Shanghai Airport to City: Hongqiao Metro, Train & Taxi
Shanghai airport to city from Hongqiao: metro Lines 2 and 10, Airport Link, taxi and DiDi. Times, fares and what to choose.
Hongqiao Airport sits about 13 km west of central Shanghai. If you’re flying in from elsewhere in Asia, there’s a good chance you’ll land here rather than Pudong—and that’s good news for getting into town. Shanghai airport to city from Hongqiao is straightforward: the metro reaches both terminals, and you can be at People’s Square in about 35 minutes for a few yuan. I’ve used Line 2 and Line 10 from Hongqiao many times; with a contactless card it’s tap-in, tap-out, no hassle. This guide covers metro, Airport Link to Pudong, taxi/DiDi, and the high-speed rail connection so you can pick the right option for your flight and destination.
Last Updated: March 2026
Hongqiao vs Pudong: Why It Matters
Shanghai has two international airports. Hongqiao (SHA) is the closer one: 13 km from the center, roughly 30 minutes to downtown by metro. Pudong (PVG) is about 50 km east and takes 60–90 minutes. Hongqiao also has a direct link to the high-speed rail station—same complex—so if you’re continuing to Hangzhou, Suzhou, or Beijing by train, you’re already there. Most long-haul international flights use Pudong; regional and some Asian routes use Hongqiao. For full Pudong options see our Pudong Airport guide; for the train between the two airports see the Airport Link guide.
Metro: The Best Way Into the City
Line 2 and Line 10 both serve Hongqiao. Terminal 2 has both; Terminal 1 has Line 10 only. From T2, follow 地铁 (Metro) signs to B1. First trains are around 05:30, last trains 22:30–23:00 (later on Friday and Saturday). Frequency is about 8–10 minutes.
Foreign card tap (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB) works at the turnstiles—no app or Chinese account needed. To People’s Square take Line 2 (about 35 minutes, ¥5). To Yu Garden or Nanjing East Road, Line 10 is convenient (about 30 minutes, ¥4–5). To Lujiazui, take Line 2 (about 45 minutes, ¥6). Our Shanghai Metro guide has full details on fares and tap-to-pay.
| Destination | Line | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| People’s Square | 2 | ~35 min | ¥5 |
| Nanjing West Road | 2 | ~25 min | ¥4 |
| Yu Garden | 10 | ~30 min | ¥5 |
| Lujiazui | 2 | ~45 min | ¥6 |
Airport Link: Hongqiao to Pudong in 40 Minutes
If you need to transfer between Hongqiao and Pudong airports, the Airport Link is the fastest option: about 40 minutes, ¥26, no metro changes. It runs 06:00–22:39, every 15 minutes. Board at Hongqiao T2 (or Pudong T1/T2). Foreign card tap is accepted. See our dedicated Airport Link guide for stations, luggage rules, and connections.
Taxi and DiDi
For heavy bags or late arrivals, taxi or DiDi is practical. Daytime from Hongqiao to People’s Square is typically ¥100–120, to The Bund ¥120–150, to Jing’an about ¥80–100. Add 30–50% at night (23:00–05:00) and in rush hour (07:30–09:30, 17:30–19:30). Use the official taxi queue only—ignore touts. Confirm the meter is on and show your destination in Chinese. DiDi gives a fixed price in the app and supports English; see our DiDi guide for setup. Taxi guide has fare details and scam avoidance.
High-Speed Rail: Same Building as T2
Hongqiao Railway Station is a short walk from T2 (about 5 minutes). So you can land, clear customs, and board a train to Hangzhou (~45 min–1 hr, ~¥73), Suzhou (~25 min, ~¥40), Nanjing (~1 hr 20 min, ~¥135), or Beijing (~4.5 hr, ~¥550). Book ahead on Trip.com (English) or 12306 (Chinese); tickets sell out at holidays. From T1 you’re not directly connected: take Line 10 to T2 then walk, or use the terminal shuttle.
Between Terminals and Discounts
T1–T2: Metro Line 10 (about 5 min, ¥3) or free shuttle (about 10 min). Metro–bus transfer within 2 hours gives ¥1 off. SH MaaS monthly users get 10% off after ¥70. Seniors with a Shanghai card ride free; students get 50% with a student card. Tourist passes: 1-day metro ¥18; comprehensive metro+bus+ferry+attractions passes are available (e.g. ¥249).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal do I use for the metro?
T2 has Line 2 and Line 10. T1 has Line 10 only. Check your airline’s terminal before you leave arrivals.
Can I use my foreign card on the metro?
Yes. Contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and JCB work at Hongqiao metro turnstiles (and system-wide since June 2025).
How do I get to Pudong Airport from Hongqiao?
Take the Airport Link from Hongqiao T2 to Pudong T1/T2 (about 40 min, ¥26). Faster and simpler than Line 2 (about 90 min).
What’s the best Shanghai airport to city option from Hongqiao?
Metro Line 2 or 10: about 30–35 minutes to the center, ¥4–6, with foreign card tap. Taxi or DiDi is better for heavy luggage or late arrivals.
Conclusion
Hongqiao is the easy airport for getting into Shanghai: one metro ride and you’re in the center. I use Line 2 or 10 with a contactless card almost every time. Keep the Airport Link in mind for airport-to-airport transfers, and the high-speed rail if you’re heading to another city. For more detail on metro and taxis, our metro and taxi guides have you covered.
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