How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center-Five ways


General information:

Shanghai became a bit quiet after the COVID pandemic as many foreigners chose to leave, and shops were closed, but this situation won’t last for a long time, the Chinese government is now making an effort to recover China’s economy, Now, it is a new trend for the people to move back to this dynamic city, as it is still played an important role in world’s finance and trade. Recently, China Eases Entry Restrictions, and Canceled Mandatory Health Declarations to Boost Tourism and the Economy and as a result of China’s foreign minister Wangyi’s fruitful visit to the US, Sino us governments reached an agreement for adding more flights between the two countries. we are expecting more visitors to this capital-of-magic city in the upcoming days.

 

There are two important transport hubs in Shanghai-Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport among which Pudong Airport is for international airlines and Hongqiao is for domestic. As a result, Pudong airport has always been the first stop to newcomers to Shanghai, This airport is located far from the heart of Shanghai-50 KM and usually takes about 1 hour to drive for common traffic situations, sometimes even much longer during peak times, nevertheless, Pudong airport provides 5 ways of transportation to downtown Shanghai: Meglav train, Metro, Public bus, Taxi, and Private transfer with Mr orange, each of them are with it’s pros and cons. let’s dive in and find out the best way for you to get from Pudong airport to city center.

 

How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center

The distance between Shanghai Pudong Airport and the city center is about 40km. There are five ways of transportation for you to get to the city center from the airport.

Comparison of the Transfer options:

OPTION PRICE(IN USD) DURATION AVAILABILITY
Metro 3 45min 5:30Am-10:00Pm
Maglev 7.5 65min 06:00–22:30
Shuttle Bus 6 90min 07:00–23:05
Taxi 28 45min 24Hours
Private transfer 26 45min 24Hours

 

1.How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center by Metro

The Metro Line 2 operates daily from Shanghai airport to Downtown, with a total journey time of 65 minutes and a cost of €1.50 (CNY 7), making it an affordable option. Alternatively, the Maglev train runs from Pudong airport to Longyang Rd in just 8 minutes, where you can transfer to the Metro Line 2 to reach the city. While the Maglev train is more expensive, it cuts 20 minutes off your journey time.

Price:

A one-way ticket on the Metro Line 2 from Shanghai Pudong airport to the city centre costs $1 (CNY 7), while the journey to Longyang Rd on the Maglev train costs $7 (CNY 50). There are metro stations located at both Terminal 1 and 2 at Pudong airport, with signs directing you to ground transportation and the platform for Metro Line 2.

Mr orange note:

If you’re travelling during rush hour, taking the metro as your Pudong airport transportation could be a quick transfer option. However, neither the Metro Line 2 nor the Maglev train run directly to Shanghai city, requiring a change at either Guanglan Rd or Longyang Rd station and adding time and stress to your journey. There’s a waiting time of up to 10 minutes for the Metro Line 2 and 20 minutes for the Maglev train.

While taking the metro is a cheap option, it’s not direct and may require carrying luggage through different stations. For convenience, we recommend taking a taxi instead.

The Maglev train is faster but more expensive than the Metro Line 2, which requires changing trains at Guanglan Road station. Be sure to travel light as there’s limited luggage storage on the metro.

How do I find the Metro at Pudong Airport?

Both T1 and T2 terminals offer access to Line 10, which runs from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to New Jiangwan City. The first subway departs at 05:55 and the last at 22:05, with stops at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1, Longxi Road, Hongqiao Road, Shanxi Road, Xintiandi, East Nanjing Road and Wujiaochang.

T2 terminal also provides access to Line 2 (Pudong Airport-Guanglan Road), with the first subway departing from Pudong International Airport and Guanglan Road at 06:00 and the last at 22:00. The main stops on this line include Haitian Three Road, Yuandong Avenue, Lingkong Road, Chuansha, Huaxia East Road, Xinzhong Road and Tang Zhen.

Additionally, T2 terminal offers access to Line 2 (Guanglan Road-Xujingdong), with the first subway departing from Guanglan Road and Xujingdong at 05:30 and the last at 22:50. The main stops on this line include Longyang Road, Zhangjiang High Tech Park, Century Park, Lujiazui Financial District, People’s Square, Jing’an Temple, Zhongshan Park and Hongqiao Terminal 2.

Download Shanghai subway map-Click map to enlarge:

2.How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center by Maglev

Built with technological assistance from Germany, the Shanghai Maglev Train-SMT has been in operation since the end of 2002. It is the world’s first and only commercialized maglev train line. The train runs from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Rd. Station, located at the intersection of Longyang Road and Baiyang Road in Pudong New Area.

If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, the maglev train is a great option. However, it’s important to note that the train’s destination is Longyang Rd. Metro Station. From there, it takes only 8 minutes to reach Pudong International Airport via the Maglev line. If you want to continue on to the city center, you’ll need to transfer to Metro Line 2 and get off at People’s Square.

You’ll be amazed by the incredible speed of the train and have an exciting first experience in the city.

You can choose to take maglev from T1 and T2 Shanghai Pudong Airport.

The departure station is Pudong Airport and the terminal station is Longyang road. The whole trip takes only 7 minutes and 24 seconds without any transfer station.

Running time:

Pudong Airport to Longyang Road: 07:02 to 21:42 (Extra service night: 22:15 to 22:40)

Longyang Road to Pudong Airport: 06:45 to 21:40

(15min/shift: 09:02- 18:47  20min/shift: 07:02-08:42  19:02-21:42 )

Ticket price:

Single: 50 RMB  Round shift:80 RMB

VIP ticket:

Single: 100 RMB  Round shift:160 RMB

Maximum speed:  300km/h  (07:02-08:47, 11:02-14:47, 17:02-21:42, 22:15-22:40)

430km/h  (09:02-10:47,15:02-16:47)

3.How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center by Airport Shuttle Bus

About Shanghai Pudong airport shuttle bus:

There are 11 shuttle bus routes available from Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to various locations in the city center and suburban areas, including Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, South Railway Station, People’s Square, Jing’an Temple, Longyang Road, and Xinzhuang. The airport night line is a cheaper and safer option for late-night travel to downtown hotels compared to taxis. Additionally, EGoBus Company offers transfers from the airport to hotels in high streets such as People’s Square, the Bund, Lujiazui, and Xujiahui.

The service hours for the Shanghai Pudong Airport Shuttle Bus are as follows: PVG → Downtown: 07:00 – 23:00 with an additional night line from 23:00 until 45 minutes after the last flight arrival. Downtown → PVG: 06:00 – 21:30. The single journey time for buses traveling from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, and South Railway Station is approximately 70-80 minutes. It is recommended to board the shuttle bus at least 3.5 hours ahead of time for domestic flights and five hours ahead for international flights.

The ticket prices for Pudong Airport Bus range from CNY 8-30. Passengers can pay cash to the conductor onboard to purchase their tickets. Boarding points at Pudong Airport are located between T1 and T2 at the south end of the 2F of Airport Bus Parking Lot.

For those who require pick-up or see-off services at Pudong Airport, private car services with professional drivers are available at a low price. Additionally, there are airport buses available from PVG T1 & T2 to nearby cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Wuxi, Wenzhou, and Jiaxing.

Please note that the information provided is for reference only. For exact routes, timetables, and prices, passengers should refer to the information declared at the bus station.

Routes, Timetables and Prices of Pudong airport shuttle bus:

The following is for reference only and for exact information, please notice the information declared at the bus station

Airport Line 1: Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – Hongqiao Airport T2 – Hongqiao Railway Station – Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center

Operation Time: 07:00-23:00 at Pudong Airport, 6:00-23:00 at Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center

Interval: 15 – 25 minutes

Ticket price: RMB34

Duration: 1 hour

Hotline: +86-21-68346612

Airport Line 2: Pudong Airport to City Terminal (Jing’an Temple)
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – City Terminal (Jing’an Temple)

Operation Time: 06:30-23:00 at Pudong Airport, 05:30-21:30 at City Terminal (Jing’an Temple)

Interval: 15 – 25 minutes

Ticket price: RMB24

Duration: 50 minutes – 1 hour

Hotline: +86-21-68346612

Airport Line 4: Pudong Airport to Hongkou Football Stadium(Huayuan Rd)
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – Zhangyang Rd-Jinqiao Rd – Deping Rd-Pudong Ave – Huangxing Rd (Wujiaochang) – Yunguang xincun – Hongkou Football Stadium(Huayuan Rd)

Operation Time: 07:00-23:00 at Pudong Airport, 05:30-21:30 at Hongkou Football Stadium

Interval: 15 – 25 minutes

Ticket price: RMB18-RMB24

Duration: 1h10m-1h20m

Hotline: +86-21-68346830

Airport Line 5: Pudong Airport to Shanghai Railway Station
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – Longyang Rd Metro Station – Zhongshan East Second Rd – Xinkaihe Rd – Yan’an East Rd-Zhejiang Middle Rd – Shanghai Railway Station

Operation Time: 06:30-23:00 at Pudong Airport, 05:10-21:30 at Shanghai Railway Station

Interval: 15 – 25 minutes

Ticket price: RMB18-RMB25

Duration: 1h10m-1h20m

Hotline: +86-21-68346830

Airport Line 7: Pudong Airport to Shanghai South Railway Station
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – Chuansha Rd-Huaxia East Rd (RMB8) – Shangnan Rd-Huaxia West Rd(RMB12) – Shanghai South Railway Station

Operation Time: 07:30-23:00 at Pudong Airport, 06:30-21:30 at Shanghai South Railway Station

Interval: 10 – 20 minutes

Ticket price: RMB8-RMB20

Duration: 1 hour-1h20m

Hotline: +86-21-51515519

Airport Line 8: Pudong Airport to Nanhui Bus Station
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – Airport Authority Building – Haitiansan Rd-Qihang Rd – Traffic Command – Customs Warehouse – CNAF Station – China Eastern Airlines Offices – West Hebin Rd Kakou – Airport Free Trade Zone – Jinwen Rd-Wenju Rd – Zhupan Highway-Chuannan Feng Highway – Qianhui Rd-Nanzhu Highway – Nanzhu Highway-Zhouzhu Highway/Zhucheng Rd/Weiting Rd – Yan Cang – East Renmin Rd – Nanhui Bus Station

Operation Time: 07:00-19:40 at Pudong Airport, 06:00-18:40 at Nanhui Bus Station

Interval: 1 hour, 15- 30 minutes(peak times)

Ticket price: RMB2-RMB10

Duration: 50 minutes

Hotline: +86-21-61760338

Airport Line 9: Pudong Airport to South Square of Xinzhuang Metro Station
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – South Square of Xinzhuang Metro Station

Operation Time: 07:00-23:00 at Pudong Airport, 06:00-21:30 at South Square of Xinzhuang Metro Station

Interval: 30 minutes

Ticket price: RMB24

Hotline: +86-21-68346612

Pudong Hub Line 1: Pudong Airport to Hangcheng Park
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – Airport Authority Building, Public Security Subbureau – Command Post (inaccessible at peak time) – Customs Warehouse – Airlines – Shiwan – Hangcheng Park

Operation Time: 08:00-19:15 at Pudong Airport, 07:10-18:45 at Hangcheng Park

Interval: 30 – 45 minutes

Ticket price: RMB2-RMB3

Hotline: +86-21-68346612

Late Night Bus: Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center
Route: Pudong Airport T1(Exit 6, Arrival Level) – Pudong Airport T2 – Longyang Rd – Fangdian Rd – Century Avenue Metro Station – East Yan’an Rd–Middle Zhejiang Rd – Middle Yan’an Rd–Huashan Rd – West Yan’an Rd–Hongxu Rd – Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center

Operation Time: T1: Everyday from 23:00 until 45 min after flights finish, T1: Everyday from 23:05 until 45 min after flights finish

Interval: No more than 45 min

Ticket price: RMB18-RMB34

Hotline: +86-21-68346612

Shuttle Bus: Pudong Airport to East Xinjian Rd–Baocheng
Route: Pudong Airport T1 – Pudong Airport T2 – People’s Square, Hongqiao, Lujiazui, Jing’an Temple, North Bund, Xujiahui

Operation Time: T1: 06:00AM-01:00AM, T2: 06:05AM-01:05AM

Interval: No more than 30 min

Ticket price: RMB68

Hotline: +86-400-920-1984

Disney Line: Pudong Airport to Disney West Transit Hub
Route: Pudong Airport T2 – Disney West Transit Hub

Operation Time: T2: 11:00, Disney West Transit Hub(return time):18:00

Ticket price: RMB30

Hotline: +86-68339986

4.How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to city center by Taxi

For the most comfortable and convenient transportation from Pudong airport to Shanghai, a taxi is the best option. Taxis are available 24/7 and take only 45 minutes to reach downtown Shanghai. During the day, the cost is around $24 (CNY 170) and at night (23:00 to 05:00), it is $26.50 (CNY 190).

The cost of a local Shanghai airport taxi depends on the time of day and distance traveled. The final fare will be calculated based on your exact destination in the city. On average, during the day it is around $24 (CNY 170) and at night it is $26.50 (CNY 190). To ensure a set-rate fare, we recommend booking your transfer in advance with Mr Orange Transfer.

Taxis can be found outside of both Terminal 1 and 2 at Pudong airport. Simply exit the arrivals hall and you will see a line of cars waiting.

Pros:
– Taxis are the only direct way to get from Pudong airport to downtown or your hotel.
– Your personal belongings will be safe and secure during your trip.
– Large luggage items that fit in the cab’s trunk can be brought for free.

Cons:
– It can be difficult to find a taxi in Shanghai, especially during peak travel times.
– Waiting times can exceed 30 minutes.
– To avoid overcharging, make sure your driver resets and turns on the taximeter at the beginning of your journey.
– To avoid waiting for a taxi at the airport during busy travel periods, it’s possible to pre-book your transfer ahead of time.

Overall, taking a taxi from Pudong airport to Shanghai offers convenience and comfort for travelers who want a direct route to their destination.

If you arrive at T1, walk to the Arrival Gate and take a taxi.

If you arrive at T2, walk to the Arrival Gate and go downstairs, then take a taxi.

Price per KM:

Day: 05:00-23:00 ——RMB 14 (within 3 km)

RMB 2.5/km (3-10km)

RMB 3.6/km (over 15km)

Night: 23:00-05:00 ——RMB 18 (within 3 km)

RMB 3.1/km (3-10km)

RMB 4.7/km (over 15km)

5.Mr orange private transfer from Pudong airport to City center:

Why You Need Private Airport Transfer Services in Shanghai

1. Compared to Express Railway: Our transfer services are private and comfortable. Our drivers will hold a sign to greet you at the designated position, making everything smooth and easy.

2. Compared to Airport Taxi Services: We are 40% cheaper and without any surcharges. Our vans are comfortable, non-smoking, and our drivers dress formally and behave professionally. We provide 24/7 English-speaking customer service.

3. Compared to Airport Shuttle Buses: We offer private transfers, so you won’t need to wait for a fixed departure timetable. We’re easy-going and promise to drop you off anywhere on the Shanghai map. Our vans have more space for you and your family, making everything smooth and easy.

Book with Mr orange and start your free of hassle transfer!

You will be free of hassle for the following problems if you use Mr Orange transfer service:

What if my flight is delayed?

We stay on track with your flight status by confirming your boarding information with the airline one hour after your scheduled departure. Using a cell app, our operations staff and guide double-check the arrival time on the arrival day with real-time flight tracking. Our guide will be at the terminal 10 minutes before your arrival time, and it will take a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour after arrival to clear customs and collect your luggage.

What happens if my flight arrives early or late?

If your flight arrives before 6am or after 10pm, we offer a driver transfer service. Our experienced drivers speak some English, and to ensure smooth communication, they carry a bilingual instruction paper with questions and answers in both Chinese and English. If you need further assistance, our emergency contact can provide translator support. We will do our best to resolve any issues on the spot.

What should I do if my China visa expires?

If your China visa is about to expire, don’t panic. Inform us and ask your guide to take you to the Local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau to extend your visa. Our local office in Beijing can provide a document proving your status as a tourist and departure date. The process usually takes three working days to complete.

 

The transportation guide to get from Pudong airport to Shanghai highlights:

How to get to Pudong Airport from Shanghai Hongqiao airport?

Take the airport bus to Pudong Airport directly. Take the Airport Bus Line 1 bus at Hongqiao Hub East Transportation Center of Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. Go the high-speed road all the way. It takes about 70 minutes to arrive without traffic jam. The bus departure interval is 15-20 minutes and the fare is 30 yuan per person.

How to get to Huaihai Road from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at people square Station,transfer to subway line 1 and get off at shanxi south station to reach Huaihai Road.

How to get to Xujiahui from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at Jiangsulu Station, change to subway line 11, get off at Shanghai Jiaotong university Station, and walk about 200 meters to Huahai Mid road wukang bus station, take bus no 920, get off at caoxi north station at Nandan road then walk for 300 meters to reach Xujiahui.

How to Get to Tianzifang from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at century avenue station, transfer to subway line 9 and get off at dapuqiao station, walk about 600 meters then you will reach Tianzifang.

How to get to Nanjing West Road from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2 and get off at West Nanjing Road Station.

How to get to French Concession from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at Nanjing east Station,transfer to subway line 10 and get off at the Xintiandi station, walk another 1.1 kilometers to the old French concession in Shanghai.

How to Get to Xintiandi from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2 and get off at Xintiandi Station.

How to get to the Oriental Pearl from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2 (Guanglan Road-Xujingdong), get off at Lujiazui Station and walk about 200 meters to reach the Oriental Pearl.

How to get to Yu Garden from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at East Nanjing Road Station and transfer to subway line 10 then get off at the Yuyuan garden station.

How to get to Nanjing Road from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at East Nanjing Road and walk about 380 meters to Nanjing Road Walkway.

How to get to the Bund from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway line 2, get off at East Nanjing Road and walk about 600 meters to the Bund.

How to get to People’s Square from Shanghai pudong airport?

Take subway Line 2 (Guanglan Road-Xujingdong) and get off at People’s Square Station.

 


Questions and Answers:


What is the best way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central without a car?

The most convenient way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central without a car is by taking the Maglev and line 2 subway and line 4 subway. This route takes approximately 39 minutes and costs between $55 and $70.

How long does it take to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central?

It takes around 39 minutes, including transfers, to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central.

Where can I catch the bus from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central?

Shanghai Airport Authority operates bus services that depart from the Shanghai Pudong Airport station and arrive at the Shanghai Station.

Where can I catch the train from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central?

Shanghai Maglev Transportation (SMT) operates train services that depart from the Pudong International Airport station and arrive at the Shanghai Central station.

Where does the bus from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central arrive?

The bus services operated by Shanghai Airport Authority arrive at the Shanghai Station.

What is the most cost-effective way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central?

The cheapest way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central is by driving, which costs between $50 and $75 and takes approximately 46 minutes.

What is the quickest way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central?

The fastest way to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Central is by taking the Maglev train, followed by line 2 subway and line 4 subway. This option costs between $55 and $70 and takes approximately 39 minutes.

Is there a direct bus service available between Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Central?

Yes, there is a direct bus service that departs from Shanghai Pudong Airport and arrives at Shanghai Station station. The service operates every day, with departures every 20 minutes. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Is there a direct train service available between Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Central?

No, there is no direct train service available between Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Central station. However, travelers can take services departing from Pudong International Airport and arriving at Shanghai station via Longyang Road and Century Avenue Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 39 minutes.

What is the distance between Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Central?

The distance between these two locations is approximately 35 km. The road distance is slightly longer at around 51 km.