Getting Around Shanghai Without a Car

Shanghai's car-free transit ecosystem — metro, bus, Maglev, ferry, bike-share, and ride-hailing — is one of the world's most complete. The metro alone spans 21 lines and more than 900 km, covers virtually every tourist district with bilingual signage, and accepts foreign contactless cards since mid-2025. Most visitors never need a car.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I pay for the Shanghai Metro as a foreign visitor?

Since June 2025, you can tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard directly at any metro gate with no app required. Alternatively, link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay and scan a QR code at the turnstile. The physical Shanghai Public Transportation Card (Jiaotong Ka) — bought at any metro station for a ¥20 refundable deposit — also works on metro, buses, ferries, and taxis.

Is Didi (ride-hailing) easy for foreigners to use in Shanghai?

Yes. The Didi app runs in English, accepts overseas credit and debit cards, shows a fixed price before you book, and sends your destination to the driver in Chinese automatically. Register with an international mobile number before you arrive. A typical 8 km city ride costs roughly ¥30–40 on Didi Express.

What bike-share options are available in Shanghai?

Hellobike, Meituan Bike, and Qingju operate dockless bike-share fleets across the city; unlock any bike by scanning its QR code with the respective app. Bike-share is ideal for short hops in central neighborhoods and during metro rush hours. Shanghai's expanding network of bike lanes makes cycling a practical last-mile option.

What hours does the Shanghai Metro run?

Metro lines operate approximately 05:00–24:00 daily, though exact first and last train times vary by line and direction. Ticket machines stop issuing tickets three minutes before the last train, so don't cut it close. Check the Metro Daduhui app for real-time last-train alerts.

What are Shanghai Metro fares?

Metro fares are distance-based: ¥3 for journeys up to 6 km, rising by ¥1 per additional 10 km, with a maximum of ¥15 for the longest cross-city trips. A 1-day unlimited pass costs ¥18 and a 3-day pass costs ¥45. Children under 1.3 m ride free.

How do I get from Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city center?

The Shanghai Maglev covers the 30 km from PVG to Longyang Road Station in about 8 minutes; a standard ticket is ¥50 (¥40 with a same-day flight boarding pass). From Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 westbound to reach People's Square and beyond in another 30–40 minutes. The last Maglev departs PVG at 21:42 — late arrivals should take Metro Line 2 or Didi.

How does the Huangpu River ferry work, and what does it cost?

Passenger ferries cross the Huangpu River between the Bund (Puxi) and Lujiazui (Pudong) at several docks, offering a scenic alternative to the metro tunnel. The fare is ¥2 for pedestrians (¥2.80 with a bicycle). Pay with the Jiaotong Ka or cash at the dock.

Can I use buses in Shanghai without speaking Chinese?

Buses are manageable but less foreigner-friendly than the metro — route displays are often Chinese-only. The Jiaotong Ka (transport card) or Alipay/WeChat Pay handles payment; note that foreign contactless bank cards (Tap to Ride) work on the metro but not on city buses. Shanghai has nearly 2,000 bus routes connecting urban and suburban areas.

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