China Travel guide

Shanghai Airport to Hotel — A Photo Guide

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong (PVG, the big international one) and Hongqiao (SHA, closer to the city). Both connect easily to the metro. Here's how to reach your hotel without speaking Chinese.

From Pudong Airport (PVG): the Maglev is a fun start

The Maglev train (磁悬浮) hits 300 km/h and gets you from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road in 8 minutes for 50 yuan (or 40 yuan with a same-day air ticket). From Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 to reach the city center. Alternatively, stay on Metro Line 2 all the way - it runs from the airport to People's Square in about 60 minutes for 7 yuan.

From Hongqiao Airport (SHA): right on the metro

Hongqiao Airport has its own metro station. Take Line 2 east toward the city center (People's Square, Nanjing Road, Lujiazui) or Line 10 toward the French Concession (Xintiandi, Yu Garden). It takes about 30-40 minutes to the center and costs 4-6 yuan. English signs and announcements are everywhere.

Taxi or ride-hailing

From PVG to the city center, a taxi costs 150-250 yuan; from SHA about 60-120 yuan. Use the official taxi queue or Didi (English interface, upfront fare). Traffic on the Yan'an Elevated Road can be heavy - the metro is often faster.

The last stretch: metro stop to your hotel in the lanes

Shanghai's charm is in the lane houses (nongtang) of the French Concession and the old town - and they are a maze of gates, alleys and dead ends. Street numbers don't follow a pattern. Save an imhere route from your metro stop: each step is a photo of a lane gate, a plane tree, or a corner bakery, so you walk straight to the hotel door without reading a single Chinese sign.

Arrive prepared. Navigate without words.

Create a route Browse routes

Frequently asked questions

Is the Shanghai Maglev worth it?

If you're going toward the city center, yes - it's the world's fastest commercial train and saves about 30 minutes. But it only goes to Longyang Road, so you still transfer to Line 2.

Which Shanghai airport should I fly into?

Hongqiao (SHA) is closer to the center and better connected, but most international flights use Pudong (PVG). Check your airline - both are on Metro Line 2.

Can I pay for the metro with a foreign card?

Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (both accept foreign cards with the international versions) - scan the QR code at the gate. Some stations also sell single-journey tokens with cash.

How do I find a hotel hidden in the nongtang lanes?

Many boutique hotels are inside lane houses. Save an imhere photo route from the nearest metro station before you go - the photos guide you gate by gate.