Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport sits about 30 km from Shanghai. Every option below is priced in AUD so you can compare it against what a taxi would cost you at home.
| Option | Price (AUD) | Journey time | Frequency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer Useful if you haven't set up Chinese payment apps yet. |
~$70 | 45-90 min | 24/7 | Door-to-door |
| Metro line 2 Cheapest Slow but direct to the city centre. Pay with Alipay's transit QR code. |
~$1.50 | 60-80 min | Every 8 min | Direct |
| Maglev train Fastest 430 km/h to Longyang Road, then connect to Metro line 2. Worth doing once for the experience alone. |
~$11 | 8 min | Every 15-20 min | Direct |
| Didi Popular Works inside Alipay without a separate app - set this up before you land. |
~$30 | 45-90 min | 24/7 | Door-to-door |
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
Cheapest option: Metro line 2 at around $1.50. Fastest: Maglev train.
Other airports in China
Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing - 32 km from the centre
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou - 28 km from the centre
More China essentials
How these comparisons are made
Routes, operators, journey times and fares come from the operators' own published timetables and pricing, compared in AUD. Public transport options are listed alongside bookable transfers because the train is often the honest answer - and where a booking platform is listed, it's one Jamie has personally booked through. Read the full editorial policy.
China airport transfer FAQs
Can I drive in China on my Australian licence?
No. China doesn't recognise International Driving Permits at all. You'd need a temporary Chinese permit, available at some airports and vehicle administration offices. Most visitors use Didi, the metro and high-speed rail instead.
Planning China?
We will send you the China guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.