From Pudong Airport you can ride the maglev (a magnetic-levitation train) and change to the metro, take the metro the whole way, or hail a taxi to the hotel. Pick the maglev for speed with light bags, and a taxi when you are tired, carrying large cases or travelling with elders.
Arriving in a megacity after hours of flying is hard. This page keeps the choices simple.
What does the maglev actually do?
The Shanghai maglev runs from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road, about 30 km, in about 8 minutes at 300 km/h[1]. It is short and memorable, and it is a pleasure to ride once for the experience.
It ends at Longyang Road, where passengers change to the metro for the city[2]. Check your hotel’s nearest metro station before you decide. Our guide to the metro from station to hotel shows how gates and payment work.
Which option suits which traveller?
Choose by luggage and energy, not by speed alone.
| Option | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Maglev, then metro | Light bags, daytime arrival, curious travellers | A change at Longyang Road and stairs |
| Metro only | Budget-minded travellers with small bags | A long ride that stops at every station |
| Taxi or Didi | Elders, children, large cases, late arrivals | Traffic into the city at busy hours |
If you are unsure, take the car on day one and try the metro on day two, when you have your bearings.
How do taxis and Didi work?
Taxi fares are metered and passengers pay the meter amount[3]. Head for the official taxi rank rather than accepting offers from people in the arrivals hall.
For Didi (a ride-hailing app), foreign visitors commonly use the Alipay mini program, which charges the linked Alipay account without a Chinese phone number[4]. Read Didi for Malaysians in China and set it up at home. If you carry heavy bags, see our heavy luggage tips.
What should you prepare before landing?
Keep these ready in one place:
- Your original passport, which the hotel will copy at check-in[5].
- Your hotel name and address in Chinese, as a screenshot.
- Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a Visa or Mastercard card[6].
- The online arrival card, filed ahead through an official channel[7].
Google Maps and WhatsApp are blocked in mainland China[8]. Download an offline map and a translation app before you fly.
Does Pudong or Hongqiao suit you better?
Shanghai has more than one airport, and your flight may not use Pudong. Compare the two in our Pudong versus Hongqiao guide, and read the KL to Shanghai flight options before you book.
What comes after the airport?
Once you reach the hotel, rest. Then look at the next leg, such as the Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou train guide, and price the trip with the budget planner.