English guide for foreign visitors
How do I get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to the city center?
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Step 1 of 5
Arrivals hall, Pudong Airport
Do this
Before choosing a route, confirm which terminal you landed in and the exact hotel address you are travelling to. Check the airport signage for the metro and Maglev directions from your terminal.
- Done when
- You can state your terminal and your hotel's nearest metro station or street address, and you know whether your hotel is near a Line 2 station or needs a taxi or transfer at the end.
If this fails
If you cannot find your terminal or hotel address, check your booking confirmation or ask at an official airport information desk before buying any ticket.
Step 2 of 5
Metro station, Pudong Airport
Do this
If your hotel is near a Line 2 station and you are travelling light, follow airport signage to the Metro Line 2 station and buy a single-journey ticket from a vending machine, or tap an eligible contactless bank card at the gate for Tap to Ride.
- Done when
- You are through the gate with a valid ticket or accepted tap, and you are on the platform for the direction toward the city center.
If this fails
If your card is not accepted at the gate, buy a single-journey ticket from a vending machine instead. If the vending machine will not take your payment, use another accepted card or ask station staff for help.
Step 3 of 5
Maglev station, Pudong Airport
Do this
If you want the faster rail option, take the Maglev from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road, then transfer to the metro for the rest of the journey to your hotel area.
- Done when
- You have arrived at Longyang Road and are inside the metro system heading toward your destination station.
If this fails
If the Maglev is not running or you cannot buy a ticket, return to the Metro Line 2 option or use the official taxi stand instead.
Step 4 of 5
Official taxi stand, Pudong Airport
Do this
If you have heavy luggage, are arriving late, or your hotel is not near a metro station, follow airport signage to the official taxi stand and take a metered taxi. Do not accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal.
- Done when
- You are in a licensed taxi from the official stand, the meter is running, and the driver is taking you to your stated hotel address.
If this fails
If someone offers you a ride inside the terminal, decline and continue to the official taxi stand. If the driver will not use the meter or does not recognise your hotel address, get out before departure and return to the official stand.
Step 5 of 5
Your hotel
Do this
Arrive at your booked hotel with your luggage and complete check-in.
- Done when
- You are checked in at the hotel you booked, with your luggage, and you have paid the correct metro fare or the taxi meter fare.
- Finished only when
- You are at your booked hotel with your luggage, checked in, and you have paid the correct metro fare or the taxi meter fare for the journey.
- You are still at the airport or at an intermediate station without a confirmed onward route.
- You paid a driver a negotiated price instead of the meter fare.
- You are at a different hotel or address from your booking.
If this fails
If you arrive at the wrong hotel or cannot find the entrance, check the address on your booking and ask the driver or station staff for directions before paying or leaving the vehicle.
After this task
Payment setup is a separate task from choosing an airport route, and it is needed before you can pay for metro tickets, taxis or hotel extras.