Shanghai Transportation

Shanghai, situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, is the busiest transport hub in eastern China. As an important financial and business center of China and of the world, it has highly developed infrastructure, including a convenient public transportation network.

Getting there

The city has various links to the outside. Today you can easily get there from not only the adjacent cities of Suzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou, but also the distant cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Many cities in other countries also enjoy convenient transportation links with Shanghai. You can get there by air, train, long-distance bus, or ship.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Pudong International Airport
Check-in Counters
Check-in Counters at Pudong Airport

It is the only Chinese city that has two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. The two modern airports are equipped with very advanced facilities.
 
Everyday, about 1,000 flights travel through the two airports, linked with many domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.


Pudong International Airport

Pudong Airport Shuttle Bus to Downtown

 Pudong Airport Bus to Nearby Cities

Hongqiao International Airport

Hongqiao Airport Shuttle Bus
 

The railway network provides you with an inexpensive and comfortable way to get to the city. Jinghu (Beijing-Shanghai), Huning (Shangha- Nanjing) and Huhang (Shanghai-Hangzhou) High Speed Railways pass through Shanghai and connect its three main railway stations with cities all over the country.
 

Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai Railway Station

Here you can also take advantage of tourist trains and special 'Holiday Trains' to scenic areas in other provinces such as Mt. Huangshan in Anhui and Mt. Wuyishan in Fujian.

 

Long-distance buses are also convenient. Four national highways and four expressways pass through the city, composing the city's efficient long-distance bus transport system. Now over 1,000 routes are served by 40 long-distance bus stations.
 Tour Bus Center

 

Due to its strategic location, transportation via waterways is also highly accessible. International cruises can be taken at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, and the main destinations include South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. Domestic ships leave from Wusong Passenger Transport Center to Mt. Putuo and islands in Chongming District. In addition, cruises between the city and Chongqing can be a good choice to tour the Yangtze River.

 

 Shanghai to Beijing 

 Beijing to Shanghai

 Shanghai-Beijing Train vs. Flight

 

How to Travel from Shanghai to Other Cities in Yangtze River Delta Area

  Shanghai Airport Shuttle Bus to Nearby Cities

 

How to Travel from Shanghai to Other Cities

 
 

Getting around

Generally, transportation inside the city is considered both convenient and satisfactory. As an international metropolis with the largest population in China, this city will inevitably face the problem of overpopulation and traffic congestion. However the situation is currently somewhat better than in Beijing. To relieve the transportation pressure, the government has done a lot of work including constructing a large number of roads, subways, and opening more new bus routes. Now, the city has the world's largest public transportation system handling the largest daily volume of passengers.
 

19 shanghai subway lines have connections all over Shanghai, with stops at or nearby the main attractions and commercial areas. If you are just sightseeing and in no hurry, the metro will provide you with fast and comfortable service (though you may want to avoid rush hour of 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:30).
 Metro Lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line7, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10, Line 11, Line 12, Line 13, Line 15Line 16, Line 17, Line 18Pujiang Line

How to Take Metro

 Metro Transfer

 Metro Ticket

Bilingual List of Metro Stations

 Metro Maps
 

You may want to check out the speedy maglev train which runs between Longyang Road and Pudong Airport.



A high-density road network makes overland transportation easy. Taxis, city buses, and sightseeing buses are ready to bring you to everywhere. If you prefer driving yourself, rental cars are available - a word of caution though - if possible, avoid the congested overhead roads in the urban area inside the Inner Ring Road during rush hour. Riding a dockless sharing bike can be another convenient way for you to explore the city.
Shanghai Subway
Metro
Shanghai Ferry
Ferry

Nanpu Bridge, Yangpu Bridge, Xupu Bridge, Lupu Bridge and various tunnels across the Huangpu River provide direct links between Pudong New District and Puxi Area. Ferries offer convenient shuttle service across the Huangpu River, allowing you to avoid the crowded bridges and tunnels while appreciating the river scenery. Additionally ferryboats are available between the mainland and its three islands of Chongming, Changqing and Hengsha.

- Last updated on May. 16, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Shanghai Transportation
Asked by Josephine Ching from PHILIPPINES | Aug. 19, 2023 21:57Reply
Are Speed trains And Bullet trains the same?
Answers (1)
Answered by Bob | Aug. 21, 2023 01:20
00Reply


Yes, they are the same, both new type trains with bullet locomotive and high speed trains.
Asked by Annie Watt from MALAYSIA | Jul. 27, 2023 20:50Reply
Which is the main street located in Nanjing City Centre and IHG Holiday Inn Express location
Like to stay 1 night in Nanjing due to short stay city centre with Metro will be ideal.
Can you please recommend which IHG Holiday Inn Express location suits best for 1 night stay and can move around freely by metro.
Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Andy | Jul. 30, 2023 19:30
00Reply


Generally, the city center is around the Drum Tower District and the closest Holiday Inn Express is about 3km from here, Holiday Inn Express Nanjing Xuanwu Lake.
Asked by Hardik from AUSTRALIA | May. 16, 2023 04:18Reply
How to reach shanghai Pudong airport by train from yuwi
Answers (1)
Answered by Molly | May. 16, 2023 20:32
00Reply


Do you mean Yiwu? If yes, you can take a train from Yiwu to Shanghai Hongqiao Station and then take Metro Line 2 to Pudong Airport. The total travel time takes about 3.5-4 hours.
Asked by LAWRENCE WING-KI TSE from CANADA | Feb. 03, 2023 11:38Reply
If I take a Maglev to Longynag station, what subway line do I take to Holiday Inn Express Gubei Hong
Answers (1)
Answered by Baron | Apr. 23, 2023 18:19
00Reply


Firstly, take subway line 2 to Nanjing East Road, then change to line 10 to Shuicheng Road, get out from Exit 1 and then walk for about 600 meters to find the hotel.
Asked by lily | Mar. 10, 2021 18:20Reply
Hello, how can i travel from Yancheng to Xuancheng
Answers (1)
Answered by Keira | Mar. 15, 2021 01:41
00Reply


I am afraid that there is no direct coach between these two places. You need to transfer at Yangzhou.
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