How to get around in Shanghai: 2026 Guide

With 25 million residents, neighbourhoods that are worlds apart, and endless kilometres to cover between the Bund and Disneyland, getting around Shanghai can seem daunting at first. But with the right tips and a little organisation, exploring every corner of the city has never been easier!

To help you make the most of your trip, Trip.com has put together the ultimate guide to getting around Shanghai stress-free, from your first day to your last!

Get Around in Shanghai by Metro

With 831 kilometres of track, 20 lines (yes, really!), and trains running every 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours, the Shanghai Metro is one of the largest and most modern in the world. It’s air-conditioned, punctual, features English signage on the main lines, and is incredibly affordable: just 3 to 14 CNY (~£0.70 to £1.70) per journey depending on the distance—that’s less than £2 even at the most expensive!

The metro is the best way to fully explore Shanghai, discover all its neighbourhoods, and reach all the must-see sights.

How does the Shanghai Metro work?

The metro runs from approximately 5:30 am to 11:00 pm. Paying is a breeze! Simply scan a QR code via WeChat Pay or Alipay (it's the quickest way to go).

Alternatively, ticket counters accept international bank cards. If you're planning to visit several places in one day, the Day Pass for 18 CNY (~£2.15) is definitely worth it.

The Shanghai metro lines you need to know

Most of the lines below will help you cover the main districts and sights of Shanghai during your stay:

• Line 2: The Bund, People's Square, Lujiazui, and both airports (Pudong and Hongqiao)
• Line 10: Yu Garden, Old Street, Xintiandi
• Line 1: French Concession, People's Square, Central Station
• Line 9: Tianzifang (Dapuqiao Station, Exit 1)
• Line 11: Shanghai Disneyland (Disney Resort Station)

Get Around in Shanghai by Maglev

If you're arriving at Pudong Airport (PVG), there's a mode of transport you won't find anywhere else: the Maglev. This magnetic levitation train whisks you from the airport to Longyang Road station in just 7 to 8 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h.

Quite simply the fastest commercial train in the world! We’re not saying it’s the most practical option, but it is an experience in its own right.

Practical information

Departures every 15 to 20 minutes, from 7:02 am to 9:42 pm from the airport.

A single ticket costs 50 CNY (~£5.50), or 40 CNY if you show your boarding pass for the day. From Longyang Road, hop on Metro Line 2, 7, 16 or 18 to reach the city centre in about another 20 minutes.

From Hongqiao (SHA), you won't have access to the Maglev, but Metro Lines 2 and 10 will whisk you directly to the city centre in just 20 minutes for a few yuan.

Get Around in Shanghai by Taxi or Ride-Hailing

The metro can't get you everywhere. Whether you're heading back from a late night out, staying in a hotel on a quiet street with no nearby station, or simply have suitcases that are too heavy to lug up and down stairs… in these cases, DiDi (the local equivalent of Uber) is the perfect way to get around.

The app is available in English, payments can be made via WeChat Pay, Alipay, or international bank card, and your route is tracked by GPS. You might not be able to haggle over the price, but you won't have any nasty surprises either!

Prices to keep in mind (indicative)

• Flag fall: around 14 CNY for the first 3 km (~£1.80)
• Pudong Airport → City Centre: 150 to 200 CNY (~£16 to £22)
• Hongqiao Airport → City Centre: 65 to 97 CNY (~£7 to £11)
• City centre journey: 25 to 60 CNY (~£3 to £8)

When leaving the airport, always head straight for the official taxi rank. Ignore anyone who approaches you with "taxi" offers – they’re rarely a good deal!

Get Around in Shanghai by Bus

Shanghai boasts an impressive bus network with routes that keep running even after the metro closes! It’s a flat fare of just 2 CNY (less than £0.30), payable in cash or via WeChat Pay.

The downside? Stops are rarely announced in English. Without Baidu Maps or Amap to track your journey in real-time, things can get complicated pretty quickly. Plus, during rush hour, Shanghai traffic can easily turn a 20-minute trip into an hour-long crawl through gridlock.

Get Around in Shanghai by Shared Bikes or Scooters

From the plane-tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession and the winding alleyways of Tianzifang to the banks of the Huangpu at sunrise, some parts of Shanghai are best savoured by bike rather than by metro or bus.

Hellobike, Meituan, and DiDi Bike offer thousands of electric bikes and scooters all over the city, for around 1.50 CNY per 30 minutes. Simply scan the QR code on the handlebars, unlock, and off you go!

A few situations where this is particularly useful:

• Stroll through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession;
• Stroll along the banks of the Huangpu River to the Bund;
• Connecting two metro stations in the city centre;
• Take your time exploring Tianzifang and its charming little courtyards.

Best Way to Get Around in Shanghai

How to Get to the Must-Sees in Shanghai

Tips for Getting Around in Shanghai

• 🧳 Large suitcases and the metro can be a tricky combination. Navigating major stations during rush hour is a real challenge. If you're arriving with a lot of luggage, it's best to take a DiDi or a shuttle directly.
• 📱 Get WeChat Pay or Alipay set up before you leave home. These two apps are your golden ticket for paying for absolutely everything in Shanghai: from the metro and bike rentals to restaurants and shops. Link your international bank card before you travel—it’s much easier than trying to sort it out once you’ve arrived!
• 🚀 Consider using luggage forwarding services between hotels. SF Express and Cainiao allow you to send your suitcases from one hotel to another for just £5–£10. Locals do this all the time (and you'll understand why after your first trip on the metro with a big backpack).
• 📱 For trains to other cities, book on Trip.com and select a seat with dedicated luggage space. On the Shanghai–Beijing or Shanghai–Hangzhou lines, these seats go fast!

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