Shanghai is renowned for its robust and diverse transportation network that caters to millions of commuters every day.  

Whether navigating the bustling streets of the city by bus, taking the ultra-fast Maglev train, or cruising along the Huangpu River by ferry, Shanghai's transportation system offers an efficient, sustainable, and increasingly smart way to get around.   

Metro

Shanghai Metro is the backbone of the city's public transport system, connecting all major districts with a network of more than 900 kilometers across 21 lines. 

For downtown metro lines, ticket fares are distance-based and start at 3 yuan (about 44 cents) for trips of up to 6 km, with an additional 1 yuan per 10 km.  

For suburban railway lines, such as the Airport Link Line, fares are based on travel distance and the line's designed maximum speed, and start at 4 yuan. 

Passengers can use the Shanghai Metro Daduhui app to ride the metro, purchase single-journey tickets from ticket vending machines, or use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card. International bank cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are also accepted for ticket purchase. 

Passengers can tap eligible contactless cards, including UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB, as well as eligible e-CNY hard wallets, at the gates for Tap to Ride. 

How to ride Shanghai Metro

Bus

Complementing the metro, Shanghai's bus network plays a critical role in ensuring that all parts of the city, including areas not served by the metro, remain connected.  

Buses are divided into downtown and suburban routes. Regular downtown routes charge 2 yuan. Downtown special routes start at 2 yuan and increase in 1-yuan increments, while regular and special suburban routes start at 1 yuan and increase in 1-yuan increments.

A guide to taking buses in Shanghai

Taxi

For those seeking door-to-door convenience, Shanghai's taxi service offers a quick and relatively affordable way to navigate the city. 

Taxi fares are generally lower than in many major international cities, making it an attractive option for short trips and for passengers with heavy luggage.  

Fares start at 14 yuan for standard taxis and 16 yuan for Touran taxis and Roewe Ei5 or E6 electric taxis. After the first 3 km, the fare is 2.7 yuan per kilometer. For rides over 15 km, a 50-percent surcharge applies to the distance fare for the portion beyond 15 km. 

Nighttime rides, from 11 pm to 5 am, incur a 30-percent surcharge on both the base fare and the fare beyond the first 3 km. Low-speed waiting is charged every four minutes at the rate equivalent to 1.5 km of the distance fare beyond the first 3 km. During Spring Festival, a 10-yuan surcharge is applied. During the National Day and May Day holidays, a 5-yuan surcharge is applied.

Ferry

Shanghai's ferries are an iconic part of the city's transportation system, providing a vital link between the city's eastern and western areas across the Huangpu River, particularly between landmarks such as the Bund and Lujiazui. 

In addition to their practical function, ferry rides offer striking views of Shanghai's skyline, blending transportation with tourism. 

To enjoy a ferry ride at the Bund, passengers can board at piers such as East Jinling Road, East Fuxing Road, and Gongping Road, with East Jinling Road being the most convenient for tourists.

Ferry fares are 2 yuan for pedestrians, 2.8 yuan for passengers with bicycles and electric bicycles, 3 yuan for passengers with mopeds, and 4 yuan for passengers with motorcycles. 

Exploring Shanghai by boat

Shared bicycle

Shared bicycles offer residents and visitors an eco-friendly and flexible mode of transport for short-distance trips. 

Bike-sharing companies, including Hellobike, Meituan and Qingju, operate across the city, allowing users to rent bikes through mobile apps and cycle to their destination. 

With a growing network of bike lanes and bike-friendly policies, Shanghai is promoting cycling as an efficient, healthy, and sustainable transport option.

A guide to using shared bicycles 

Maglev train

Shanghai is home to the world's first commercial high-speed Maglev train, which connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Longyang Road Station.  

Traveling at a speed of up to 300 km/h, the Maglev offers a quick, futuristic experience for travelers, covering the 30-km route in just eight minutes. 

A single-journey ticket costs 50 yuan, and a round-trip ticket costs 80 yuan.   

 

Updated on June 30, 2026

 

Sources: Shanghai Metro, Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission