Shanghai Airport to City: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) Transport Guide
Shanghai has two airports. Pudong (PVG) handles most long-haul international flights and sits about 30 km east of downtown. Hongqiao (SHA) is about 13 km west of the centre and is mainly domestic and regional. Your ticket shows the code; do not assume "Shanghai airport" means Pudong.
Quick comparison
| Pudong (PVG) | Hongqiao (SHA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to People's Square | About 30 km | About 13 km |
| Best value | Metro Line 2 (~1 hour, about ¥7) | Metro Line 2 or 10 |
| Fast rail option | Maglev to Longyang Road (¥50 one way), then Line 2 | Metro from the terminal |
| Taxi (guide figures) | ~¥180 / ~50 minutes to People's Square | ~¥100–150 / ~30 minutes |
Figures below follow the Shanghai municipal government's airport transport page (updated June 2026) and the airport Maglev notice. Traffic and last-train times change, so confirm on the day.
From Pudong Airport (PVG)
Metro Line 2
The cheapest usual route into the city. From Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2 station to People's Square takes about one hour, with a fare of about ¥7. Line 2 also serves East Nanjing Road, Lujiazui and Hongqiao Railway Station / Hongqiao Airport at the other end.
Maglev to Longyang Road
- Route: Pudong Airport T1/T2 ↔ Longyang Road (transfer to Metro Line 2 and Line 7).
- Standard fare: ¥50 one way, ¥80 return; VIP ¥100 / ¥160 (per Shanghai Airport Authority Maglev notice).
- Hours (published): airport → Longyang Road about 07:02–21:42; Longyang Road → airport about 06:45–21:40.
- Ride time: about eight minutes on the train, plus walking and wait time. You still need the metro or a taxi from Longyang Road to most hotels.
A Maglev + one-day metro combo pass is also sold (see the Shanghai metro guide); an ordinary metro ticket does not include the Maglev.
Taxi and DiDi from PVG
- Taxi: about ¥180 and 50 minutes to People's Square in light traffic, per the city guide. Use the official rank: Terminal 1 outside Arrival Gate 12 (walk south from Gates 4 or 8); Terminal 2 outside Arrival Gate 25.
- DiDi: follow ride-hailing / 网约车 signs to the designated pick-up zone, match the number plate, and set your hotel address in Chinese. See our apps guide.
- A free shuttle links T1 and T2 24 hours a day, every 10–15 minutes.
From Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
- Terminal 2: Metro Lines 2 and 10 (Line 2 also reaches the National Exhibition and Convention Center).
- Terminal 1: Metro Line 10 (Line 10 also links T1 and T2).
- Taxi: typically about 30 minutes and ¥100–150 to the city centre. Ranks: T1 outside Gate 1 on arrivals; T2 outside Gate 4 on arrivals.
- Hongqiao is next to Hongqiao Railway Station, which is useful if you are connecting to a high-speed train — see booking trains on 12306.
Airport to airport
The Airport Link Line connects Hongqiao and Pudong in about 40 minutes (separate fare from ordinary metro; the city metro guide cites a full-journey fare of ¥26). Maglev + metro and taxis are alternatives if the Link Line does not match your terminals or bags.
Paying and late arrivals
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly so you can scan metro QR codes where your account supports them.
- Buy single metro tickets at machines with cash or a supported card if QR does not work yet.
- If you land after the last Maglev, use Line 2 (check last-train screens) or taxi/DiDi.
- Have your hotel name and address in Chinese characters ready for the driver.
First night in Shanghai?
Read our Shanghai city guide, the wider China transport overview, and hotel registration for foreigners. Flying via Beijing instead? See Capital and Daxing airport transfers.
Printable guides for this topic
Need help on the ground in Shanxi?
Business reception, factory visits and audits in Shanxi and North China with a written English report, plus custom Shanxi itineraries. Email jiayiwei197@gmail.com with your dates and needs.
FAQ
How much is the Shanghai Maglev from Pudong Airport?
The airport Maglev notice lists ¥50 for a standard one-way ticket and ¥80 for a return; VIP is ¥100 one way or ¥160 return. You still need onward metro or taxi from Longyang Road.
How long is Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport to People's Square?
About one hour, with a fare of about ¥7, according to the Shanghai government airport transport page.
Is Hongqiao or Pudong closer to downtown?
Hongqiao (SHA) is much closer — about 13 km versus about 30 km for Pudong (PVG).
Where do I get a taxi at Pudong Airport?
Use the official ranks: Terminal 1 outside Arrival Gate 12, Terminal 2 outside Arrival Gate 25. Ignore touts inside the terminal.
Official sources
- Shanghai Municipal Government: transportation at Shanghai airports (updated June 2026)
- Shanghai Airport Authority: Maglev fares and hours (Pudong T1/T2 ↔ Longyang Road)
- Shanghai Municipal Government: how to take the metro in Shanghai (Maglev and Airport Link notes)
Get the China travel update
Rule changes (visa-free lists, payments, tickets), new guides and seasonal tips. Signup is opening soon; to be added now, email jiayiwei197@gmail.com with "Subscribe".