Last updated on November 27th, 2022 at 11:48 am
We will write how to get from Shanghai airport to city center. The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to downtown is 37 kilometers. Click here to book online Shanghai activities and day trips
If you go by taxi from Shanghai airport to city center is around 45 minutes travel time. The fare taxi from Shanghai airport to Shanghai city center is around 200 RMB which is around $30 USD.
The cheapest way from Shanghai airport to city center is by metro for $1 USD. The total travel time from Shanghai airport to Shanghai city center is around 1 hour.
The best way from Shanghai airport to Shanghai city center for $5 USD is by train and metro will take 35 minutes.
You can also rent a car in Shanghai airport or get a private transfer.
SIM CARD AT SHANGHAI AIRPORT
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Shanghai airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Shanghai. Read here best China sim card for tourist and best China eSim
You can find the cheapest China eSim with Nomad China eSim for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days. If you need more data you can go for $15 USD Nomad China eSim with 5 GB data valid for 7 days. The main difference between Airalo vs Nomad eSim for China the packages are 7 days only with Nomad China eSim but Airalo China eSim offers the same price for 30 days.
The cheapest eSim in China with Airalo is $7 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days and for $8 USD with 2 GB data valid for 15 days. (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). Plans with Airalo eSim China prepaid start at $11 USD with 3 GB data valid for 30 days. For $16 USD with 5 GB data and for $28 USD with 10 GB data valid for 30 days.
Holafly China eSim for less than $60 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in China for just $2 USD per day.
Read here how to get from Beijing airport to city center, things to do in Sanya and Nanshan Temple.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHINA
Planning to book accommodation for your next trip to China? Click here to book with Booking and Agoda!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review
You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
Click here to get a discount booking activities in China with Klook!
SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN
SHUTTLE BUS FROM SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO CITY
You can go from Shanghai airport to city center by shuttle bus but it’s slower and more expensive than the metro. There are a few buses leaving from Shanghai airport to city center running every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am until 11 pm. You will find them outside the Arrivals Terminal in Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The bus shuttle fare is around 20-35 RMB which is around $3-6 USD and the travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Pudong International Airport to city center.
Line 1: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center. The travel time is around 1 hour and the shuttle bus fare is 34 RMB.
Line 2: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to City Terminal. The travel time is around 1 hour and the shuttle bus fare is 24 RMB.
Line 4: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hongkou Football Stadium. The travel time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes and the shuttle bus fare is 24 RMB.
Line 5: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Railway Station. The travel time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes and the shuttle bus fare is 25 RMB.
Line 7: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai South Railway Station. The travel time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes and the shuttle bus fare is 20 RMB.
Line 8: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Nanhui Bus Station. The travel time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes and the shuttle bus fare is 10 RMB.
Line 9: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to South Square of Xinzhuang Metro Station. The travel time is around 30 minutes and the shuttle bus fare is 24 RMB.
Night Bus from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center. The travel time is around 45 minutes and the shuttle bus fare is 34 RMB.
HIGH SPEED MAGLEV TRAIN SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO SHANGHAI CITY CENTER (FASTEST WAY)
The fastest way from Shanghai airport to city center is by Maglev train (more than 430km/h). The Maglev train from Shanghai airport to downtown is running every 15-20 minutes starting from 7 am until 10 40 pm.
The Maglev train fare from Shanghai airport is 50 RMB (40 RMB if you have the boarding pass) for one way ticket which is $8 USD and 80 RMB for return ticket which is $10 USD. You can buy the tickets in the vending machines at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The travel time by Maglev train is 8 minutes from Shanghai airport to Longyang Road Station where you can take the Metro Lines 2, 7 and 16 until your final destination in Shanghai city center.
The Metro Line 2 is going to People’s Square and Nanjing Road most popular areas for accommodation. The total travel time can be around 35-40 minutes Maglev train and metro from the airport to city center.
Click here to get private transportation from Shanghai airport to city center with Klook!
METRO FROM SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER (CHEAPEST WAY)
The metro is the cheapest way from Shanghai airport to city center. The metro from Shanghai International Airport to city center is running every 8-10 minutes from 5 30 am until 10 pm.
The metro fare is 5-7 RMB which is $1 USD depending on your final destination coming from the airport. The total travel time is around 1 hour going to Nanjing Road and Jing’An Temple.
If you want to know more about immigration to China, you can find relevant information at lawyerschina.net
SHANGHAI METRO MAP
Metro in Shanghai is easy to move around with the signs in English and following the map. The metro fare in Shanghai is 3-10 RMB which is around $1-2 USD. The metro in Shanghai starts at 5 30 am until 11 pm and the trains are running every 5-7 minutes.
Free Shuttle Between Terminal 1 And 2
There is a free shuttle bus connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport starting at 6 am until midnight.
TAXI FROM SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO SHANGHAI CITY CENTER
If you go from Shanghai airport to city center by taxi the most comfortable, available 24/7 and fastest way. The travel time by taxi is around 45 minutes and the taxi fare from Shanghai airport to Shanghai city center is $30 USD. The prices and travel time aren’t fixed and it will depending on traffic and your final destination.
Click here to get private transportation from Shanghai airport to city center with Klook!
UBER/DIDI SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER
If you are ordering Uber in Shanghai (not working in China) you should know that prices are similar than taxi. China usually uses Didi app. You can pre book with the app from your phone and going to the pick up point in the airport. Expect to pay around €20-25 depending on your destination and time of the day with Didi from Shanghai airport to city center.
CAR RENTAL AT SHANGHAI AIRPORT
There are many options for renting a car in Shanghai’s airport. It’s the most convenient option if you have a place to park your car in Shanghai. It will take you 45 minutes to get to Shanghai from the airport with a private car. There are a few agencies like Hertz, Avis, Centauro available in the airport. Prices are around €30-40 per day.
Car rental option can be great if you are traveling with a few people or a lot of luggage and planning to visit places around Shanghai. Make sure you have parking place in your hotel or Airbnb since sometimes can be so challenging in Shanghai.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN
Hotel transfers are also very easy and convenient but can be a little bit pricey. The transfers are usually available 24 hours and is only ideal if you have the budget and you really want comfort after your flight to Shanghai. Prices are around €40 and you will be able to fit up to 4 people. It could be €10 per person.
Click here to book online your private transfer!
BEST WAY FROM SHANGHAI AIRPORT TO CITY
The best way from Shanghai airport to city center if you are traveling alone and on a budget I would choose train or metro until my final destination which costs around $5-6 USD.
You can also get the shuttle bus from Shanghai airport to city center is your hotel is around one of the bus stop walking distance with similar price $6 USD.
If you are traveling in a group or your prefer more comfort you can get a taxi or private transportation direct to your accommodation place in Shanghai. You will avoid transferring to the metro but the traffic is really bad in Shanghai!
ACCOMMODATION IN SHANGHAI
If you’re looking for a cheap place to crash, there are dorm rooms in Shanghai that only go for $25 or less. Another inexpensive lodging option is AirBnB, where you can get rooms for $40-50. Those who want to treat themselves can always book luxury hotel rooms starting at around $200 USD per night.
Planning to book accommodation for your next trip to China? Click here to book with Booking and Agoda!
FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL IN CHINA
For daily food travel budget in China can be affordable if you go to local places where you can get meals in 12 RMB which is less than $2 USD. If you go to restaurants prices are starting 40-50 RMB which is $7-10 USD.
What we found more expensive in China was the entrance fee to tourist attractions. Sometimes prices are around $70-80 USD for a waterpark. So if you are on a budget make sure you choose the activities to do in China.
If you use the public bus to move around China prices are so affordable. You can get one ride bus for 2 RMB. For short distances there are taxis can be between 15-30 RMB for 2-3 kilometers distance.
Click here to get a discount booking activities in China with Klook!
CURRENCY AND ATMS IN CHINA
The Renminbi abbreviated RMB or Chinese Yuan is the currency in China. For $1 USD you will have 7 RMB.
To exchange cash the best way is heading to the banks. It can be really hard to find exchange offices and even in hotels for cash. So the most reliable option in our experience is going to the bank.
If you want to use the ATM’s you will find many around the city and the airport too.
Click here to know the exact exchange rate!
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Happy Travels!
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