Shanghai Transportation Guide: Metro, Didi, Taxis, Buses, Bikes & Ferries

Main payment options

Newcomer tip: set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, then add SH MaaS / Suishenxing once you are in Shanghai. This gives you a more complete transport setup for metro, buses, ferries, airport rail, and real-time route information. Our mobile payments guide for foreigners covers the full setup, and the city's official metro payment guidance lists the options available to international visitors.

Use it for:

• Metro, buses, and ferries
• Airport Link Line and other urban rail services
• Maglev information
• Taxis and shared bikes
• Real-time transport updates
• First and last train information
• Route planning
• 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day transport passes where available

It is especially useful because it can provide one transport QR code for multiple forms of public transport, reducing the need to switch between separate apps. Best for: newcomers who want one main transport app instead of setting up every system separately. See our essential apps guide for the rest of your app setup.

The metro is usually the best choice for:

• Daily commuting
• Tourist attractions
• Shopping areas
• Railway stations
• Travelling between Pudong and Puxi
• Avoiding traffic
• Budget-friendly travel

Why the metro is the best starting point

Shanghai traffic can be slow during rush hour, but the metro is predictable. Stations are clearly marked, trains are frequent, and most station signs include English. For new arrivals, it is usually easier to use the metro during the day and Didi or taxis at night.

Metro payment options

You can usually pay using:

• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• SH MaaS / Suishenxing
• Shanghai Metro Daduhui app
• Shanghai Public Transportation Card
• Single-journey tickets
• Eligible contactless bank cards on supported gates

Metro tips for newcomers

• Avoid peak commuting times when possible: around 7:30–9:30 am and 5:30–7:30 pm.
• Keep your bag in front of you during crowded times.
• Check the final station direction before boarding.
• Some stations are very large, so allow extra time for transfers.
• Last trains vary by line and station, so check before travelling late at night.

Didi

Didi works similarly to Uber. You enter your pickup and destination in the app, confirm the ride, and pay through the app. Didi is useful because:

• You can enter destinations without speaking Chinese.
• The price is shown before or during the ride.
• You can choose vehicle types.
• Payment is handled in the app.
• It is easier than explaining an address to a street taxi driver.

Taxi

Shanghai taxis are still useful, especially at airports, railway stations, hotels, and major shopping areas. Official taxis should use the meter. Avoid private drivers who approach you inside airports, railway stations, or tourist areas. A real taxi should have:

• A taxi roof light
• A meter
• A visible vacancy sign
• Company markings
• Driver information
• A printed receipt option

Taxi tips

• Keep your destination written in Chinese.
• Ask the driver to use the meter if needed.
• Do not accept rides from unofficial drivers inside terminals.
• Keep the receipt in case you leave something behind.
• Tipping is not expected.
• During rain or rush hour, taxis and Didi cars can be harder to get.

Useful Chinese for taxis

Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city

Pudong Airport is far from central Shanghai, so the best option depends on your arrival time, luggage, budget, and final destination.

Maglev

The Maglev connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road. It is fast, but it does not go directly into central districts such as People's Square, Jing'an, Xuhui, or the Former French Concession. Most travellers still need to transfer to the metro or take a taxi from Longyang Road. Best for: people staying near Line 2, people travelling light, or visitors who want the Maglev experience.

Airport Link Line

The Airport Link Line is an important option for travel between Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport, Hongqiao Railway Station, and other parts of the city. It is especially useful if you need to transfer between airports or connect from Pudong to the Hongqiao transport hub. Best for:

• Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport
• Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station
• Airport-to-airport transfers
• Travellers going toward western or southern Shanghai
• People who want rail transport but want to avoid multiple metro transfers

Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to the city

Hongqiao Airport is much closer to central Shanghai than Pudong. Metro Lines 2 and 10 are usually convenient, depending on your destination. Taxis and Didi are also practical because the distance to central Puxi is shorter.

Airport arrival tip: for your first arrival in Shanghai, the easiest option is often an official taxi or Didi if you have heavy luggage. If you are travelling light and arrive during metro operating hours, the metro or airport rail options can save money.

Bike sharing in Shanghai

Shared bikes are useful for short trips, last-mile transport, and exploring neighbourhoods. They are common around metro stations, residential compounds, shopping streets, office areas, and university zones. Popular bike-sharing options include Meituan Bike, Hello Bike, and other bikes available through local apps or mini programs.

Use shared bikes for:

• Short trips under 15–20 minutes
• Getting from a metro station to your final destination
• Exploring neighbourhoods such as Xuhui, Jing'an, Former French Concession, or riverside areas
• Avoiding short taxi rides during traffic

Bike-sharing tips:

• Park only in allowed parking areas.
• Do not block pavements, gates, ramps, or building entrances.
• Be careful around scooters and delivery riders.
• Avoid busy roads until you are comfortable with local traffic.
• Check the brakes and seat before starting.
• Do not ride after drinking.
• In summer, short bike trips can still feel hot and tiring.

Buses in Shanghai

Buses are cheap and cover many areas that the metro does not reach directly. They are useful for local neighbourhood trips, short journeys, and routes where the metro would require several transfers. However, buses are usually less beginner-friendly than the metro because stops may be harder to identify, traffic affects journey time, and some route information is easier to understand in Chinese.

Depending on the route and your setup, you may be able to pay with the Shanghai Public Transportation QR code, Alipay, WeChat, SH MaaS / Suishenxing, the Shanghai Public Transportation Card, or cash on some routes.

Buses are helpful when:

• Your destination is not close to a metro station.
• You are travelling within one neighbourhood.
• You want the cheapest possible option.
• A map app shows a direct bus route.
• You are already familiar with the area.

Bus tips for newcomers:

• Use a map app to follow your route while riding.
• Check whether you need to scan when boarding only or also when exiting.
• Keep an eye on stop names.
• Allow extra time during rush hour.
• Start with simple direct routes before using complex transfers.

Ferries in Shanghai

Shanghai ferries cross the Huangpu River and can be both practical and scenic. They are different from tourist river cruises. Ferries are short public transport crossings used by pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and commuters.

Use ferries when:

• You want a cheap Huangpu River crossing.
• You are exploring the Bund, Lujiazui, or riverside areas.
• You are travelling with a bike or scooter.
• You want a local Shanghai experience.
• You want skyline views without paying for a cruise.

Ferry tips:

• Check the route and operating hours before going.
• Some ferry routes are more scenic than others.
• Ferries can be useful for photography, especially around sunset.
• Bring your transport QR code or public transportation card.
• Do not confuse commuter ferries with sightseeing cruises.

If you have just arrived, do this first:

1. 01Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay

   Do this before you arrive if possible — link a foreign card, complete verification, and test a small payment.

2. 02Save your address in Chinese

   Keep your hotel, apartment, or school address saved in Chinese to show taxi drivers or paste into Didi.

3. 03Take an official taxi or Didi from the airport

   The easiest option if you have heavy luggage. Use the official taxi queue, never touts inside the terminal.

4. 04Use the metro if travelling light

   If you arrive during operating hours, Metro Line 2, the Maglev, or the Airport Link Line can save money.

5. 05Download SH MaaS / Suishenxing

   One app and one QR code for metro, buses, ferries, and airport rail, plus route planning and last-train times.

6. 06Save your nearest metro station

   Learn its name in English and Chinese — it becomes your reference point for the whole city.

7. 07Check the last train time

   Last trains vary by line and station, so check before going out at night.

8. 08Keep a small amount of cash

   Cash is a backup for some taxis and ticket machines if your phone dies or a QR code fails.

For payment setup, start with the mobile payments guide for foreigners. For everything beyond transport, see the full Shanghai arrival checklist.