Quick answer
How do I get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to the city?
From Pudong Airport (PVG) you have four real options: the **maglev** to Longyang Road (about 8 minutes, ¥50, then metro Line 2 into town), **metro Line 2** direct (cheapest at ¥8, but 60–90 minutes), **airport buses** (¥20–30), or **taxi/DiDi** (45–60 minutes, ¥200+). Landing after 9:30pm? Take a taxi — the metro and maglev stop running in the evening.
Fact-checked 2026-10-09
Your four options from Pudong (PVG)
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev + metro | ~35 min total | ¥50 maglev + ¥4 metro | Daytime arrivals; the experience itself |
| Metro Line 2 | 60–90 min | ¥8 | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| Airport bus | 60–90 min | ¥20–30 | Hongqiao area / off-metro destinations |
| Taxi / DiDi | 45–60 min | ¥200+ | Late-night arrivals, groups, heavy luggage |
The maglev, step by step
- 1Follow signs for the Maglev in Terminal 1/2 — it's a separate station, not the metro.
- 2Buy a ¥50 single ticket (¥80 round trip if returning within 7 days). Trains run roughly every 15–20 minutes.
- 3Ride about 8 minutes to Longyang Road, then transfer to metro Line 2 (green) toward East Xujing — 30 minutes to People's Square / Nanjing East Road.
Landing late? Skip the trains
The metro stops running around 10–11pm. If your flight lands after 9:30pm, don't gamble on the last train — take a taxi or pre-book a DiDi. The maglev also stops in the evening (last departure around 9:40pm).
Taxi survival tips
- Use the official taxi queue — ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride.
- Insist on the meter (打表, dǎ biǎo) or agree the price in the DiDi app before getting in.
- Have your hotel name and address in Chinese characters ready — most drivers don't read English. Save it in your maps app offline.
Flying into Hongqiao (SHA) instead? You're lucky — it's already in the city: metro Line 2/10 reach downtown in 30–45 minutes, and taxis are half the Pudong price.
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