Pudong International Airport is east of central Shanghai. Metro Line 2 is usually the lowest-cost route, the maglev reaches Longyang Road for an onward transfer, and the Airport Link Line connects to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. Choose by final hotel location, arrival time and luggage—not by headline train speed alone.
Metro Line 2 to central Shanghai
Line 2 provides a direct rail corridor toward central districts, but the journey is long and can be inconvenient with heavy luggage. Check the final train for your direction and the number of hotel-side transfers before relying on it after a late arrival.
Maglev to Longyang Road
The maglev connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road, where travelers transfer to metro or road transport. Official Shanghai information updated in June 2026 describes an eight-minute maglev journey, but the complete airport-to-hotel trip includes walking, waiting and the onward transfer.
Airport Link Line to Hongqiao
The Airport Link Line connects Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 and intermediate stations. It is designed for cross-city airport and suburban connections. Confirm the current timetable, platform position and luggage rules on the travel date.
Taxi or pre-booked vehicle
Use the signed official taxi queue and ignore unsolicited offers inside arrivals. A verified pre-booked transfer is most useful for late-night arrival, children, mobility needs, several suitcases or a hotel that is awkward by metro. Confirm terminal, flight monitoring, meeting point, waiting time, tolls and parking.
Pudong to Hongqiao Railway Station
The Airport Link Line reaches the wider Hongqiao hub, but a railway connection still requires walking, wayfinding and station security. Build a generous buffer after an international arrival for immigration, baggage and possible flight delay.
Arrival backup plan
Save the hotel's Chinese name, address and phone number. Keep mobile data, a physical bank card and some RMB available. Recheck operating notices shortly before landing because weather, maintenance and timetable changes can affect the preferred route.
Official sources
Sources checked 16 August 2026. Reconfirm time-sensitive details before departure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from Pudong Airport to central Shanghai?
Metro Line 2 is generally the lowest-cost option, but check operating hours and the complete hotel transfer.
Does the Shanghai maglev go to the Bund?
No. It terminates at Longyang Road, where you need another metro, taxi or road connection.
How do I travel from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport?
The Airport Link Line connects Pudong Terminal 1&2 with Hongqiao Terminal 2. Include terminal access and waiting beyond the rail journey.
Should I pre-book a Pudong airport transfer?
It is most useful for late arrivals, families, mobility needs, substantial luggage or complicated hotel access.