Shanghai Airport to City: Pudong Maglev, Metro & Taxi

Pudong International Airport is about 50 km east of central Shanghai. Getting from Shanghai airport to city is straightforward with a few options. The first time I landed there I took the metro the whole way—cheap, but long and tiring with a suitcase. The next time I used the Maglev to Longyang Road then Line 2, and I’ve stuck with that when I want to get into town quickly. This guide compares Maglev, Metro Line 2, airport bus, and taxi/DiDi so you can choose by budget, time, and luggage.

Last Updated: March 2026

Shanghai Airport to City: Four Ways to Get to Town

You can take the Maglev plus metro (fastest, moderate cost), Metro Line 2 only (cheapest, longest), an airport bus (good for specific hubs or train stations), or taxi/DiDi (most convenient, highest cost). The Maglev doesn’t run before 06:45 or after 21:40, so very early or late flights leave you with metro, night bus, or car. Our night transport guide covers late arrivals. For transfers to Hongqiao, the Airport Link (40 min, ¥26) is better than taking Line 2 the whole way.

Option	Time to center	Fare	Best for
Maglev + Metro	~45 min	¥50–55	Speed, experience
Metro Line 2	~90 min	¥7–9	Budget
Airport bus	60–90 min	¥20–36	Specific destinations
Taxi/DiDi	45–90 min	¥150–250	Luggage, convenience

Maglev: Fast and Memorable

The Maglev covers the 30 km from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road in about 7–8 minutes. Top speed is 430 km/h at peak times, 301 km/h off-peak. From Longyang Road you transfer to Metro Line 2 (or 7, 16, 18) to reach People’s Square, Nanjing East Road, Lujiazui, etc. Trains run from the airport 07:02–21:42 and from Longyang Road 06:45–21:40, every 15–20 minutes. One-way is ¥50; round-trip ¥80 (valid 7 days). Show a same-day boarding pass at the counter for ¥40 one-way (card tap doesn’t get this discount).

The combo ticket is the best value: Maglev one-way + 24h metro for ¥55, or round-trip Maglev + 24h metro for ¥85. Foreign card tap has been accepted since June 2025; Alipay, WeChat, cash, and e-CNY also work. Follow 磁悬浮 (Maglev) signs from arrivals, pass security, tap or buy a ticket, and board. Get to the platform at least 5 minutes before departure.

Metro Line 2: Cheapest Option

Line 2 runs from Pudong Airport to downtown and beyond. First train around 05:30, last around 22:30. To People’s Square is about 60–70 minutes, ¥7 or so. Some trains require a same-platform change at Guanglan Road (广兰路)—just switch to the next train. Foreign card tap works system-wide; see our metro guide. Follow 地铁 (Metro) signs in the terminal, pass security, tap in, and take the train toward 广兰路 / downtown. Good if you’re not in a rush and want to save money.

Airport Bus and Night Bus

Airport buses serve specific areas: Line 1 to Hongqiao hub (¥36, ~70 min), Line 4 to Shanghai Railway Station (¥28, ~80 min), Line 7 to South Railway Station (¥20, ~80 min), Line 9 to Xinzhuang metro (¥28, ~60 min). Daytime roughly 07:00–23:00. The night bus to Hongqiao runs 23:00–05:30. Pay with cash (exact change), Alipay, or WeChat; foreign card tap is not available on buses. Useful when your hotel or next leg is near one of these hubs. Free shuttle connects T1 and T2 (06:00–00:00).

Taxi and DiDi: When You Have Luggage or Are Tired

Taxi or DiDi is the most comfortable option, especially with bags or after a long flight. To People’s Square or The Bund expect ¥150–200 in the day, more at night (23:00–05:00) and in rush hour. Only use the official taxi queue—ignore anyone who approaches you saying “Taxi?” Confirm the meter is on and show your destination in Chinese. DiDi gives a fixed price and English interface; set it up before you travel. More in our taxi guide.

What I Do and When

For daytime arrivals when I want to get to town quickly, I buy the Maglev + 24h metro combo (¥55) and take Line 2 from Longyang Road. For late-night landings I take the night bus or DiDi. When I’m on a tight budget I take Line 2 the whole way. If you’re connecting to Hongqiao, take the Airport Link instead of Line 2 for a much faster trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Maglev run 24 hours?

No. Last departure from the airport is 21:42. For flights landing after that, use metro (until last train), night bus, or taxi/DiDi.

Can I use my foreign card on the Maglev and metro?

Yes. Contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB work at Maglev and metro turnstiles. The airline discount (¥40) is only at the counter with a boarding pass, not with card tap.

How do I get to Hongqiao from Pudong?

Take the Airport Link from Pudong T1/T2 to Hongqiao T2 (about 40 min, ¥26). Faster than Line 2 (about 90 min).

What’s the best way to get from Pudong airport to city center?

Take the Maglev + Metro combo (fastest, ~45 min, ¥50–55) or Metro Line 2 only (cheapest, ~90 min, ¥7–9). The ¥55 combo ticket includes 24h metro access.

How much is the airport bus from Pudong to Lujiazui?

Airport Bus Line 1 runs to Hongqiao hub (¥36, ~70 min). For Lujiazui and central areas, the Maglev + metro combo (¥55) is faster and more convenient than the bus.

What time does the airport bus from Pudong run?

Daytime airport buses run roughly 07:00–23:00. A night bus to Hongqiao runs 23:00–05:30. The Maglev runs 06:45–21:42.

Conclusion

Pudong is far from the center, but the Maglev plus metro makes the trip manageable and even enjoyable. I recommend the ¥55 combo for most daytime arrivals. For late nights or heavy luggage, taxi or DiDi is worth the extra cost. Plan according to your flight time and budget, and you’ll get into Shanghai without stress.

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