Hi, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel professional with over 5 years of experience. During these five years, I’ve traveled extensively around China. Meanwhile, I have a certain understanding of the railway transportation in various cities.Through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to Shanghai Railway Station (SHH), Shanghai’s classic and pivotal railway hub integrating conventional rail, high-speed rail, metro, long-distance buses, and airport transfers. Whether you’re seeking the fastest route to the Bund, budget-friendly options, intercity connections, or airport links, this guide packs detailed operation steps and insider tips to help you find the perfect match for your travel plans.
Station Basic Information Overview
Station Code: SHH (Shanghai Railway Station, official abbreviation)
Location: Zhabei District (Jing’an District), Shanghai (core urban area, adjacent to Huangpu and Hongkou Districts)
Core Distance: Approximately 3 km from the Bund, 10-15 minutes by car; 16 km from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, 30-40 minutes by transfer; 30 km from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 45-60 minutes by transfer
Terminal & Platform Distribution:
High-Speed Rail & Conventional Rail Area: 15 platforms (Platform 1-15) serving Shanghai-Nanjing Intercity High-Speed Rail, Shanghai-Hangzhou High-Speed Rail, and conventional rail routes to Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, etc.
Floor Distribution:
- B1 Floor: Metro station, taxi waiting area, ride-hailing pickup zones, long-distance bus station, luggage storage, dining area
- 1F Floor: Arrival hall, ticket counters, self-service machines, information desk, entrance/exit halls
- 2F Floor: Departure hall, security check gates, waiting lounges, VIP lounges, ticketing area
- 3F Floor: Platform access, skybridge connecting to waiting areas, catering and shopping zone
Key Note: The station is divided into North and South Squares; South Square focuses on public transportation (metro, bus), North Square on private vehicles (taxi, ride-hailing, private cars). The North-South Square connecting passage runs through the station for easy transfer.
Comparative Analysis of 5 Intra-City Travel Options
| Travel Option | One-Way Travel Time | Price Range | Target Audience | Core Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (Line 1/3/4) | 10-30 mins (direct/transfer) | $0.53 – $1.41 | Budget-conscious travelers, daily commuters, solo visitors | Low cost, wide coverage, no traffic delays, frequent departures | Crowded during peak hours, inconvenient for large luggage |
| Shanghai-Nanjing Intercity High-Speed Rail | 20-40 mins (to intercity) | $3.53 – $8.48 | Time-sensitive intercity travelers, visitors to Suzhou/Wuxi | Ultra-fast, minimal stops, integrated with station, comfortable seats | Higher price, limited to intercity key stations, advance booking recommended |
| Taxi | 10-30 mins (subject to traffic) | $3.53 – $10.60 | Travelers with large luggage, groups, elderly/children | 24/7 door-to-door service, no transfers, comfortable | Prone to rush-hour congestion on North-South Elevated Road, night surcharge |
| Ride-Hailing Services | 10-30 mins (subject to traffic) | $2.82 – $8.48 | Travelers preferring online booking, small groups | Transparent pricing, selectable car models, avoids on-site queuing | Need to go to designated pickup zones (North/South Squares), surge pricing during peaks |
| Airport Shuttle Bus & Long-Distance Bus | 30-60 mins (by route) | $1.41 – $14.13 | Travelers to airports, suburbs, nearby cities | Wide coverage, sufficient luggage space, cost-effective | Long departure intervals (20-30 mins/shift), longer travel time due to multiple stops |
Option 1: Metro (Most Cost-Effective)
As Shanghai’s core metro network connecting Shanghai Railway Station to the city’s core business districts and scenic spots, Lines 1, 3 and 4 run through key urban areas, offering high cost-effectiveness and stable operation—ideal for budget travelers and daily commuters.
Core Information
Routes:
- Line 1 (North-South Trunk Line): Shanghai Railway Station → People’s Square → Xujiahui → Xinzhuang
- Line 3 (Loop Line): Shanghai Railway Station → Hongkou Football Stadium → Wujiaochang → Caoyang Road
- Line 4 (Loop Line): Shanghai Railway Station → Century Avenue → Pudong Avenue → Baoshan Road
Station Location: B1 Floor of Shanghai Railway Station South Square, follow “Metro” signs from arrival hall (South Square direction)
Operating Hours:
- Line 1: Departs station 05:30-23:00; Departs Xinzhuang 05:30-22:30
- Line 3: Departs station 05:25-23:00; Departs Caoyang Road 05:25-22:30
- Line 4: Departs station 05:30-22:30; Loop operation all dayDeparture Interval: 2-5 mins/shift during peak hours (07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30), 5-8 mins/shift during off-peak hours
Ticketing & Discounts
Ticketing Channels: Station self-service machines, ticket counters, Alipay/WeChat mini-programs (“Shanghai Metro Metropolis”), Shanghai Public Transportation Card
Price Standard: Fare by distance, $0.53-$1.06 (station to downtown core); $1.06-$1.41 (station to Xujiahui/Wujiaochang)
Child Policy: Free for children under 1.2m, half fare for children 1.2-1.5m
Fare & Travel Time Reference
| Destination | One-Way Fare | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund (Line 1 + Line 2) | $0.88 | 15 mins |
| People’s Square (Line 1) | $0.53 | 10 mins |
| Xujiahui (Line 1) | $0.88 | 20 mins |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (Line 3 + Line 2) | $1.41 | 30 mins |
Option 2: Shanghai-Nanjing Intercity High-Speed Rail (Fastest Intercity Transfer)
Shanghai Railway Station is an important hub of the Shanghai-Nanjing Intercity High-Speed Rail, linking Shanghai to nearby core cities with high speed and minimal stops—great for time-sensitive intercity travelers and short-distance visitors.
Core Information
Route: Shanghai Railway Station → Suzhou Station → Wuxi Station → Changzhou Station → Nanjing South Station
Station Location: 2F Floor of Shanghai Railway Station, direct access from departure hall (special security check zone for intercity trains)
Operating Hours: 05:00-23:30 (adjusts slightly by season; trains to Suzhou run 05:30-22:30)
Departure Interval: 10-15 mins/shift for Shanghai-Suzhou/Wuxi routes, 15-20 mins/shift for Shanghai-Nanjing routes
Ticketing & Discounts
Ticketing Channels: 12306 app/website, station ticket counters, self-service machines, Alipay/WeChat mini-programs (“12306 Railway”)
Price Standard: Station to Suzhou Station $3.53; Station to Wuxi Station $4.98; Station to Nanjing South Station $8.48
Special Policy: Passengers with same-day high-speed rail tickets enjoy 10% discount on metro tickets (via Shanghai Metro app); students with valid IDs enjoy 50% discount on off-peak tickets
Transfer Guide
- At Suzhou Station: Transfer to Suzhou metro Line 2/4 for downtown Suzhou or intercity buses to Zhouzhuang, Tongli Water Town
- At Nanjing South Station: Transfer to high-speed rail to Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, etc., or metro Line 1/3 for downtown Nanjing
Option 3: Taxi (Door-to-Door Convenience)
Operates 24 hours a day without transfers, suitable for travelers with elderly, children, or large luggage, ensuring a direct and comfortable journey to downtown or surrounding areas.
Waiting & Pricing
Waiting Points: B1 Floor North/South Squares of Shanghai Railway Station (follow “Taxi” signs; queue as instructed by staff); separate queues for regular taxis and premium taxis
Pricing Standard:
- Daytime (06:00-23:00): Starting fare $1.41 (within 3 km), $0.28/km for 3-10 km, $0.42/km for over 10 km
- Nighttime (23:00-06:00): Starting fare $1.89, 30% surcharge on subsequent kilometers Additional Fees: $0.14/min waiting fee (speed < 12 km/h or stopped), no expressway toll for downtown trips (toll applicable for airport trips)
Fare Reference for Popular Destinations
| Destination | Daytime Fare Range | Nighttime Fare Range | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bund | $3.53 – $5.35 | $4.24 – $6.42 | 10 mins |
| People’s Square | $2.82 – $4.24 | $3.53 – $5.35 | 8 mins |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Airport | $7.07 – $10.60 | $8.48 – $12.72 | 30 mins |
| Xujiahui | $4.24 – $6.42 | $5.35 – $7.70 | 15 mins |
Option 4: Ride-Hailing Services (Flexible and Controllable)
Online booking with clear price estimates, supports economy, business, and 7-seater car selection, avoids on-site queuing—flexible for diverse travel needs, especially for small groups and travelers with luggage.
Recommended Platforms
DiDi Chuxing, Amap Dache, Alipay Dache (supports English operation interface)
Cross-Border Option: DiDi International for foreign users with overseas payment methods
Pickup Points
- North Square Pickup Zone: B1 Floor North Square, Zones A/B (for economy cars); Zone C (for business/7-seater cars)
- South Square Pickup Zone: B1 Floor South Square, near Exit 3 (backup pickup area during peak hours)
Practical Tips
- Book 10-20 minutes in advance, select “Shanghai Railway Station Pickup” and bind train number to sync delay information automatically
- Rush hours (07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30) and peak travel seasons (Spring Festival, National Day) may have surge pricing (1.2-1.5x)
- Avoid North-South Elevated Road during peak periods; choose alternative routes via app navigation such as Shimen 2nd Road-Hengfeng Road
Price Reference
| Destination | Fare Range | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund | $2.82 – $4.24 | 10 mins |
| People’s Square | $2.12 – $3.53 | 8 mins |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Airport | $5.35 – $8.48 | 30 mins |
| Xujiahui | $3.53 – $5.35 | 15 mins |
Option 5: Airport Shuttle Bus & Long-Distance Bus (Economical with Wide Coverage)
The airport shuttle bus and long-distance bus station, located at B1 Floor South Square of Shanghai Railway Station, covers Shanghai’s downtown districts, suburban areas, and nearby cities (Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou), as well as direct routes to Hongqiao and Pudong Airports—cost-effective for long-distance or multi-city travel.
Key Route Information
| Route Number | Terminus | Departure Time (Shanghai Railway Station) | One-Way Fare | Passing Stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Line 5 | Shanghai Pudong International Airport (T1/T2) | 06:00-21:30 (20 mins/shift) | $14.13 | Longyang Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park |
| Airport Line 9 | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (T1/T2) | 06:00-22:00 (30 mins/shift) | $7.07 | West Nanjing Road, Zhongshan Park |
| Line Suzhou | Suzhou Railway Station | 07:00-21:00 (20 mins/shift) | $7.07 | Jiading, Kunshan |
| Line Hangzhou | Hangzhou East Station | 08:00-19:00 (30 mins/shift) | $10.60 | Jiaxing, Haining |
Night Shuttle Service
- Operating Hours: After 23:00 until 30 minutes after the last train arrives
- Main Routes: Shanghai Railway Station → The Bund, Shanghai Railway Station → Xujiahui
- Frequency: Departs every 30-45 minutes, fare same as daytime ($1.41-$2.82)
Inter-Station/Airport Transportation Guide
Shanghai Railway Station ↔ Other Cities (Intercity)
- To Suzhou: High-Speed Rail from Shanghai Railway Station → Suzhou Station ($3.53, 20 mins) or Shuttle Bus Line Suzhou ($7.07, 1 hour)
- To Wuxi: High-Speed Rail from Shanghai Railway Station → Wuxi Station ($4.98, 30 mins) or Long-Distance Bus ($7.07, 1.2 hours)
- To Hangzhou: High-Speed Rail from Shanghai Railway Station → Hangzhou East Station ($8.48, 40 mins) or Shuttle Bus Line Hangzhou ($10.60, 1.5 hours)
- To Nanjing: High-Speed Rail from Shanghai Railway Station → Nanjing South Station ($8.48, 1 hour) or Long-Distance Bus ($14.13, 2 hours)
Shanghai Railway Station ↔ Shanghai Key Railway Stations/Airports
- To Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Metro Line 3 + Line 2 ($1.41, 40 mins) or Taxi ($7.07-$10.60, 30 mins)
- To Shanghai South Railway Station: Metro Line 1 ($1.06, 25 mins) or Ride-Hailing ($4.24-$6.42, 20 mins)
- To Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport: Shuttle Bus Airport Line 9 ($7.07, 30 mins) or Metro Line 3 + Line 2 ($1.41, 40 mins)
- To Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Shuttle Bus Airport Line 5 ($14.13, 45 mins) or Metro Line 1 + Maglev ($8.48, 40 mins)
Platform Transfer & Station Practical Services
Intra-Station Transfer
- Rail Transfer: Within the station, follow “Transfer” signs to security check (no need to exit; 3-5 mins between platforms)
- Metro/Rail Transfer: B1 Floor metro station to 2F departure hall via escalator (2-3 mins); follow “Departure Hall” signs
- Bus/Rail Transfer: B1 Floor bus station to 1F arrival hall via elevator/escalator (1-2 mins)
- North-South Square Transfer: Take the connecting passage on 1F (5 mins walk) or free shuttle bus (3 mins ride)
Station Practical Services
- Wi-Fi Connection: Search for “SHRailway-Free-WiFi”, log in via mobile verification code or passport (free, unlimited time)
- Luggage Storage: B1 Floor North/South Squares, charged by size and time: $0.28-$0.71/item/4hrs, $1.41-$2.12/item/day; left-luggage service also available at 1F information desk
- Charging Facilities: Free charging stations in departure/arrival halls and waiting lounges (USB & socket ports); wireless charging in 2F VIP lounges and business waiting areas
- Service Hotline: 021-12306 (multilingual support for train inquiries) and 021-63179090 (station service consultation)
- Currency Exchange: Available in 2F International Waiting Area (for cross-border travelers), supports major global currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY)
- Dining & Shopping: 1F/2F Arrival/Departure Halls with chain restaurants (KFC, McDonald’s, Starbucks) and local snack shops (Shengjian Mantou, Xiaolongbao); convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart) on every floor
- Medical Service: 1F South Square Medical Office, providing first-aid services and basic medical consultations (free of charge)
- Tourist Information: 1F Information Desk, offering city map, attraction guide, and ticket booking service for scenic spots in Shanghai
Popular Destinations Traffic Congestion Tips
Core Congestion Periods (Daily)
- Morning Peak: 07:30-09:30 (departure peak for commuters and intercity travelers; security check and metro stations crowded)
- Evening Peak: 17:30-19:30 (arrival peak; taxi/ride-hailing pickup areas and South Square public transport hubs congested)
- Special Congestion: Weekends/holidays (10:00-18:00, tourist and family travel surge); Spring Festival/National Day peak (all day congestion, recommend arriving 1.5 hours early)
Destination-Specific Congestion Details
- The Bund/People’s Square: 09:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00 (tourist peak); surrounding roads (East Nanjing Road, Zhongshan East Road) queue easily
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: 08:00-11:00, 15:00-18:00 (flight peak); Outer Ring Expressway congested for short distances during these periods
- North-South Elevated Road: 07:00-10:00, 16:00-20:00 (all-day congestion on workdays); the section near Shanghai Railway Station is the most crowded
Avoidance Suggestions
- Rush-hour travel: Prioritize Metro Line 1/3 or shuttle bus, avoid taxi/rideshare; if taking high-speed rail, arrive 1 hour early
- Railway/airport transfers: Arrive 1 hour early if taking taxis/rideshares; metro is more punctual and avoids congestion
- Holiday travel: Book rides 30 minutes in advance, or take shuttle bus to avoid surge pricing and queuing; use luggage storage service to reduce burden in crowded areas
- Downtown travel: Avoid North-South Elevated Road during peak hours; choose metro or surface roads for short trips to the Bund/People’s Square
FAQ
Q: Arrived in the early morning (after midnight), what transportation is available besides taxis?
A: Take the night shuttle bus to the Bund/Xujiahui (departs every 30-45 minutes after 23:00), or wait for the first metro (05:25 for Line 3) in the 2F waiting lounge (24-hour open, with charging facilities and seating).
Q: Traveling with a stroller or wheelchair, which transportation is most convenient?
A: Taxis, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses (all have barrier-free access); Metro Line 1/3/4 have elevators at all stations and staff on duty to assist—contact the station service desk in advance for help.
Q: What if I miss the last metro or high-speed rail?
A: Choose taxi/ride-hailing or night shuttle bus; consult the 1F information desk for real-time night route information. The station also has 24-hour waiting lounges for passengers who need to wait for the next day’s transportation.
Q: Can I book long-distance/shuttle bus tickets in advance?
A: On-site purchase (cash/QR code) is available; intercity routes (Suzhou/Wuxi/Hangzhou) and airport shuttle buses support advance booking via “Shanghai Railway Station” official WeChat account or “Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Network” app (book up to 7 days in advance).
Q: Is there a direct maglev transfer to Pudong Airport from Shanghai Railway Station?
A: No direct maglev, but you can take Metro Line 1 to People’s Square, transfer to Line 2 to Longyang Road Station, then take the maglev to Pudong Airport (total $8.48, 40 mins), or take the direct Airport Shuttle Bus Line 5 (one-stop, $14.13, 45 mins) for more convenience.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.