Shanghai Night Transport: Buses, Late Metro & DiDi Tips

I’ve missed the last metro more than once—once after a late meeting in Pudong, once after dinner in Xintiandi. Both times DiDi got me back. Shanghai transportation doesn’t stop at midnight: night buses run on fixed routes, the metro extends on Friday and Saturday, and DiDi is available 24/7.

Night buses are easy once you know the route numbers (301–345); DiDi is the fallback when nothing else fits. This guide covers what runs when, how to pay, and how to stay safe when you’re out late. Last Updated: March 2026

What Runs After the Last Metro

On weekdays, most metro lines end between 22:30 and 23:37. On Friday and Saturday, several lines run later—some until around midnight or past 1:00. During major holidays (National Day, Labor Day, Chinese New Year), Lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, and 17 often have extended hours.

Night buses (routes 301–345) run from 23:00 to 05:30, flat fare ¥2.

DiDi operates around the clock. So if you’re out late, you’re not stuck—but you do need to know which option fits your route and budget.

Option	Hours	Notes
Night buses (301–345)	23:00–05:30	Fixed routes, ¥2
Metro (Fri/Sat)	Some lines to ~00:00–01:05	Check Metro Daduhui
DiDi	24/7	App required, most flexible

Shanghai Night Transport: Night Buses and How to Use Them

Night buses use three-digit numbers (301–345 and special lines). They’re cheap and reliable but follow fixed routes, so you need to know your stop. Key routes include 310 (The Bund–Lujiazui), 320 (People’s Square–Xujiahui), and airport night buses (Pudong–Hongqiao hub 23:00–05:30). Board at the front, pay ¥2 (cash—exact change—Alipay, WeChat, or transport card), and exit at the back.

Frequency varies: airport lines roughly every 30 minutes; some city lines leave when full.

Night buses generally don’t have wheelchair access; if you need that, use DiDi. Find stops by looking for 301–345 on bus stop signs and use Baidu Maps or the SH MaaS app to plan.

DiDi Late at Night: Why I Prefer It

When the metro has stopped and I’m tired or carrying something, I use DiDi. You get a fixed price in the app, the driver and trip are recorded, and you can share your ride with someone. Payment works with Visa, Mastercard, and other foreign cards in the app. There’s often a late-night surcharge (23:00–06:00); for a 5 km trip expect roughly ¥15–20, for 10 km about ¥25–35, and from the Bund to Pudong Airport around ¥150–200.

Always confirm the license plate and driver’s face before getting in. Use the in-app Safety tab to set emergency contacts and share your trip. Full setup steps are in our DiDi guide. Set up payment and language (English) while you still have WiFi—doing it at 2 a.m. on the street is no fun.

Arriving at the Airport After Midnight

If you land at Pudong after the last Maglev and metro, your options are the airport night bus to Hongqiao hub (¥2, long ride) or DiDi/taxi (¥150–200 to downtown). At Hongqiao, the last metro is around 22:30; after that, DiDi or official taxi. Never accept rides from people who approach you saying “Taxi?”—use the official taxi queue or book DiDi. More detail in our Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport guides.

Safety Habits That Actually Help

I never take unlicensed taxis, especially at night. I always verify the DiDi license plate and driver photo before opening the door. I share my trip in the app so someone knows where I am. Don’t put luggage in the trunk and then step away before collecting it—that’s a known scam. Keep bags with you in the back seat. If something feels wrong, don’t get in; cancel and book again. Police: 110. DiDi 24h support: 400-0000-999.

Useful Phrases and Apps

Phrases that help: 夜间巴士在哪里？(Where’s the night bus? — Yèjiān bāshì zài nǎlǐ?); 末班车几点？(When’s the last train? — Mòbānchē jǐ diǎn?); 到了请告诉我 (Tell me when we arrive — Dào le qǐng gàosù wǒ). Apps: DiDi (full English), Metro Daduhui (last train times), MetroMan (offline metro map, 11 languages), Baidu Maps (night bus routes; download offline maps if you might not have data).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take DiDi at night?
DiDi records trips, masks your number from the driver, and has an in-app emergency button. I use it at night but always check plate and driver photo and share my trip. Avoid unlicensed cars that approach you.

Do night buses go to the airports?
Yes. There are night bus routes between Pudong Airport and Hongqiao hub (23:00–05:30). Journey time is long; DiDi is faster if you’re willing to pay.

What if I miss the last metro?
Check if it’s Friday or Saturday—some lines run later. Otherwise use night bus if your route is covered, or book DiDi. Have the app and payment set up in advance.

Conclusion

Shanghai’s night transport is workable if you plan a little: know when the last train is, where the night buses go, and how to use DiDi. I rely on DiDi after midnight because it’s door-to-door and traceable; night buses are fine when the route and timing fit. Set up DiDi and payment before you go out, and you’ll get home safely.

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