket between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road costs 50 RMB, while a standard round trip costs 80 RMB. Longyang Road is not the city center, so many travelers need another metro or road connection afterward.
- The Maglev is much faster for the Pudong Airport to Longyang Road section, taking about eight minutes. Metro Line 2 is slower but continues directly toward central Shanghai, so the faster overall airport-to-hotel option depends on your final destination and transfer time.
- Hongqiao Airport is much closer to central Shanghai than Pudong. Terminal 1 is served by Metro Line 10, while Terminal 2 is served by Lines 2 and 10. Taxi, DiDi and private transfer are also available.
- Yes. DiDi provides an English-language interface and can be used by international visitors. The destination is entered digitally, and the app shows the driver's vehicle and license-plate information after a ride is accepted.
- The Shanghai Airport Link Line connects Pudong Airport T1 & T2 with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in about 40 minutes. The full end-to-end fare is 26 RMB. Taxi, DiDi and private transfer are also possible.
- For a straightforward airport-to-hotel ride, an official taxi or DiDi may be sufficient. A pre-booked private transfer is more useful when you want the pickup arranged in advance, have several bags or a larger group, arrive very late, or need additional stops.
- A direct taxi, DiDi or pre-booked private vehicle avoids changing trains with luggage. Which option fits best depends on your airport, group size, arrival time and whether you want the ride arranged before landing.
- After normal rail service ends, use an official taxi, DiDi, a pre-booked private transfer or a suitable airport night-bus service. Check the current Pudong Airport transport schedule for your arrival date because routes and operating times can change.
Official Transport References
Transport fares, operating hours and airport pickup arrangements can change. Key information on this guide was checked against current Shanghai government, airport and rail sources.
- Shanghai Airport Authority — airport transportation
- International Services Shanghai / Shanghai Municipal Government — airport-to-city transport
- Shanghai Metro — Metro and Maglev
- Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport
- Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission
- Shanghai Airport Link Line information
Last checked: September 2026