Complete Guide to Shanghai Public Transportation in 2024

Shanghai is the NYC of China, a bustling metropolis and one of the most populated cities in the world. As a result, navigating the city can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the area. Fortunately, the city boasts a well-developed public transportation system that is both convenient, efficient, and relatively inexpensive compared to other big cities. 

I was lucky enough to live in China for an entire year and basically learned the ins and outs of public transit in the city. Here’s everything you need to know about using public transportation to navigate your way around Shanghai:

Benefits of Shanghai Public Transportation

1. Cost-effective: Public transportation in Shanghai is an affordable way to get around the city, with fares ranging from 2-10 RMB per trip. By using public transportation, you can save money on transportation costs and avoid the high expenses associated with owning a car or taking taxis.
2. Convenient: Shanghai’s public transportation system is easy to use, with a variety of options available, including buses, subways, and taxis. The city’s transportation network is also well-connected, making it easy to travel from one part of the city to another.
3. Time-saving: Shanghai is known for its traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour. By using public transportation, you can avoid traffic and get to your destination faster. The city’s subway system, in particular, is fast, efficient, and reliable.

How to Use the Metro in Shanghai 

Shanghai’s metro system is one of the most efficient and reliable ways to travel around the city. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the subway in Shanghai:

1. Purchase a metro card: The first step is to purchase a metro card, which can be used on both the subway and buses in Shanghai. You can buy a card at any metro station’s ticket vending machines or at convenience stores like FamilyMart or 7-Eleven. The initial cost for a card is 20 RMB, which includes a 10 RMB deposit and 10 RMB for the card’s initial balance.
2. Determine your route: The next step is to determine your route. You can use online resources like Baidu Maps or Google Maps to plan your journey. Shanghai’s metro system has 18 lines and over 400 stations, so it’s important to know which line and station you need to get to your destination. Check here for a complete map of Shanghai’s metro lines. 
3. Enter the station: Once you arrive at the station, you’ll need to use your metro card to enter. Look for the turnstile gate with the green arrow and swipe your card over the card reader. The gate will open, and you can proceed to the platform.
4. Board the train: When you’re on the platform, pay attention to the signs and announcements that indicate which train is arriving next. Wait behind the yellow safety line until the train comes to a complete stop. Once the doors open, board the train quickly, and move to the center of the carriage to make room for other passengers.
5. Exit the station: When you reach your destination station, follow the signs to the exit. Look for the green arrow turnstile gate, and swipe your metro card again to exit the station. If your balance is low, you can add more money to your card at the ticket vending machines located near the exits.

The metro is pretty normal in Shanghai and looks like it does in most other cities.

Tips for Using the Metro in Shanghai

1. Avoid rush hour: Shanghai’s rush hour can be seriously crowded and overwhelming. If possible, try to avoid traveling during peak hours to save time and avoid crowds.
2. Know your stop: Before you board the train, make sure you know the name of your destination station. It’s a good idea to write it down or have it saved on your phone to avoid confusion.
3. Be aware of etiquette: When using public transportation in Shanghai, it’s important to be aware of local etiquette. For example, it’s customary to give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers, and it’s considered impolite to eat or drink on the subway.
4. Be patient: Shanghai’s metro system can be crowded and busy, so it’s important to be patient and courteous to other passengers.
5. Don’t get caught waiting in line: Those little old ladies can and will push you out of the way. Lines just aren’t a big thing, so don’t be afraid to squeeze your way through, especially when it is super busy.

This is the line for the metro around Chinese New Year, truly a nightmare!

How to Use the Bus in Shanghai 

Shanghai’s bus system is another affordable and convenient way to get around the city, especially if you need to travel to areas that are not well-served by the subway. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use buses in Shanghai:

1. Determine your route: The first step is to determine your bus route. You can use online resources like Baidu Maps or Google Maps to plan your journey. The bus routes in Shanghai are numbered and color-coded based on their service area.
2. Find a bus stop: Once you know your bus route, find the nearest bus stop. Shanghai’s bus stops are marked with a blue sign that displays the bus route number, a map of the bus route, and the stop name in both Chinese and English.
3. Board the bus: When the bus arrives, wait in line behind other passengers and allow people to exit the bus first. Once on board, insert your metro card into the card reader located next to the driver. If you don’t have a metro card, you can also pay with cash (exact change only).
4. Know when to get off: Keep track of your location and watch for the name of your destination stop on the digital signboard located at the front of the bus. You can also ask the driver to remind you when you reach your destination.
5. Exit the bus: Once you reach your destination stop, press the stop button or pull the cord located near your seat to signal the driver that you want to get off. Exit through the rear door of the bus.

Using the Didi App in Shanghai

Didi is a popular ride-hailing app in China (basically the Uber of China). I used this way more than taxis because it avoids scams and gives you the price ahead of time. Also, it feels much safer to be able to see where you are going. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Didi app in Shanghai:

1. Download the app: The Didi app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Create an account: Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to create an account. You’ll need to provide your phone number and a valid payment method, such as a credit card or WeChat Pay.
3. Set your pick-up location: Open the app and set your pick-up location by entering the address or using the map function to drop a pin on your location. You can also choose to enter a specific location, such as a landmark or business name.
4. Choose your ride: Once you’ve set your pick-up location, you can choose the type of ride you want, such as a standard car, luxury car, or taxi. You can also choose the number of seats you need and whether you want to share the ride with others.
5. Confirm your ride: After selecting your ride, you’ll be shown the estimated fare and driver details, including their name, photo, and license plate number. Confirm your ride and wait for your driver to arrive.
6. Pay for your ride: Once you arrive at your destination, the app will automatically calculate the fare and charge your payment method. You can also choose to leave a rating and feedback for your driver.

Tips for using the Didi app in Shanghai:

1. Verify your payment method: Make sure your payment method is verified before using the app to avoid any payment issues.
2. Choose the right ride type: Make sure you choose the right ride type for your needs, as different ride types have different prices and features.
3. Check driver details: Always check the driver details, such as their name, photo, and license plate number, before getting into the car to ensure your safety.

How to Avoid Taxi Scams

If you do decide to use a taxi, here are some tips to avoid getting scammed (unfortunately pretty common):

1. Use a reputable taxi company: Use reputable taxi companies like Dazhong, Qiangsheng, or Jinjiang instead of taking a random taxi on the street. These companies have a reputation to uphold and are less likely to engage in scams.
2. Check the taxi’s license: Make sure the taxi you’re getting into has a license displayed on the dashboard. If there’s no license, do not get into the taxi.
3. Insist on using the meter: Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter and insists on it if they try to negotiate a fixed fare. If they refuse to use the meter, get out of the taxi and find another one.
4. Confirm the destination and fare: Before getting into the taxi, confirm your destination and ask for an estimated fare. If you have a Chinese-speaking friend or translator, have them communicate with the driver to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Keep small bills: Taxis in Shanghai may not always have change for large bills, so keep small bills on hand to avoid any disputes over change.
6. Be aware of common scams: Some common scams in Shanghai include taking a longer route than necessary, claiming the meter is broken, or claiming a fake currency exchange rate. Be aware of these scams and know how to spot them.
7. Use a translation app: If you’re not fluent in Chinese, use a translation app to communicate with the driver. This can help avoid misunderstandings and make the ride smoother.
8. Use Chinese if you know some: I noticed that using Chinese made taxi drivers less likely to scam you as they assume you may live there and are aware of scams. Even if you only know a little bit it helps. Say: “Wo yao qu (I want to go)….(insert address here).” 

How to Use Mobike In Shanghai

Mobike is a super cheap and fun way to get around the city. I basically rode a bike to class every day and then some. If you’re planning on spending a long time in China, you can purchase a monthly pass or just pay by ride.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Mobike in China:

1. Download the app: The Mobike app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Create an account: Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to create an account. You’ll need to provide your phone number and a valid payment method, such as Alipay or WeChat Pay.
3. Find a bike: Open the app and use the map function to find a nearby Mobike. The app will show you the location of available bikes, as well as the distance and estimated time to reach them.
4. Unlock the bike: Once you’ve found a bike, scan the QR code on the bike or enter the bike ID into the app to unlock it. The lock on the back wheel will automatically release, allowing you to start your ride.
5. Ride the bike: Adjust the seat height if necessary and start riding the bike. The app will track your ride time and calculate the fare.
6. End the ride: Once you’ve reached your destination, park the bike in a designated Mobike parking area and manually lock the bike using the lock on the back wheel. You’ll need to use the app to end the ride and pay for your ride.

Me on a mobike in Wuhan (they are in every city); the best form of transit in China

How to Get to the Airport from Shanghai City Center

Shanghai has two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get to each airport from the city center:

How to Get to Shanghai Pudong International Airport:

1. Metro: You can take Metro Line 2 to get to the airport. The journey takes about an hour, and the fare is around 8-9 RMB depending on your starting location. The airport has two stations, one for Terminal 1 and one for Terminal 2. Follow the signs to the appropriate station once you arrive.
2. High-speed train: The high-speed train station is located at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which is accessible by metro Line 2 or Line 10. It runs every 15-20 minutes, but it’s important to check the schedule ahead of time to ensure you arrive at the airport on time. You can purchase a ticket for the high-speed train at the station ticket office or through the self-service ticket machines. The fare is around 50 RMB per person.
3. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Shanghai, and it’s relatively easy to find one that will take you to the airport. The fare from the city center to Pudong Airport is around 150-200 RMB, depending on traffic and your starting location. 
4. Airport Shuttle Bus: There are several airport shuttle buses that operate between the city center and Pudong Airport. The fare is around 20-30 RMB, and the journey takes about an hour. The buses run every 15-30 minutes depending on the route.

Me and my little sister taking self timers Pudong International Airport

How to Get to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:

1. Metro: You can take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to get to Hongqiao Airport. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and the fare is around 5-7 RMB depending on your starting location. The airport has two stations, one for Terminal 1 and one for Terminal 2. Follow the signs to the appropriate station once you arrive.
2. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Shanghai, and it’s relatively easy to find one that will take you to the airport. The fare from the city center to Hongqiao Airport is around 60-80 RMB, depending on traffic and your starting location.
3. Airport Shuttle Bus: There are several airport shuttle buses that operate between the city center and Hongqiao Airport. The fare is around 15-25 RMB, and the journey takes about 30-45 minutes. The buses run every 15-30 minutes depending on the route.

Tips for Getting to the Airport in Shanghai:

1. Plan ahead: It’s important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, especially during peak travel times.
2. Know your terminal: Make sure you know which terminal your flight departs from before you go to the airport. Each airport has multiple terminals, and they can be far apart from each other.
3. Check traffic: Shanghai’s traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check the traffic conditions and plan accordingly. Leave early if you need to in order to avoid being late for your flight.

Traveling From Shanghai to Beijing

If you are interested in traveling to Beijing or any other popular cities in China, I highly recommend checking out the 12Go website, which will show you all the best and cheapest options, whether that be bus, train, or flight.

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