Shanghai Transportation Beyond Metro: Maglev, Bus, Ferry & Bike

The metro gets most of the attention in Shanghai transportation—and for good reason—but some of my best moments have been on the ¥2 ferry across the Huangpu at sunset and on the Maglev from Pudong Airport, watching the speed display hit 430 km/h. Buses fill the gaps where the metro doesn’t go, and bike-share is perfect for short hops. This guide covers Maglev, city bus, Huangpu River ferry, and bike-share: when to use each, what they cost, and how to pay as a visitor.

Last Updated: March 2026

Maglev: Pudong Airport to Downtown in Minutes

The Shanghai Maglev is the world’s first commercial high-speed maglev. It runs between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road (30 km) in about 7–8 minutes. Peak runs reach 430 km/h; off-peak is capped around 301 km/h. Trains leave every 15–20 minutes. From Longyang Road you transfer to Metro Line 2, 7, 16, or 18. Operating hours: from the airport 07:02–21:42, from Longyang Road 06:45–21:40. One-way is ¥50; round-trip ¥80 (valid 7 days). Show a same-day airline boarding pass at the counter for ¥40 one-way. Combo tickets are good value: Maglev one-way plus 24 hours of metro for ¥55, or round-trip Maglev plus 24h metro for ¥85. Since June 2025, foreign card tap is accepted at the turnstile; you can also pay with Alipay, WeChat, cash, or transport card (¥40 with card). Arrive at the platform at least 5 minutes before departure—doors close 1 minute before. For the full airport-to-city picture, see our Pudong Airport transport guide.

Ticket type	Price
One-way	¥50
Round-trip	¥80 (7 days)
With airline boarding pass	¥40 one-way
Maglev + 24h metro	¥55
Maglev RT + 24h metro	¥85

City Bus: Cheap and Wide-Ranging

Shanghai has over 1,600 bus routes. Fares are typically ¥1–2 in the city. Many buses (8,000+) accept Visa/Mastercard tap; Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash (exact change), and transport card work too. Board at the front, tap or scan, and exit at the back. Buses run roughly 05:30–21:30; night buses (301–345) run 23:00–05:30. Wheelchair access is limited; the metro is better for accessibility.

For sightseeing, the double-decker sightseeing bus offers 24h passes for ¥30 and 48h for ¥50, with an 8-language GPS audio guide and stops at the museum, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Yu Garden, and Xintiandi. Buses are best for routes without metro coverage and for scenic stretches like along The Bund; avoid rush hour and long cross-town trips with luggage.

Huangpu River Ferry: ¥2 Crossings with a View

The ferry is one of the best deals in Shanghai: about ¥2 per person (¥2.8 with a bicycle), 5-minute crossing, no reservation needed. The Dongjin Line (东金线) runs 07:00–18:30 between the Bund and Lujiazui (pedestrian only). The Dongfu Line (东复线) runs until 21:00 and is ideal for night views. The Taigong Line (泰公线) is often called the most beautiful sunset route (06:00–21:50). Pay by Alipay, WeChat, transport card, or ¥2 coins.

For tourists, the Jinling East Road (金陵东路) pier on the Puxi side is convenient. Upper deck has the best views. A proper river cruise costs ¥150–800; the ferry gives you a similar vista for a fraction of the price.

Bike-Share: Last-Mile and Short Trips

The main operators are Hellobike (blue), Meituan (yellow), and Qingju (green, DiDi). Base rate is around ¥1.5 per 15 minutes. The easiest option for foreigners is Hellobike through Alipay: search “Hellobike” or “哈啰单车,” link a foreign card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB), then scan the bike’s QR to unlock. No separate app or deposit when using Alipay in many cases. Park in designated zones (white/yellow lines); improper parking can trigger ¥5–20 fines or deposit charges.

Watch for fake QR stickers on bikes—only scan codes that are part of the original bike, not stickers. For longer rides or at night, DiDi or the metro may be simpler.

Operator	Approx. 1-hour cost
Hellobike	~¥4.5
Meituan	~¥3
Qingju	~¥5.5

Apps and Payment Summary

SH MaaS (随申行) covers metro, bus, ferry, and taxi with English support. Metro Daduhui handles Maglev and metro. DiDi is for ride-hailing and Qingju bikes. Alipay is used for Hellobike and many QR payments. For public transport, foreign card tap (where available) or Alipay-linked card is the most reliable; foreign wallet apps have limited support. Useful phrases: 磁悬浮站在哪里？(Where’s the Maglev? — Cí xuánfú zhàn zài nǎlǐ?); 公交车站在哪里？(Where’s the bus stop? — Gōngjiāo chēzhàn zài nǎlǐ?); 渡口在哪里？(Where’s the ferry pier? — Dùkǒu zài nǎlǐ?). Maglev customer service: +86-21-2890-7777. Hellobike: 400-091-0857. Police: 110. Ambulance: 120.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Maglev worth it?
If you’re going from Pudong Airport to the city and value speed and the experience, yes. The combo ticket (¥55) with 24h metro is often better value than Maglev + separate day pass. If you’re on a tight budget, Line 2 is much cheaper but takes about 90 minutes.

Can I use the ferry with luggage?
Yes, but space is limited and it’s a short crossing. For large bags, metro or taxi/DiDi is more comfortable.

Do bus drivers speak English?
Rarely. Have your stop name in Chinese or show it on your phone. Use a maps app or SH MaaS to follow your route.

Conclusion

The metro will still be your workhorse in Shanghai, but the Maglev, bus, ferry, and bike-share each have their place. I use the Maglev when I fly into Pudong and want to get to town quickly; I take the ferry when I want a cheap, memorable crossing; and I grab a Hellobike when the last mile is just a bit too far to walk. Keep foreign card tap and Alipay ready, and you can use all of them without a Chinese bank account.

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