Best China Travel 2026

Option 1: Metro (Most Cost-Effective)

As the backbone of Shanghai’s public transportation network, the metro lines connecting Hongqiao Airport cover the city’s core areas, offering unbeatable cost-effectiveness for most travelers.

Route Coverage:

• ​Line 2: Direct to People’s Square, Lujiazui (Pudong CBD)
• ​Line 10: Direct to The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Hongqiao Railway Station
• ​Line 17: Direct to Qingpu District, West Cypress Lake

Station Location:

T2 Terminal B1 floor (directly connected to Hongqiao Railway Station); T1 Terminal: Take free shuttle bus to T2 first

Operating Hours:

• Line 2: 05:30-23:00
• ​Line 10: 05:30-23:00
• ​Line 17: 05:30-22:30 (weekdays), 06:00-23:00 (weekends)

Fare & Travel Time Reference

Destination	One-Way Fare	Estimated Travel Time
People’s Square	$0.71	25 mins
The Bund (East Nanjing Rd)	$0.85	30 mins
Hongqiao Railway Station	$0.42	5 mins (walkable)
Xujiahui	$0.85	35 mins

Option 2: Intercity Airport Line

The dedicated intercity line linking Hongqiao and Pudong Airports cuts transfer time to just 40 minutes, making it the top choice for cross-airport travelers.

• Route: Hongqiao T2 Terminal Station → Pudong T1/T2 Terminal Station

• Operating Hours: Departs Hongqiao 06:00-22:00; Departs Pudong 06:00-22:00

• Departure Interval: 15 mins/shift during peak hours, 20 mins/shift during off-peak hours

• Ticketing & Discounts

1. Ticketing Channels: Station self-service machines, ticket counters, WeChat/Alipay mini-programs
2. ​Price Standard: One-way $3.62 (fixed fare for full route)
3. ​Special Policy: China Eastern Airlines/Shanghai Airlines transfer passengers can get free tickets at “Airport Link” service counters

• Transfer Guide

1. Boarding at Hongqiao T2 Terminal B1 floor (metro interchange area)
2. Direct access to Pudong T1/T2 Terminals without additional transfers

Option 3: Taxi (Door-to-Door Convenience)

Operating 24 hours a day with no transfers required, taxis are ideal for travelers with elderly, children, or large amounts of luggage.

• Waiting Points:

Outside T1 Arrival Gate 1; T2 Arrival Gate 2 (queue as instructed by staff)

• Pricing Standard:
• Daytime (05:00-23:00): Starting fare $1.96 (within 3 km), $0.35/km for 3-15 km, $0.53/km for over 15 km
• Nighttime (23:00-05:00): Starting fare $2.55, 30% surcharge on subsequent kilometers
• Additional Fees: $0.10/min waiting fee (when speed < 12 km/h), tunnel/bridge tolls (if applicable)

• Fare Reference for Popular Destinations:

• Hongqiao Airport → People’s Square: $1.96 – $2.62 (daytime), $2.55 – $3.33 (nighttime)
• Hongqiao Airport → Xujiahui: $2.30 – $2.96 (daytime), $2.99 – $3.67 (nighttime)
• Hongqiao Airport → The Bund: $2.13 – $2.79 (daytime), $2.77 – $3.53 (nighttime)

Option 4: Ride-Hailing Services (Flexible and Controllable)

Online booking with transparent pricing allows you to select car models in advance, avoiding on-site queuing and ensuring a smooth journey.

• Recommended Platforms

DiDi Chuxing, Amap Dache, Alipay Dache (supports English interface)

• Pickup Points

• T1 Terminal: P1 Parking Lot Ride-Hailing Dedicated Area
• ​T2 Terminal: P9 Parking Lot Ground Area, Long-Distance Bus West Station (follow ground signs)

• Practical Tips

1. Book 15-30 minutes in advance and select “Airport Pickup Service” to sync flight information automatically
2. ​The pickup points use intelligent access control; drivers enter via order verification for efficient boarding

• Price Reference

• Hongqiao Airport → People’s Square: $1.63 – $2.29
• ​Hongqiao Airport → Jing’an Temple: $1.80 – $2.46
• ​Hongqiao Airport → Xujiahui: $1.96 – $2.62

Option 5: Airport Shuttle Bus (Economical with Wide Coverage)

Multiple fixed routes connect the airport to downtown business districts and transportation hubs, offering high cost-effectiveness and convenient luggage storage.

Key Route Information

Route Number	Terminus	Departure Time (T1/T2)	One-Way Fare	Passing Stations
Line 1	Shanghai Railway Station	06:30-23:00 / 06:35-23:05	$0.42	West Nanjing Road, People’s Square
Line 2	Xujiahui	06:45-22:45 / 06:50-22:50	$0.28	Xujiahui Business District
Line 3	Hongkou Football Stadium	07:00-22:30 / 07:05-22:35	$0.42	North Sichuan Road, Haining Road

Night Shuttle Service

Operating Hours: After 23:00 until 45 minutes after the last flight lands

Route: Hongqiao Airport → Shanghai Railway Station

Frequency: Departs every 45 minutes, fare $0.42

Inter-Airport/Railway Station Transportation Guide

Hongqiao Airport ↔ Pudong Airport

Best Option: Intercity Airport Line ($3.62, 40 mins direct)

Economical Option: Metro Line 2 ($1.56, 1 hour 40 mins)

Fast Option: Taxi/Ride-Hailing ($39.13 – $54.78, 50-70 mins)

Hongqiao Airport ↔ Hongqiao Railway Station

Direct Access: Walk from T2 Terminal (5 mins) or take free shuttle bus from T1 (10 mins)

Alternative: Metro Line 10 (2 mins, $0.42)

Hongqiao Airport ↔ Shanghai Railway Station

Recommended: Airport Line 1 Shuttle Bus ($0.42, 45 mins direct) or Metro Line 2 transfer to Line 1 ($0.99, 60 mins)

Terminal Transfer & Airport Practical Services

T1 ↔ T2 Terminal Transfer

Free Shuttle Bus: Operates 24/7, departs from T1 Gate 1 and T2 Gate 2, 10-15 mins interval, 5-min ride

Walking: Not recommended (distance over 2 km, no covered walkway)

Airport Practical Services

Wi-Fi Connection: Search for “SHA-Free-WiFi”, log in via mobile phone verification code or passport information (free to use)

Luggage Storage: Available in T1/T2 Arrival Halls, $0.40 – $0.79/item/day (charged by size)

Charging Facilities: Free charging stations in terminals; wireless charging available in T2 VIP lounge

Service Hotline: 021-96990 (multilingual support)

FAQ

Q: Arrived late at night, are there any transportation options besides taxis?

A: You can take the night shuttle bus to Shanghai Railway Station or wait for the first metro (departs at 05:30) in the airport lounge.

Q: Traveling with a stroller or wheelchair, which transportation method is most convenient?

A: Taxis, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses are recommended. T2 has full barrier-free access, while T1 requires a shuttle to T2 for metro access.

Q: Can I book airport shuttle bus tickets in advance?

A: On-site purchase is available (cash or QR code payment); no advance booking required as routes run frequently.

Q: What if I need to transfer between flights at Hongqiao and Pudong Airports?

A: Take the intercity Airport Line (40 mins direct) or use the free transfer service for China Eastern/Shanghai Airlines passengers (inclusive of luggage transfer)