Moving around Shanghai on public transportation has become increasingly convenient in the past half decade, with a far reaching subway system that connects most of the inner city.
Apple Maps & Baidu
Google applications are widely blocked throughout China, and this sadly includes the ever-convenient Google Maps. If you have a strong VPN on your phone, Google Maps will work fine. If not, it is a good idea to get used to Apple Maps or Baidu’s Ditu. While not always as helpful as its Google counterpart, Apple Maps app will work in non-VPN territory and generally get you where you need to go. If you are comfortable using Chinese, Ditu is definitely the way to go for speed and accuracy.
Shanghai Subway
Shanghai City boasts 14 lines, and continues to construct new ones.
Click here for an interactive map of the Shanghai subway system.
In general, the subway system is a fast, efficient way to get around the city and avoid Shanghai’s gridlock traffic. However, consider the time of day as it gets packed during rush hour. Rides within the center will start at 3RMB, but will rise as you go further out of the city.
Most long-term subway riders will purchase a transportation card. Go to the information booth in the subway (generally located amongst entrance and exit turnstiles) and request a subway card (地铁卡). The card will cost 20RMB as deposit, and you can load it up at RMB increments of your choosing. Having this card will save you lots of time by avoiding the line to purchase individual tickets, and we highly recommend doing this.
Two handy apps for subway hours and train times are Shanghai Metro 上海地铁 (free) and ExploreMetro ($1.99 to view first/last times)
Shanghai Buses
The bus generally costs 2RMB to ride, and can be very convenient if you know where you are going. Trying to read the bus stop signs can be difficult, so it might take some practice. If you are able to access Google Maps through a VPN, you may use the public transport tool to simplify your journey. Type in your starting destination (using the cross streets) and your final destination, and Google will show you which bus lines are most convenient for you.
Shanghai Taxis
Shanghai taxis are generally widely available at a reasonable cost. Right now the flag fare is:
- 14 RMB in the day
- 18 RMB at night
If you are with a group or traveling a long distance not easily serviced by the subway, taxis are a good option. However, it can be difficult to get a taxi during rush hour. It is even worse on a Friday afternoon-evening or when it is raining.
Get Picked Up
If you are comfortable speaking Chinese on the phone, you can call for a cab (Dazhong Taxi tel: 82222) or use the app Didi Dache 嘀嘀打车, which lets you send cabbies your location and allows you to offer tips as incentive to pick you faster up during busy times. For those that only speak English, Uber offers English-speaking drivers for additional cost — though well worth it if stranded!
Airport
Shanghai has two major airports – Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG). Most domestic flights go in and out of Hongqiao (SHA) although there are exceptions. Most international flights go in and out of Pudong (PVG). Make sure you know which airport you are flying out of!!
If traveling to Hongqiao, cab or subway are the two best ways to get there. Hongqiao airport has stops on Line 2 (green) and Line 10 (purple). There is also an airport shuttle that leaves every 20 minutes (approximately 22 RMB) with service to both Hongqiao and Pudong airports, which leaves from the Jing’an Temple metro stop.
If you are traveling to Pudong Airport, cabs generally take at least an hour and cost about 150-200 RMB depending on where you are going. Consider the time of day you are traveling to allow for traffic.
Subway options include taking Line 2 (green) for 7RMB, which stops at Century Avenue (55 min), People’s Square (65 min), and Jing’an Temple (70 min), and provides several line transfer options. You may also opt for the Maglev train, with a transfer at Line 2’s Longyang Station. The Maglev shortens the trip considerably with a 10 minute ride from Pudong to Longyang, though tickets cost 50RMB one way, 80RMB roundtrip. **Remember: Only buy the roundtrip ticket if you are leaving or returning within 7 days as it will expire**