The 37-mile (or 58km) trip from Shanghai's Pudong Airport to the Hongqiao Railway Station may seem daunting, but you have plenty of options depending on whether you're looking for convenience or traveling on a budget.
See our recommendations below, to ensure your Shanghai time is as smoothly scheduled as possible, and you get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, or vice versa, drama-free!
1. Airport shuttle bus
- For the budget-conscious traveler seeking convenience
The airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 is one of the most convenient budget-conscious options, but, beware, do not take the airport shuttle bus if you are in a hurry as there is always the risk of running intro traffic (especially during weekday rush-hour)! The bus departs every 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day, and runs daily from 6am to 11pm.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport- Duration: 70 minutes
- Price: RMB 30
2. Metro Line 2
- For the budget-conscious traveler
Shanghai MetroThe cheapest way, without shadow of a doubt, is taking Shanghai's Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport all the way to Hongqiao Railway Station. You'll have the transfer between Line 2 East Extension and the main section of Line 2 but this is all clearly indicated. This, again, is not something to attempt during rush hour if it can be avoided! This line also passes by Hongqiao Airport.
- Duration: Around 90 minutes
- Price: RMB 8
3. Metro line 2 and switch to Maglev train
- For the budget-conscious traveler who cannot afford delays
The Shanghai Metro network: Line 2 is green.If you do not want to take the Metro all the way, you can also take Shanghai's Metro Line 2 and the Maglev Train! From Pudong International Airport, you can take the Maglev train every 15-20 minutes to Longyang Road. Here you'll switch onto the regular Metro Line 2 for a further 17 stops to get to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
The Maglev train runs from Longyang Road to Pudong International Airport between 06:45 and 21:40, and between the airport and Longyang Road between 07:02 and 21:42.
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Price: RMB 56 (RMB 6 for the metro and RMB 50 one way for the Maglev train)
4. Taxi
- For the traveler seeking convenience (but who is not in a rush)
China Highlights tour in Shanghai with a familyWhile taxis are definitely the easiest form of public transport, with Shanghai traffic you just never know. Both at Pudong International Airport and at Hongqiao Railway Station (if you're going the other way), you can end up waiting for a taxi for a while, and there's a risk of traffic.
The benefit here is of course that you do not have to carry your suitcases and this might be easier if there are 2-4 of you or you are traveling with children or a pram, etc. This is also the only option if you are looking to make this trip in the middle of the night when the buses and metros are not running.
You can read more trips here about taking taxis in China as well as Shanghai taxis specifically; it is important to carry cash, insist on using the meter in the taxi.
- Duration: At least 70 minutes
- Price: RMB 230
5. China Highlights can arrange a transfer service
- For the traveler seeking convenience and complete peace of mind
Your driver will help with your luggageChina Highlights has a transfer service that can give you complete peace of mind. One of our colleagues will await you upon your arrival at Pudong International Airport (or anywhere in China), to take you to a vehicle which depends on how many people you are traveling with.
We ensure our drivers are safe and knowledgeable, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about finding a taxi or getting on the right bus or subway!
- Duration: At least 70 minutes
- Price: from 25 USD per person, depending on group size
Further Reading
Shanghai skyscrapersLooking to fly into Shanghai and leave by train? You can find information about trains from Shanghai on the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station travel page.
China Highlights can also help you search for and book train tickets here.
Need inspiration for your time in Shanghai? Check out China Highlights' Shanghai travel tips here.
Not sure where to start on planning your trip? Or think you'll need or would like more help than just the pick-up service? Get in touch with China Highlights to create your own China trip.