How to get to Shanghai

Shanghai is a magnificent metropolis on the eastern coast of China, where the colonial architecture of The Bund meets the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong. If you have decided to travel to Shanghai, a highly developed transport infrastructure awaits you: the city receives numerous international flights and is connected to other regions by a network of high-speed trains and motorways. Below, we describe in detail how to get to Shanghai so you can choose the most convenient and fastest route for your journey.

For travellers planning to visit Shanghai, flying remains the most popular and convenient option. The city is served by two major aviation hubs that connect the metropolis with practically the whole world. The main flow of international flights is handled by Pudong International Airport (Pudong, PVG), located approximately 30 kilometres east of the city centre.

The second important aviation hub is Hongqiao International Airport (Hongqiao, SHA). It is located significantly closer to the centre, in the western part of the city, and is used primarily for domestic flights within China, as well as for some flights from neighbouring Asian countries. Thanks to its convenient location, you can reach many popular hotels and business districts more quickly from here.

Excellent transport links are established between the airports and the city centre. Travellers can use the metro (Line 2 connects both airports), shuttle buses, or taxis. From Pudong Airport, the famous high-speed magnetic levitation train, the Maglev, also operates; it is capable of delivering passengers to the Longyang Road metro station in just a few minutes, reaching speeds of up to 430 km/h.

Shanghai is one of the largest and most crucial railway hubs in China. Routes from all over the country converge here, so travelling by train often becomes an excellent alternative to flying. Thanks to the developed network of high-speed lines, you can reach the metropolis from Beijing, Hangzhou, or Nanjing quickly and with maximum comfort.

The city is served by several railway stations, but two are most relevant for tourists. Shanghai Hongqiao is a modern transport hub that receives the majority of high-speed trains and is conveniently connected to the airport and metro. Another important hub is Shanghai Railway Station, located closer to the city centre; both high-speed expresses and standard long-distance trains arrive here.

An extensive network of modern motorways makes bus travel an excellent alternative to trains, especially for trips from cities in the Yangtze River Delta. The picturesque journey from Suzhou, famous for its gardens, or cozy Jiaxing will take only about 1.5–2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 100 kilometres. Regular connections are also established with the city of Nantong: comfortable coaches cover about 130 kilometres of the route in an average of 2–2.5 hours.

In Shanghai, there are several large bus terminals, including the Central Terminal near the railway station and the South Long-Distance Bus Station, so it is important to verify your arrival point before travelling. Buses depart frequently and are generally equipped with air conditioning and soft seats, ensuring a decent level of comfort while travelling on the roads of China.

The driving route to Shanghai from neighbouring cities follows high-quality toll expressways linking key points of the region. The journey from Suzhou or Jiaxing, located within a radius of 100 kilometres, will take on average one and a half hours with clear roads. A trip from Nantong, covering a distance of about 130 kilometres, will last approximately two hours and will be memorable for the crossing over the majestic Yangtze River.

Booking a taxi or a private transfer is particularly convenient for travellers with bulky luggage who wish to get straight to their hotel. The estimated cost of such a trip from nearby cities starts from 350–500 Yuan, though rates may vary depending on the vehicle class and the aggregator chosen. It is important to account for heavy traffic when entering the metropolis: during morning and evening peak hours, travel time can increase significantly.

A trip to Shanghai promises to be an exciting adventure, full of contrasts and vivid impressions. To ensure your journey through this dynamic metropolis of China is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations to help you adapt more quickly.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The city has four distinct seasons, yet humidity is always high. In summer, choose light, breathable fabrics and do not forget an umbrella, as rain occurs frequently. In winter and early spring, be sure to bring a warm jacket and waterproof footwear — due to the dampness, the cold feels more intense than the thermometer indicates.
2. Transport. The fastest and most predictable way to get around is the metro, the network of which covers the entire city and features clear navigation in English. For ease of payment in the metro, buses, and even taxis, we recommend purchasing a Shanghai Public Transportation Card, which can be topped up as needed.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Yuan. Although international cards are accepted in major hotels and high-end restaurants, mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay dominate daily life (cafés, shops, transport). It is better to install these apps and link your card in advance, and also carry a small amount of cash for minor expenses.
4. Health and Safety. Shanghai is a safe city where you can walk calmly even in the evening. However, drinking tap water is strictly not recommended — please purchase bottled water. Pharmacies are common, but medication names may be in characters only, so it is best to bring essential medicines from home.
5. Communication. Despite its status as an international hub, English is not understood everywhere. We strongly recommend downloading an offline translator to your smartphone with voice recognition and photo translation functions (for example, for reading menus or signs).
6. Local Etiquette. It is not customary here to leave tips in restaurants and taxis — this is not part of the culture. Greetings are usually reserved; handshakes are acceptable, but try not to display strong negative emotions in public, as "saving face" is very important for local residents.
7. What to Avoid. Try not to plan metro trips during peak hours (from 7:30 to 9:30 and from 17:00 to 19:00) when carriages are overcrowded. Also, be vigilant with overly friendly strangers inviting you to a "traditional tea ceremony" — this is a common tourist trap with vastly inflated prices.
8. Additional Advice. Remember that many familiar global social networks, messengers, and search engines are blocked in the country. To stay connected and use your usual maps, arrange for roaming or the installation of necessary applications (VPN) in advance, before crossing the border.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid common organizational difficulties and focus on what matters most — exploring the unique atmosphere, architecture, and culture of this amazing city. We wish you a pleasant and smooth journey!