Getting Around
Taxis are the preferred mode of transport for visitors in Shanghai and can be hailed on the street or booked by telephone. Tipping is not expected but welcome; most drivers speak limited to no English, so passengers should be sure to present their destination in written Chinese. The taxi app Didi is also available.
The Shanghai subway, costing just a few cents a ride, is cheap, clean, and reliable, perfect for covering long distances. It covers the entire downtown area and connect to the airports. Alternatively, public buses are common and extremely cheap; however, they can be an uncomfortable and inconvenient experience for travellers, being hot, crowded, unreliable, and frequented by pickpockets.
Many visitors opt to join the city's millions of cyclists and rent bicycles from their hotels or one of the numerous hire shops in the city. Shanghai is also a good city to explore on foot and sometimes the best way to get around in the city is just to walk.
Airports
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of central Shanghai.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Location
The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of central Shanghai.Getting to the city
Public buses serve the airport, linking to People's Square and the main railway stations; buses depart regularly from 6am to around 11pm. Line 2 and 10 of the Shanghai Metro connects the airport to the city, found outside terminal 2. The bigger hotels offer shuttle bus services to and from the airport.
Time
GMT +8.Car rental
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available outside the airport but finding the right one can be confusing without assistance. Taxi drivers usually do not speak English so it is best to indicate the destination on a map, or have it written down in Chinese.
Transfer between terminals
The two terminals are linked by free shuttle buses and subway line 10.
Facilities
There are ATMs and currency exchange facilities, as well as duty-free shops. There are also a variety of food outlets, bars, an information counter, a post office, a children's playground, medical facilities, and business centre. Smoking is banned throughout the airport but there is a smoking room. If you want to shop in earnest there is a shopping centre just outside of the airport.
Parking
Parking is available outside terminal 2. The first two hours cost RMB 10 per hour, after two hours, its costs RMB 5 per hour. A day costs RMB 60.
Shanghai Pudong Airport
The airport is situated about 29 miles (47km) east of central Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Location
The airport is situated about 29 miles (47km) east of central Shanghai.Getting to the city
Metro Line 2 (Green Line) connects the airport with the city, with regular departures between 6am and 10pm. Public buses also service the airport. Taxis are available and are a convenient way to get to the city, but they are a more expensive option. Many hotels provide an airport pick-up service for their guests.
Time
GMT +8Car rental
Car hire is available at the airport and vehicles can be booked in advance.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Passengers should not expect drivers to speak English; it's best to use a map to indicate the destination, or to get it written down in Chinese. The drive into central Shanghai takes about 45 minutes.
Transfer between terminals
Shuttle buses run between the terminals at 10 minute intervals between 6am and 12am.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include banks, ATMs and currency exchange, a post office, luggage storage, a children's playground, medical facilities, and business facilities. There are also several restaurants and shops, including duty free.
Parking
Short-term and long-term parking is provided at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Rates range from CNY 10 per hour, for the first two hours, up to a daily maximum of CNY 60.