How to get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to your hotel
Compare prices and travel times for the best transfer options to Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the main international gateway to Shanghai, located about 30 km (19 miles) east of the city center. It is famous for hosting the world's fastest commercial train, the Maglev. While the airport is far from downtown (The Bund, People's Square), the transport infrastructure is excellent. Travelers can choose the futuristic Maglev for speed, the Metro Line 2 for unbeatable value, or taxis/rideshares for direct convenience. Be aware that Shanghai is huge, so knowing your hotel's location relative to Metro stations is key.
Want the easiest arrival from Shanghai Pudong International Airport?
Pre-booking a private airport transfer works best when you arrive late, have lots of luggage, or just want a driver waiting at arrivals instead of comparing taxis and rideshare lines.
Maglev Train
The Shanghai Maglev is a unique experience and the fastest way to leave the airport. It levitates magnetically and hits speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph). It travels from PVG to Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes. NOTE: Longyang Road is *not* in the city center; you must transfer there to Metro Line 2 or Line 7 to reach The Bund. It operates daily until approx 9:40 PM.
Pros
- World's fastest train experience (8 mins travel time)
- Extremely reliable and modern
- Good connection to Metro network at Longyang Road
Cons
- Does not go directly to the city center (requires transfer)
- Stops operating earlier than the Metro (last train ~9:40 PM)
- More expensive than the regular subway (~50 RMB)
Map of hotels near Shanghai Pudong International Airport PVG
Compare nearby hotels if you want an easier airport base after a late arrival, before an early departure, or when transfer simplicity matters more than staying in the city.
Best airport hotel picks near PVG
Three stays worth checking when the smoothest terminal-to-bed plan matters as much as the room itself.
Metro Line 2
Metro Line 2 (Green Line) connects PVG directly to key tourist areas like Lujiazui, People's Square, and Nanjing East Road. It is incredibly cheap (approx. 7–9 RMB). Trains now run 8-car sets all the way to the airport, eliminating the old transfer at Guanglan Road. It is a long ride (60–90 minutes) but offers a 'single-seat' journey to downtown.
Pros
- Cheapest way to get to the city center
- Stops directly at major tourist hubs (People's Square, Jing'an Temple)
- No need to deal with traffic jams
Cons
- Slow journey (1 hour+)
- Can be crowded during rush hour
- Navigation with heavy luggage can be difficult (stairs/crowds)
Approved Taxi
Official taxis are available from the well-organized queues outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Shanghai taxi drivers are professional and use the meter strictly. A ride to The Bund or People's Square typically costs 200–250 RMB and takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. It is highly recommended to have your hotel address written in Chinese, as most drivers do not speak English.
Pros
- Direct door-to-door service
- Available 24/7
- Regulated pricing (scams are rare if you use the official line)
Cons
- More expensive than public transport
- Drivers rarely speak English (address card essential)
- Subject to Shanghai's heavy traffic
DiDi (Chinese Rideshare)
Uber does not operate in China; the local equivalent is DiDi Chuxing. You can download the English version of the DiDi app. Pickups are at designated zones: T1 (Parking B2) and T2 (Parking B1). It can sometimes be cheaper than a taxi, and the app handles the language barrier by translating your destination for the driver.
Pros
- English app handles translation/directions
- Often cheaper than standard dispatch taxis
- Ride tracking and cashless payment
Cons
- Pickup zones are in the parking structures (follow signs)
- Requires a working smartphone with internet data
- Wait times can vary
Have a layover at Pudong?
See whether you should stay inside the airport, use lounges or airport facilities, head into Shanghai by rail, or book an airport hotel instead.