4 railway stations, 2 airports, over 16 metro lines, 1 Meglev fast train… Looking up Shanghai’s transportation information may seem overwhelming. Don’t worry as we have you covered! Here we have listed all the detailed information you need to know about Shanghai’s Airports & Railway Stations to help you get around.
Railway Stations
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station(上海虹桥站)
As the largest railway station in eastern China, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station only operates high-speed trains (G-trains and D-trains). It is located in the west of Shanghai, connected by metro Line 2/10/17. It is also close to the Hongqiao International Airport (one metro station away).
Distance to downtown (e.g., People’s Square): around 20KM
By metro: approximately 40 min ride for 5 RMB
By taxi: approximately 40 mins drive for 60-80 RMB
Shanghai Railway Station (上海站)
Shanghai Railway Station mainly operates high-speed trains (147 G-trains and 8 D-trains) as well as ordinary-speed trains. It is located in the central area connected by the metro Line 1/3/4.
Distance to downtown (e.g., People’s Square): around 4KM
By metro: approximately 15 min ride for 3 RMB
By taxi: approximately 15 mins drive for 20-30 RMB
Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站)
Shanghai South Railway Station runs ordinary-speed trains (sleeper trains) to cities mainly in southern China. It is located in south Shanghai, connected by the metro Line 1/3.
Nowadays, this station is less chosen by travelers as more high-speed trains are taking their positions. You may still be able to find some ordinary-speed trains (Start with K) leaving from this station connecting nearby cities like Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, etc.. However, we highly recommend you take fast trains instead, for its convenience and time-saving.
However, if you are looking for an overnight sleeper train experience or want to explore some off-the-beaten-path remote Chinese villages, this could be your starting point of adventure!
Distance to downtown (e.g., People’s Square): around 15KM
By metro: around 30 min ride for 4 RMB
By taxi: around 30 mins drive for 40-50 RMB
Shanghai West Railway Station (上海西站)
Shanghai West Railway Station is rarely used by both locals and tourists. It runs high-speed trains to nearby cities of Shanghai, such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, etc. You can take the subway Line 11/15 to get to this station.
Airports
Shanghai has two airports (both serve as international airports): Pudong International Airport (located east of Shanghai) and Hongqiao International Airport((located west of Shanghai). Numerous flights are flying in and out every day, connecting it with over 200 cities all over the world.
Hongqiao International Airport (上海虹桥国际机场)
Airport Code: SHA
Two Terminals: T1 for domestic and international flights; T2 for domestic flights
From Hongqiao Airport to downtown Shanghai:
Metro: Hongqiao International Airport is on the metro line 2/10/17. It takes 30mins to one hour to get to downtown Shanghai.
Price: 4-6 RMB
Airport Shuttle Bus
SHA operates eight airport shuttle bus lines to downtown and suburban areas, including Shanghai Railway Station, People’s Square, the Bund, Lujiazui, Pudong Airport, etc. The service hours of the shuttle bus is 6 am – 11 pm for SHA →Downtown; 6 am – 11 pm for Downtown → SHA. Nightline from 11 pm – 5 am, bus departs every 40 mins from SHA → Downtown
Check more detailed shuttle schedule info here
Taxi
The taxi outside of the airport (and in the whole city!) are well regulated. They run 24 hours and charge by the meter. It takes approximately 30 min to get to downtown Shanghai.
Price: Approximately 50-100 RMB to downtown Shanghai
For more detailed information on taxis in Shanghai, check out…
Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场)
Airport Code: PVG
Two Terminals: T1 for domestic and international flights; T2 for domestic flights
From Pudong Airport to downtown Shanghai:
Maglev Train
Maglev Train is the best choice for its high speed, stability, safety, and convenience. It runs every 15-20min connecting Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Maglev station, which is right next to Longyang Road Metro Station (line 2/7/16). It takes only 8 minutes, which saves you one hour of a usual metro ride. This is the fastest commercial high-speed electric train in the world – it runs up to 430 km/h! Some travelers even believe the Maglev makes an impressive experience itself.
After arriving at Longyang Road Metro station (approximately 15 km away from downtown Shanghai), you can either take the metro (line 2/7/16) or a taxi to your destination.
Price: It costs 50 RMB for a one-way Maglev ticket and ¥80 for a round-trip ticket.
Tips: You can get a 20% discount if you
1. Use the Shanghai Metro Card
2. Buy a return trip ticket
3. Present your recent flight ticket when purchasing
Metro
Pudong International Airport is on metro Line 2, although it requires an interchange from Guanglan Road Metro Station. Means:
1. Take the metro Line 2 from downtown to Longyang Road Metro Station (final destination)
2. Get off from Longyang Road Station, stay at the SAME platform, walk just 2 meters to the opposite side
3. Wait for the metro coming towards Pudong International airport. This ride takes approximately one hour.
Price: 8-12 RMB
Airport Shuttle Bus
Pudong International Airport operates nine airport shuttle bus lines to downtown and suburban areas, including Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, South Railway Station, People’s Square, Jing’an Temple, Longyang Road, etc.
The service hours of the shuttle bus is 6 am – 9:30 pm for Downtown → PVG; 7 am – 11 pm for PVG → Downtown.
Night line from 11 pm – 5 am, bus departs every 45 mins from PVG → Downtown
Price: 15-30 RMB.
P.s. We do not recommend you take a shuttle bus during rush hours for the horrible traffic, which may double or even triple your travel time.
Check more detailed shuttle schedule info please click here.
Taxi
The taxi outside of the airport (and in the whole city!) are well regulated. They run 24 hours and charge by the meter. It takes approximately 1 hour to get to central Shanghai.
Price: Approximately 150-200 RMB to downtown Shanghai
For more detailed information on taxis in Shanghai, please check out our post about local transportation.
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