Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai city centre
Four ways in: the Maglev is fastest, the Airport Link Line runs direct to Hongqiao, Metro Line 2 is cheapest, and taxis take you door to door.
In short
The Maglev is fastest: 8 minutes to Longyang Road, ¥50 single, first train 07:02 and last 21:42. For the Hongqiao hub take the Airport Link Line — 40 minutes, ¥26. Metro Line 2 is the cheapest at about ¥7 into town but takes roughly 100 minutes. A taxi to the People’s Square area takes 45–60 minutes and costs about ¥170–220 including expressway tolls.
Fastest to the city
Maglev, 8 min
Maglev fare
¥50 single
Maglev first / last
07:02 / 21:42
To the Hongqiao hub
Airport Link, 40 min, ¥26
Taxi
45–60 min, about ¥170–220
The options compared
Way
Time
Fare
Good for
Maglev
8 min
¥50
Fastest, but only to Longyang Road
Airport Link Line
40 min
¥26
Reaching the Hongqiao hub
Metro Line 2
100 min
about ¥7
Cheapest, many city stops
Taxi
45–60 min
about ¥170–220
Door to door, 24 hours
How to take each option
Maglev
Time 8 minFare ¥50First 07:02Last 21:42
Follow the Maglev signs to the station on level 2 between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, a 5–10 minute walk.
Buy a ticket at the counter — a same-day boarding pass gets you the ¥40 fare.
Put your bags through the X-ray, board, and ride 8 minutes to Longyang Road.
Change at Longyang Road to Lines 2, 7, 16 or 18 for the city.
It runs at 300 km/h (the 431 km/h top speed has been suspended since 2021). The last train leaves at 21:42 — after that, Metro Line 2 or a taxi.
Airport Link Line
Time 40 minFare ¥26First 06:00Last 22:15
Follow the Airport Link signs inside the terminal to the suburban railway station.
Buy a ticket or tap a transport card at the gate.
Ride 40 minutes to Hongqiao Airport T2, then change to Lines 2 or 10 or walk to Hongqiao railway station.
The most reliable way between PVG and the Hongqiao hub: 40 minutes, ¥26, and no traffic.
Metro Line 2
Time about 100 minFare about ¥7First 06:00Last 22:30
Follow the metro signs to Pudong Airport T1 & T2 station.
Buy a single-journey ticket or tap a transport card.
It runs through Lujiazui, People’s Square, East Nanjing Road and Jing’an Temple, and continues to Hongqiao.
The cheapest option and it reaches the city centre directly, but the full run is about 100 minutes; last train 22:30.
Taxi / ride-hailing
Time 45–60 minFare about ¥170–220
At T1 the rank is outside Arrivals Gate 12 (from Gates 4 or 8 walk south); at T2, outside Gate 25. Both run 24 hours.
Queue, insist on the meter; ride-hailing picks up in car parks P1/P2.
Show the driver your destination and hotel name written in Chinese.
Between 23:00 and 05:00 the flag-fall and distance charge are 30% higher, and the distance charge beyond 15 km carries a 50% surcharge.
Late-night and early-morning arrivals
The last Maglev leaves at 21:42, Metro Line 2 at 22:30 and the Airport Link Line at 22:15. After that, taxis run 24 hours, and a late-night airport bus costs ¥18–34.
Questions travellers ask
What is the fastest way from PVG to the city?
The Maglev: 8 minutes to Longyang Road for ¥50. It only reaches Longyang Road, so you still change to the metro for the city.
What is the cheapest way in?
Metro Line 2, about ¥7 into town, though the full run is around 100 minutes.
Is the Maglev worth it?
It buys time, not money: ¥50 gets you only to Longyang Road, and you still need the metro. Worth it if you are travelling light, in a hurry, or want the 300 km/h experience.
How much is a taxi to the city centre?
To the People’s Square area, 45–60 minutes and about ¥170–220 including expressway tolls, more at night.
Is there public transport late at night?
The last Maglev is 21:42, the Airport Link 22:15 and Metro Line 2 22:30. After that, a late-night airport bus (¥18–34) and 24-hour taxis.
How do I get from PVG to Hongqiao?
The Airport Link Line, 40 minutes and ¥26 to Hongqiao Airport T2; or Metro Line 2 direct to Hongqiao railway station, about 100 minutes for ¥8.
Can I buy Maglev tickets online in advance?
No need. Tickets are sold at the station counter with little or no queue, and standard class has no reserved seating.
Now find your train
High-speed trains from Hongqiao can be searched and booked here