The cheapest way from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) into central Shanghai is Metro Line 2 straight to People's Square for just 7 CNY (about US$1), taking around 75 minutes door to door. Note that most airport trains are short 4-car shuttles that terminate at Guanglan Road, where you cross the platform to the main Line 2 train on the same ticket. The 50 CNY Maglev is a fun 8-minute blast if you'd rather go fast, but ignore the taxi touts inside arrivals who ask 300 CNY or more.
How to find it
- AIRPORTShanghai Pudong International Airport
- 01From arrivals in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, follow the 'Metro' / 地铁 signs down to the Line 2 station under the airport (about a 5–10 minute walk).
- 02Buy a 7 CNY single-journey ticket to People's Square at the machine (or scan the Alipay/WeChat Metro QR at the gate), then board Line 2 towards the city.
- 03The airport trains are short 4-car shuttles that usually terminate at Guanglan Road. Get off there and cross the same platform to the main 8-car Line 2 train continuing towards the centre — your ticket stays valid, no need to buy again.
- 04Ride Line 2 about 50 minutes to People's Square in central Shanghai, where you can transfer to Line 1 and Line 8 for Nanjing Road and the rest of the centre.
- CITY CENTREShanghai
Ticket
Metro Line 2 single-journey ticket (Pudong Airport to People's Square)
Where to buy: At the ticket vending machines in the Metro Line 2 station beneath Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (follow the 'Metro' / 地铁 signs down from arrivals).
How to pay: The machines take cash and, in most cases, UnionPay cards; you can also scan the Alipay or WeChat Metro QR code at the gate to skip the machine. No separate validation is needed — tap the token or QR at the gate.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetroCheapest route | CN¥7.00 | 1 h 15 min | Metro Line 2 single-journey ticket (Pudong Airport to People's Square) |
| Combination | CN¥50.00 | 40 min | Shanghai Maglev single-journey ticket (Pudong Airport to Longyang Road) |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Pudong Airport to central Shanghai?
- Metro Line 2 to People's Square costs just 7 CNY (about US$1) and takes around 75 minutes. It is far cheaper than the 50 CNY Maglev or a ~160 CNY taxi.
- Do I have to change trains on Metro Line 2 from the airport?
- Usually yes. Most airport departures are 4-car shuttles that terminate at Guanglan Road; you get off and cross the same platform to the main 8-car Line 2 train. Your single ticket still covers the whole trip.
- How long does Metro Line 2 take from Pudong Airport to the city?
- About 75 minutes door to door to People's Square, including the walk down to the platform and the change at Guanglan Road. The Maglev plus a Line 2 transfer is faster at roughly 40 minutes.
- Is the Maglev worth it from Pudong Airport?
- It is a fun 8-minute ride at up to 431 km/h, but at 50 CNY (40 CNY with a same-day boarding pass) it is about seven times the metro and only reaches Longyang Road, where you still transfer to Line 2.
- How do I pay for the Shanghai metro at Pudong Airport?
- Buy a single-journey ticket at the machine with cash or a UnionPay card, or scan the Alipay or WeChat Metro QR code straight at the gate. No separate validation is needed.
- What is the best way from PVG to downtown Shanghai?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: Metro Line 2 straight to People's Square in the city centre — 7 CNY and about 75 minutes, with a simple cross-platform change at Guanglan Road on the same ticket.
- How much is a taxi from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city?
- A metered official taxi is around 160 CNY to the centre — over 20 times the 7 CNY metro. Ignore the touts inside arrivals asking 300 CNY or more; if you want a taxi, use only the official rank outside.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.