Shanghai Transit Guide: Airports, Maglev & Metro

Shanghai has one of the world's most comprehensive urban transit systems. Two international airports, the world's fastest commercial train, 20+ metro lines, and a vast bus network make getting around remarkably easy once you know the system. Here's your complete guide.

Visa-Free Transit (144-Hour Policy)

China offers 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations. Key requirements:

• You must be transiting through China (arriving from Country A, departing to Country B — they must be different countries)
• You must have a confirmed onward ticket
• You must stay within the Shanghai administrative area (which includes Suzhou, Hangzhou, and other Yangtze Delta cities under certain agreements)
• Apply at the transit visa counter upon arrival — no pre-application needed

Pro Tip: Book your arrival into Pudong and departure from a different city (e.g., Hangzhou or Nanjing) for a multi-city China experience within 144 hours.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Most international long-haul flights arrive here. Two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus.

Getting to the City:

The Maglev Experience: The Shanghai Maglev is the world's fastest commercial train, reaching 430 km/h during peak hours (300 km/h in off-peak). It connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Metro Station in just 8 minutes. Even if you don't need it for transport, the ride itself is worth experiencing. Transfer to Metro Line 2 at Longyang Road to continue downtown.

Shanghai Hongqiao Transportation Hub

Domestic and regional flights plus China's high-speed rail network converge at this mega-hub in western Shanghai.

Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

• Primarily domestic flights plus routes to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
• Terminal 2 is integrated with the railway station
• Metro Lines 2 and 10 connect directly

Hongqiao Railway Station

• One of China's busiest high-speed rail stations
• Key routes: Beijing (4.5 hrs), Hangzhou (45 min), Suzhou (25 min), Nanjing (65 min), Wuhan (4 hrs)
• Buy tickets via Trip.com or the 12306 app (Chinese railway official app)
• Arrive 30 minutes before departure for security screening

Shanghai Metro

The Shanghai Metro is the world's longest metro system with 20+ lines and 500+ stations.

Essential Tips:

• Payment: Alipay/WeChat Pay QR code, physical metro card (¥20 deposit), or contactless bank card
• Hours: Most lines run 05:30-22:30 (some extend to 23:00 on weekends)
• Peak Hours: 07:30-09:30 and 17:00-19:30 — extremely crowded
• Key Lines:
  • Line 2: Airport to airport (Pudong ↔ Hongqiao), passes through Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, People's Square
  • Line 1: Shanghai Railway Station, People's Square, Xintiandi, Xujiahui
  • Line 10: Hongqiao Airport, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, New International Expo Centre

Offline Maps: Download 'MetroMan' app — it works offline and calculates optimal routes.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

• Taxis: Flag fall ¥14 (first 3 km). Clean, metered, and generally safe. Difficulty: drivers rarely speak English.
• Didi: China's Uber equivalent. The international version accepts foreign credit cards. Use the English interface.
• Pro Tip: Screenshot your destination in Chinese characters. Show the driver your phone.

Inter-City Day Trips

Shanghai's location in the Yangtze River Delta makes several cities easy day trips:

Money & Connectivity

• Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). ¥1 ≈ $0.14 USD (2025)
• Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are dominant. Set up Alipay with your international Visa/Mastercard before arrival.
• ATMs: ICBC and Bank of China ATMs accept international cards. Withdrawal limit usually ¥5,000 per transaction.
• SIM Cards: Buy at the airport arrivals hall. China Mobile and China Unicom offer tourist plans (7-day, 30-day) with data.
• VPN: Essential for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. Set up before entering China.

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Fire: 119
• Tourist Hotline (English): 12345