Arriving in Shanghai might feel overwhelming at first, but getting into the city is actually quite easy. From Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) Airport, you can take the Maglev or metro if you want speed, hop on airport buses if you’re looking for a cheaper ride, or grab a taxi or Didi for direct door-to-door comfort. Whether your destination is the Bund, Nanjing Road, or Lujiazui, there’s always a straightforward way to reach downtown.
🛬 How to Get from Shanghai Airport to the City
Arriving in Shanghai might feel busy at first, but getting downtown is simple. Whether you land at Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), here’s a practical guide for Filipino travelers to help you decide based on your time, budget, and comfort.
✈️ From Pudong International Airport (PVG) to City
Transport Option | Where to Find It | Travel Time | Cost (CNY / PHP) | Convenience | Best For | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maglev Train | Station at PVG | 8 mins to Longyang Rd. | ¥50 / ₱400 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | First-timers, speed | World’s fastest train, connect to Metro Line 2 |
Metro Line 2 | Basement level station | 60–70 mins | ¥7–9 / ₱55–70 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travelers | Can get crowded, many stops |
Airport Shuttle Bus | Outside arrivals | 60–90 mins | ¥20–30 / ₱160–240 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Travelers with big luggage | Goes to key city hubs (People’s Square, Jing’an, Hongqiao) |
Taxi | Official taxi stand | 45–70 mins | ¥180–220 / ₱1,400–1,700 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, late-night arrivals | Use official line to avoid scams |
Didi (Ride-hailing app) | Book via app | 45–70 mins | ~¥180–230 / ₱1,400–1,800 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | App users, small groups | English option available in app |
Private Transfer | Pre-book online (Trip.com, Klook) | 45–70 mins | ₱2,500+ (2–3 pax) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comfort, stress-free travel | Driver meets you at arrivals |
🛫 From Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to City
Transport Option | Where to Find It | Travel Time | Cost (CNY / PHP) | Convenience | Best For | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Metro Line 2 or 10 | Airport basement station | 30–40 mins | ¥5–7 / ₱40–55 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Budget, easy access | Direct to downtown, avoid rush hour with luggage |
Airport Shuttle Bus | Outside arrivals | 50–70 mins | ¥20 / ₱160 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Travelers with luggage | Stops at major districts |
Taxi | Official taxi stand | 30–50 mins | ¥70–100 / ₱550–800 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, late-night | Reliable if from official stand |
Didi | Book via app | 30–50 mins | ~¥70–110 / ₱550–850 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Small groups | Convenient if you have the app |
Private Transfer | Pre-book online | 30–50 mins | ₱2,000+ (2–3 pax) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stress-free, easy arrival | Door-to-door, driver waits for you |
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🚇 Shanghai Airport Train: Your Easy Ride to the City
Taking the train from Shanghai airports is one of the easiest ways to reach the city. If you’ve used the MRT in Manila, this feels smoother, faster, and more organized. Trains are clean, safe, and always on time.
✈️ From Pudong International Airport (PVG):
🛤️ Maglev Train + Metro Line 2
- Station: Basement level of PVG, follow signs for “Maglev.”
- Route: PVG → Longyang Road (then transfer to Metro Line 2 for downtown).
- Travel time: 8 minutes on the Maglev, 25–30 minutes more by metro.
🕒 Operating Hours:
- First train: 7:00 AM
- Last train: 9:40 PM
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
💸 Ticket Price:
- ¥50 (₱400) one way, ¥80 (₱640) round trip
- Metro add-on: ¥3–6 (₱25–50) depending on distance
- Extra Info: Maglev is the world’s fastest train, hitting up to 430 km/h.
🛤️ Metro Line 2 (Direct)
- Station: Basement of PVG, follow metro signs.
- Route: PVG → Lujiazui → People’s Square → Jing’an.
- Travel time: Around 60–70 minutes.
🕒 Operating Hours:
- First train: 6:00 AM
- Last train: 10:30 PM
- Frequency: Every 6–10 minutes
💸 Ticket Price
- ¥7–9 (₱55–70).
- Extra Info: Cheapest option but can get crowded, especially with luggage.
✈️ From Hongqiao International Airport (SHA):
🛤️ Metro Line 2 or Line 10
- Station: Located in Terminal 2 basement.
- Route: SHA → Jing’an Temple → People’s Square → Pudong (if on Line 2).
- Travel time: 30–40 minutes to city center.
🕒 Operating Hours:
- First train: Around 5:35 AM
- Last train: Around 11:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes
💸 Ticket Price: ¥5–7 (₱40–55).
- Extra Info: Best budget option, but avoid rush hours with heavy luggage.
🚌 Airport Bus: Budget-Friendly and Bag-Friendly Way to Reach Shanghai
If you prefer a low-cost, no-stress ride straight into the city without worrying about train changes, the airport shuttle bus is a good choice. Both Pudong Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA) have bus routes that stop at major transport hubs, railway stations, and hotel districts.
✈️ From Pudong International Airport (PVG)
🚍 Where to Find the Bus
- After immigration, head to the Arrivals Hall on the first floor.
- Look for “Airport Shuttle Bus” (机场巴士) signs.
- Ticket counters and machines are available inside.
- Buses depart from designated platforms outside each terminal.
📍 Main Routes & Destinations
Route | Drop-off Points | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
PVG → People’s Square | City center, near Nanjing Road shopping | Best for hotels and shopping in central Shanghai |
PVG → Shanghai Railway Station | Main train hub | Convenient if catching trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou |
PVG → Lujiazui / Century Avenue | Pudong business district | Good for business travelers and hotels in Pudong |
PVG → Hongqiao Railway Station & Airport | Connects to SHA and bullet trains | Useful if you need to transfer airports or continue by train |
⏱️ Travel Time
- About 70–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Buses run every 15–30 minutes from early morning until around 11:00 PM.
⚠️ Note: No 24-hour service. If you land after midnight, taxis or ride-hailing are your only options.
✈️ From Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
🚍 Where to Find the Bus
- Go to the Arrivals Hall and follow the bus signs.
- Tickets are sold at counters before boarding.
📍 Main Routes & Destinations
Route | Approx. Fare | Drop-off Points | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
SHA → People’s Square | ¥20 (~₱160) | City center, shopping and dining | Easy access to downtown hotels |
SHA → Shanghai Railway Station | ¥20 (~₱160) | Central transport hub | Great for onward train trips |
SHA → Pudong Airport (PVG) | ¥30 (~₱240) | Direct airport-to-airport link | Useful if connecting flights between airports |
⏱️ Travel Time
- Around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Buses run every 20–30 minutes from early morning until late evening.
⚠️ Note: Travel is slower than the metro, but buses are more luggage-friendly and direct to popular areas.
💳 How to Ride the Airport Bus (Both Airports)
- Go to the bus counter or ticket machine in the arrival hall.
- Tell the staff your destination (for example, “People’s Square” or “Shanghai Railway Station”).
- Pay by cash (RMB) or card.
- Collect your ticket, check the bus number and gate.
- Wait at the boarding platform and hop on.
🚖 Taxi: Hassle-Free, Door-to-Door Comfort in Shanghai
If you arrive late at night, have big luggage, or just want a direct ride to your hotel, taking a taxi from the airport is the simplest option. It costs more than the train or bus, but it saves you from carrying bags through transfers.
🚖 Where to Get a Taxi
✅ After clearing customs, follow the “Taxi” signs to the official taxi stand outside the terminal
✅ Queues are usually organized by airport staff, especially at busy times
✅ Look for licensed taxis with meters and official markings
✅ You can also book through ride-hailing apps like Didi if you want to arrange in advance
💸 Fare Estimates & Cost (Converted to PHP)
Route | Taxi Fare (CNY / PHP) |
|---|---|
PVG → People’s Square / Nanjing Road | ¥180–220 / ₱1,400–₱1,700 |
PVG → Lujiazui (Pudong CBD) | ¥150–180 / ₱1,150–₱1,400 |
SHA → People’s Square / Nanjing Road | ¥70–100 / ₱550–₱800 |
SHA → Lujiazui (Pudong CBD) | ¥100–120 / ₱800–₱950 |
Larger Taxi or Van (for groups) | Add ¥20–50 / ₱160–₱400 |
🕒 Travel Time Estimate
Time of Day | From PVG | From SHA |
|---|---|---|
Morning Rush (6–9 AM) | 70–90 mins (traffic heavy) | 40–60 mins |
Midday (10–3 PM) | 45–60 mins (smoother) | 30–45 mins |
Rush Hour (4–7 PM) | 80–100+ mins (slow) | 50–70 mins |
Night (8 PM – 12 AM) | 40–55 mins (light traffic) | 25–40 mins |
📱 Ride-Hailing & Booking Apps
✅ Didi – works like Grab, with an English version available
✅ Trip.com – lets you pre-book private transfers at fixed rates
✅ Hotel pickup – some hotels can book a car for you via WeChat or Alipay mini programs
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
⚠️ Taxis are pricier than metro or buses
⚠️ Not all drivers speak English – prepare your hotel name and address in Chinese
⚠️ Some taxis do not take cards – carry cash in yuan
⚠️ Ignore unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the terminal – always use the official taxi line
🚗 Private Transfer: Stress-Free Arrival in Shanghai, Door-to-Door
If you don’t want to deal with crowded metro lines or dragging bags through bus transfers, a private transfer is the easiest way to reach your hotel. It’s a good option for families, groups, or anyone arriving late at night and just wanting comfort after a long flight.
🕒 Travel Time & Availability
⏱ Travel Time:
- From PVG (Pudong Airport): 45–70 mins
- From SHA (Hongqiao Airport): 30–50 mins
📅 Available 24/7 – great for early-morning or late-night flights.
🙋♂️ The driver usually waits at the arrival hall with a sign showing your name, so you can walk out and leave right away without stress.
💸 Sample Cost Range (Converted to PHP)
Vehicle Type | Approx. Fare | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
Standard Car (1–3 pax) | ₱2,000 – ₱2,800 | Solo, couple, or small group |
Van (4–6 pax) | ₱3,500 – ₱5,000 | Families, groups, or travelers with heavy luggage |
📲 Where to Book
✅ Trip.com – easy booking with fixed prices
✅ Hotel concierge or local providers – can arrange pick-up for you
Recommended eSIMs Options for China
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✈️ What’s the Best Way from Shanghai Airport to the City?
Just arrived in Shanghai and wondering how to reach downtown? Don’t worry, kabayan! Whether you want to save money, travel in comfort, or need space for your family’s bags, there’s always a transport option that fits your style. Here’s a quick guide:
Travel Style | Best Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Budget Traveler | 🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus | Cheap, direct, and luggage-friendly, with stops at People’s Square, Shanghai Railway Station, and other hubs |
First-Time Visitor | 🚇 Metro Line 2 / 🚄 Maglev Train (PVG) | Clear signs, fast connection, and easy to follow even if it’s your first time |
Group or Family | 🚗 Private Transfer / Taxi | Door-to-door, more space, and no need to worry about carrying bags |
Late-Night Arrival | 🚖 Taxi or Pre-booked Car | Available 24/7 when metro and buses stop running |
Comfort Seeker | 🚗 Private Transfer (via Trip.com or Klook) | Meet-and-greet at arrivals, fixed price, stress-free ride straight to your hotel |
No matter if you land at Pudong Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao Airport (SHA), getting into the city is simple. Just pick the option that matches your budget, schedule, and comfort level.
🇨🇳 Welcome to Shanghai, kabayan! Enjoy your trip 🥟🛥️🏙️
🙋♀️ FAQ: Shanghai Airport to the City
❓ What is the cheapest way to get to the city?
The metro is the cheapest option. From PVG, Metro Line 2 costs around ¥7–9 (₱55–₱70). From SHA, Metro Line 2 or 10 costs about ¥5–7 (₱40–₱55).❓ What is the fastest way to reach downtown from Pudong?
The Maglev train is the fastest, reaching Longyang Road in only 8 minutes. From there, you can transfer to Metro Line 2 to reach central Shanghai.❓ Is there a 24-hour transport option?
Taxis and private transfers are available 24/7. The metro and Maglev stop operating around 10:30–11:00 PM.❓ Can I use a transport card for the metro?
Yes, you can use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card (similar to Manila’s Beep card). Single-journey tickets are also available at machines.❓ Which option is best for families with kids or heavy luggage?
A taxi or private transfer is the most convenient, since it takes you directly to your hotel without transfers.