SHANGHAILeaving Shanghai Pudong International: transport guide
Maglev + Metro is iconic and cheap. 'Black cab' touts inside arrivals are persistent.
PVG (Shanghai Pudong International) serves Shanghai, China. The recommended way out is Maglev to Longyang Road + Metro Line 2 (~¥50 + ¥4, 8 min Maglev + 30 min Metro). Pickup: Maglev station below T1/T2.
- ¥54–¥200ExpectedWhat locals pay
- ¥300+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- ¥500+ black cabScamWalk away
Maglev to Longyang Road + Metro Line 2
- Typical fare
- ¥50 + ¥4
- Journey time
- 8 min Maglev + 30 min Metro
- Pickup
- Maglev station below T1/T2
Every way out, ranked
- 1
Metro Line 2 (direct)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- ¥8
- Journey
- 60–80 min
- Wait
- Every 7 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Cheapest
- Direct
Cons- Slow
- 2
Maglev + Metro
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- ¥54
- Journey
- 45 min
- Wait
- Every 20 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Iconic
- Faster
Cons- Transfer at Longyang Rd
- 3
Official Taxi
- Cost
- ¥160–¥220
- Journey
- 45–70 min
- Wait
- 0–15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Metered
Cons- Tolls extra
- Long queue
- 4
Didi
- Cost
- ¥150–¥220
- Journey
- 45–70 min
- Wait
- 10–20 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Fixed price
Cons- Need Chinese phone or AliPay-linked Didi
From gate to city
- 1Follow signs to Maglev (basement) or Metro Line 2
- 2Maglev ¥50, Line 2 ¥4 to People's Square
- 3Use AliPay / WeChat Pay or cash
- 4For official taxi go to the outdoor rank
- 5Plan 60–90 min to city by metro
- Setup AliPay before arrival
- Metro or Maglev
- Official taxi rank only
Common scams & payment traps
- AliPay/WeChat Pay strongly recommended
- Cash backup in small RMB notes
Black-cab tout
High riskPerson offers ¥500 flat to city — no meter.
HOW TO AVOID · Walk to the outdoor taxi rank or take Metro/Maglev.
Long-route detour
Medium riskDriver takes outer ring road for higher tolls.
HOW TO AVOID · Insist on direct route or use Didi for fixed price.
What locals & travellers say
“Metro Line 2 + AliPay is the easiest move.”
- "Metro Line 2 + AliPay is the easiest move." — r/Shanghai
- "Maglev is fun but you still need the metro at the other end." — TripAdvisor
Take it with you
PVG arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Shanghai Pudong International?
- Maglev to Longyang Road + Metro Line 2. Avoid anyone offering 'taxi' inside arrivals — black cabs charge ¥400+.
- Are taxis at PVG safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: black-cab tout — Person offers ¥500 flat to city — no meter. Walk to the outdoor taxi rank or take Metro/Maglev.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at PVG?
- Yes — Didi works at PVG. Typical cost ¥150–¥220, journey ~45–70 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from PVG to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the PVG → People's Square route is roughly ¥54–¥200. Anything around ¥300+ is high — ¥500+ black cab is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at PVG?
- Carry small local notes — Metro Line 2 (direct) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Shanghai Pudong International?
- Maglev station below T1/T2. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is PVG safe to arrive at late at night?
- PVG is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at PVG?
- The most reported at PVG: Black-cab tout; Long-route detour. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
Keep reading
Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- May 2026
- Confidence
- high
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/pvg-shanghai
Airport Exit (1970). PVG — Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong International) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/pvg-shanghai
"PVG — Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, May 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/pvg-shanghai.
Airport Exit. "PVG — Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated May 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/pvg-shanghai.