Metro Line 2
Direct from Pudong Airport through Longyang Road, Lujiazui and People's Square
- Best for
- Lowest fare to central Shanghai
- Journey time
- About 1 hour to People's Square
- Typical cost
- About ¥7 to People's Square
PVG Transfer Guide
Shanghai Pudong Airport to City: Metro, Maglev & Taxi
Compare current fares, journey times and routes to People's Square, the Bund and Hongqiao
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is about 30 km east of central Shanghai. Metro Line 2 is the cheapest route to People's Square and Nanjing East Road, while the Maglev cuts the airport-to-Longyang Road section to about eight minutes. The Airport Link Line is the clear rail choice when you need Hongqiao Airport or its railway hub rather than central Shanghai. Taxis provide a direct journey at a much higher cost.
Quick answer
Pudong Airport transport at a glance
Take Metro Line 2 for the lowest fare and a direct rail route through central Shanghai. Use the Maglev when you want the quickest trip to Longyang Road and do not mind changing there. Choose the Airport Link Line for Hongqiao Airport or Hongqiao Railway Station, and take a taxi when door-to-door travel matters most.
Maglev + Metro
Maglev to Longyang Road, then Metro Line 2, Line 7 or taxi
- Best for
- Fast airport leg to Pudong
- Journey time
- About 8 min to Longyang Road, plus the onward journey
- Typical cost
- ¥50 standard single fare, plus Metro or taxi
Airport Link Line
Direct to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, with luggage racks on board
- Best for
- Hongqiao Airport and railway hub
- Journey time
- About 40 min to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2
- Typical cost
- ¥26 for the full airport-to-airport journey
Official taxi
24-hour taxi ranks outside T1 Arrivals Gate 12 and T2 Arrivals Gate 25
- Best for
- Door-to-door travel with luggage
- Journey time
- About 50 min to People's Square in normal traffic
- Typical cost
- Around ¥180 to People's Square
| Option | Best for | Journey time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 2Direct from Pudong Airport through Longyang Road, Lujiazui and People's Square | Lowest fare to central Shanghai | About 1 hour to People's Square | About ¥7 to People's Square |
| Maglev + MetroMaglev to Longyang Road, then Metro Line 2, Line 7 or taxi | Fast airport leg to Pudong | About 8 min to Longyang Road, plus the onward journey | ¥50 standard single fare, plus Metro or taxi |
| Airport Link LineDirect to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, with luggage racks on board | Hongqiao Airport and railway hub | About 40 min to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 | ¥26 for the full airport-to-airport journey |
| Official taxi24-hour taxi ranks outside T1 Arrivals Gate 12 and T2 Arrivals Gate 25 | Door-to-door travel with luggage | About 50 min to People's Square in normal traffic | Around ¥180 to People's Square |
Choose by destination
People's Square and the Bund
Metro Line 2 or Maglev + Metro
Line 2 is cheaper and needs no change. The Maglev is quicker to Longyang Road but still requires an onward Metro or taxi journey.
Lujiazui and Pudong
Metro Line 2 or Maglev + onward connection
Line 2 serves Lujiazui directly. The Maglev can make sense when your destination is convenient from Longyang Road.
Hongqiao Airport or Railway Station
Airport Link Line
The dedicated line reaches Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in about 40 minutes. Follow signs for the short onward connection to the railway station.
Late-night arrival
Taxi or pre-booked transfer
Rail services do not run all night. Use the official taxi queue or arrange a pickup before landing.
Book Private Transfer
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.
Meet-and-greet
Driver pickup details are arranged in advance.Better for late arrivals
Useful when transit options slow down at night.Fixed upfront booking
Easier to compare than airport taxi queues.Maglev Train
The Maglev covers the airport-to-Longyang Road section in about eight minutes. Longyang Road is not central Shanghai, so continue by Metro Line 2, Metro Line 7 or taxi. The current standard single fare is ¥50, with a ¥40 fare available under the operator's listed same-day air-ticket conditions. Pudong Airport departures are currently scheduled from 07:02 to 21:42.
Pros
- About eight minutes to Longyang Road
- Avoids road traffic
- Connects with Metro Lines 2 and 7
Cons
- Does not go directly to the city center (requires transfer)
- Does not run overnight
- Costs considerably more than Metro Line 2
PVG hotel map
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.
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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 runs from Pudong Airport through Longyang Road, Lujiazui, Nanjing East Road and People's Square. Shanghai's official visitor guidance gives a fare of about ¥7 and a journey of about one hour to People's Square. It is the practical budget choice, but crowded platforms and the long ride can be tiring with heavy luggage.
Pros
- Cheapest way to get to the city center
- Serves Lujiazui, Nanjing East Road and People's Square
- No need to deal with traffic jams
Cons
- Takes about one hour to People's Square
- Can be crowded during rush hour
- Navigation with heavy luggage can be difficult (stairs/crowds)
Official Taxi
Official taxis operate 24 hours from the airport ranks outside T1 Arrivals Gate 12 and T2 Arrivals Gate 25. Shanghai Airport Authority estimates about 50 minutes and ¥180 to People's Square, although the metered fare and travel time depend on traffic and the final address. Keep the hotel name and address available in Chinese.
Pros
- Direct door-to-door service
- Available 24/7
- Official airport ranks operate 24 hours
Cons
- More expensive than public transport
- A Chinese-language destination address is useful
- Subject to Shanghai's heavy traffic
Airport Link Line
The Airport Link Line connects Pudong Airport T1 and T2 with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in about 40 minutes. The full journey costs ¥26 and trains run approximately every 15 minutes. This is the most useful option for an onward flight from Hongqiao or a train from the Hongqiao hub; it is not the direct route to the Bund or People's Square.
Pros
- About 40 minutes between Pudong and Hongqiao airports
- Dedicated luggage racks
- Far faster than crossing the city on Metro Line 2
Cons
- Not the best rail route to central Shanghai
- Does not run overnight
- Hongqiao Railway Station requires an onward walk or connection
PVG Layover Guide
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.
Read layover guide