City, China
Getting around Shanghai
How to get around Shanghai
The metro is the world's longest, cheap and clear in English; use it for most trips, add DiDi at night and the Maglev for Pudong airport.
Ways to get around Shanghai
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Metro | 3–9 CNY by distance | Use Alipay or the Metro Big Data app QR; signs are in English |
| DiDi | About 20–38 CNY for 5 km | Pay by foreign card via Alipay |
| Maglev | 50 CNY single | Pudong airport to Longyang Road in about 8 min |
| Huangpu River ferry | 2 CNY | Local ferry between the Bund and Pudong |
Ride-hailing apps in Shanghai
A 5 km ride costs about ¥20–38 ($3.0–5.7).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Dominant; cars, English interface, pay via Alipay |
- Hail metered taxis or use DiDi; avoid unmarked airport touts. Many drivers use Chinese-only apps, so show your destination on Amap.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
Maglev 50 CNY to Longyang Road then Metro 2/16/7; Metro 2 about 8 CNY, 70 min; taxi or DiDi 150–220 CNY, 50–80 min.
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)
Metro lines 2, 10 and 17 reach the city 4–9 CNY, 30–50 min; taxi or DiDi 50–90 CNY.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Shanghai?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Shanghai?
The metro is the world's longest, cheap and clear in English; use it for most trips, add DiDi at night and the Maglev for Pudong airport.
How do I get from the airport to Shanghai?
Maglev 50 CNY to Longyang Road then Metro 2/16/7; Metro 2 about 8 CNY, 70 min; taxi or DiDi 150–220 CNY, 50–80 min.
Is Shanghai walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Shanghai
Going to Shanghai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Shanghai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.