Complete Shanghai Transportation Guide: Metro, Taxis, Buses, Ferries, and More

Navigating Shanghai can be a breeze if you understand the city’s transportation system. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, hailing a taxi, or taking a scenic ferry ride, knowing the ins and outs of Shanghai’s travel options can save you time and money. This guide covers everything you need to know about public transportation in Shanghai, from metro tips to ferry schedules and more.

Metro System

The Shanghai metro is the primary mode of transport for most visitors. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the city’s vast underground network:

1. Ticket Options: Shanghai’s metro system offers several ways to pay, including:
   • Regular Metro Cards: A convenient option if you’re staying in Shanghai for a while.
   • One-Day or Three-Day Passes: Ideal for tourists, allowing unlimited travel within a 24-hour or 72-hour period. Prices are 18 RMB for a 1-day pass and 45 RMB for a 3-day pass.
   • Single Tickets: Starting from 3 RMB for a short ride.
   • QR Code Payments: You can also use your mobile phone to pay via scanning QR codes at the ticket gates.
2. Ticket Recommendations for Frequent Travelers:
   • If you plan to use the metro several times in one day, it’s more economical to buy a one-day or three-day pass. This gives you unlimited rides within the specified time frame.
3. Single Ticket Cost:
   • The minimum cost for a single metro journey is 3 RMB. Even if you’re only traveling one stop, you will still be charged 3 RMB.
4. Where to Buy Tickets:
   • You can purchase tickets and passes at the metro station’s self-service machines or customer service counters.
   • You can also buy passes online via the “Metro City (大都会)” or “SuiShenXing (随申行)” apps.
5. Important Note:
   • The day pass is activated when you first enter the metro station, and it cannot be used for the Maglev train.
6. Transfers and Walking Distances:
   • Be prepared for long walking distances between transfer lines, especially in larger stations such as Nanjing West Station. In some cases, you may need to exit the station and re-enter to change lines, so always leave extra time for transfers.
7. Walking Distances Between Platforms:
   • Some metro exits are quite far from the platforms. It’s recommended to check the walking time on the station map before your journey.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

Shanghai’s taxi service is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Taxi Fares:
   • The base fare starts at 14 RMB for the first 3 kilometers. After that, it’s 2.7 RMB per kilometer.
   • The fare may increase during peak hours or in certain areas with heavy traffic.
2. Ride-Hailing Apps:
   • Ride-hailing services like DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) are widely available in Shanghai. Prices are similar to those in Guangzhou.
3. Taxi Tips:
   • Taxis are generally not recommended for short distances, as traffic congestion in areas like downtown Shanghai can be quite heavy, especially at traffic lights. If you’re not in a rush, the metro is often faster and more cost-effective.

Buses

Buses are another affordable option for getting around the city, though they can be slower due to traffic.

1. Ticket Price:
   • The uniform fare for most buses is 2 RMB.
2. Important Note:
   • Metro day passes cannot be used for buses.
3. Popular Bus Routes:
   • Bus Route 20: This route passes through some of Shanghai’s most iconic locations, including The Bund, Nanjing Road, Jing’an Temple, and Yuyuan Garden.

Ferries

Shanghai’s ferries offer a scenic way to travel between districts, with some routes providing picturesque views of the city skyline (A Complete Guide to the 2-Yuan Ferry on the Bund, Shanghai).

1. Ferry Routes:
   • Fuxing East Road Ferry Terminal to Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM): This route is ideal for a scenic ride. It’s particularly beautiful after 7:00 PM when the city lights up.
   • Shengjinling East Road Ferry Terminal to Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal (7:00 AM – 6:30 PM): Another popular route for tourists, though services may be suspended during holidays.
2. Tip for Ferry Travelers:
   • Ferries tend to get crowded around dusk, so if you prefer a quieter ride, consider taking a cruise instead. However, cruises can be more expensive than ferries.