Transportation Transportation
Relocation Guide

Living in Shanghai

Ni hao and a warm welcome to our expat community in Shanghai! Get to know this city before you start your real life here. From accommodation to kids’ education, from banking and internet connection to where to shop and eat, see advice and information from iReloChina’s experts here.

Transportation

There are two international airports in Shanghai : Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport.

 

Everyday, about 1,000 flights travel through the two airports, linked with many domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.

The railway network provides you with an inexpensive and comfortable way to get in and out of the city. Shanghai is the gathering point of many major high speed rail lines and it’s quite convenient to travel by train from Shanghai to many destinations throughout China. Shanghai has four main railway stations: Shanghai Railway Station, Hongqiao Railway Station, South Railway Station, West Railway Station.

You can purchase tickets for trains departing from the mentioned railway stations from any railway station in China. You can also buy your ticket in advance from the APP 12306. It is recommanded to buy it as soon as possible, especially during the peak travel time, such as May Day, National Day and Chinese New Year, tickets will sell out very quickly. Don’t forget to bring your valid identification certificate such as passport, as real-name ticket policy is strictly required.

Long-distance buses are also an option for domestic travel. There are four national highways and four expressways that pass through the city. Over 1,000 routes are served by 40 long-distance bus stations.

International cruise can be taken at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. The main destinations include South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. There is also the option of taking a domestic cruise down the Yangtze River to Chongqing.

The Shanghai Metro is an excellent way to get around, provided your destination is near a station, as it is clean, safe and reliable. It even has English language maps.

There are currently 16 metro lines, with more under construction. Many new lines including 14, 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21 are planned or already under construction. By the end of 2020, the city will have about 808 kilometers (502 miles) of metro lines with over 500 stations. The city’s main attractions, transportation hubs, and commercial areas such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, People's Square, Shanghai Railway Station and Xujiahui can be reached by multiple metro lines.

Ferries offer liesurely shuttle service across the Huangpu River, allowing you to avoid the crowded bridges and tunnels while appreciating the river scenery. Additionally, ferryboats are available between the mainland and its three islands of Chongming, Changqing and Hengsha.