Shanghai transit: Maglev vs. Metro for international travellers
How to Get Around from Shanghai Pudong Airport During Transit
The other day I shared how to snag a free Shanghai Transit Visa, and heaps of you asked about zipping into the city via the super-fast Maglev train or the Metro. So I've whipped up this quick guide to help you plan your Shanghai stopover (like me – just transiting through, not doing the full free tour this time).
- Lightning-Fast Maglev Train: Shanghai Maglev
This is the coolest way to hit the city. You'll smash 30km in just 8 minutes.
Route: Pudong Airport ➔ Longyang Road Station.
Fare: 50 RMB single or 80 RMB return.
Perks for international travellers:
Pre-book via Klook: Grab a voucher with your Visa/Mastercard before you fly, then scan the QR code or swap for a ticket at the counter – dead easy.
Pay on the spot: Maglev counters take Visa/Mastercard swipes directly (unlike the Metro, which can be tricky with foreign cards).
Heads up: Longyang Road is still 15-20 mins from the city centre (like The Bund) by Metro. After the Maglev, you'll need to grab a Metro ticket to keep going.[1] - Budget-Friendly and Direct: Metro Line 2 (Subway)
Perfect if you've got light luggage and want a straight shot to spots like Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, or People's Square.
Route: Direct from Pudong Airport deep into the heart of the city.
Fare: Super cheap, just 3-9 RMB.
Payment hiccups with Visa/Mastercard:
Most ticket machines at Metro stations don't take foreign cards directly (cash RMB, Alipay/WeChat Pay only).
Best fix: Use your Visa/Mastercard to buy a Shanghai Travel Card or Metro Pass on Klook ahead of time, or hit the Service Centre at the airport to sort a ticket with your card.
Plus, newer machines are starting to support contactless Visa taps, but they're hit-and-miss with overseas cards. I've seen travellers say it works sometimes, so if you're relying on the Metro, pack a couple of Visa/Mastercards from different banks as backup![2] - Pro Tips Just for You (Prioritise International Cards)
Lock in Klook: Check and pre-buy your Maglev ticket on Klook. It's the surefire way to use your Visa/Mastercard without stressing about exchange rates or e-wallets right after landing.
Cash as Plan B: Even if cards are your go-to, swap a bit of cash (200-500 RMB) at the airport. If a Metro machine glitches on your card, you've got notes for a single ticket.
Perfect combo: Maglev (Klook voucher) from airport to Longyang Road ➔ Then hop a taxi/Didi straight to your hotel. Big Shanghai taxi firms or the Didi app (if linked to your card) make lugging bags a breeze.
Quick note: Maglev runs till about 9:40pm. If your flight lands later, Metro Line 2 or taxi it is.
Pro move: Get Alipay or WeChat Pay set up beforehand – once you're in the swing, it's pretty straightforward.
Want me to check which station's closest to your hotel for the smoothest route?
