As an international metropolis with the largest population in estuary of Yangtze River China, as well as an one of the essential transportation hubs in China. Shanghai inevitably faces the problem of overpopulation and traffic congestion. Because of this, the leaders have Shanghai have made sure that their city's transportation system is the most advanced in China. Nowadays, Shanghai transportation has formed by railways, waterways, road, air and pipeline, with a large scale integrated transport network. Shanghai Port is the largest hub in China; there are a total of 47 bus stations, 1611 long distance bus line to 660 cities all over China. The city has formed by a amazing traffic network with road, viaduct, river-crossing tunnel and bridge as well as subway and elevated rail.

Getting Around in Shanghai

By Subway:
The Shanghai Metro is the urban rapid transit system of China's largest city, Shanghai. The system incorporates both subway and light metro lines. It opened in 1995, making Shanghai the third city in Mainland China, after Beijing and Tianjin, to have a rapid transit system. Since then, the Shanghai Metro has become one of the fastest-growing rapid transit systems in the world. 

As of 2012, there are 11 metro lines (excluding the Shanghai Maglev Train and Line 22), 278 stations and combined operating route length of over 434 kilometres,the longest network in the world. The Shanghai Metro delivered 2.101 billion rides in 2011, the fifth busiest in the world. It set a daily ridership record of 7.548 million on October 22, 2010. The system continues to grow, with new lines and extensions of old lines currently under construction.

There are five subway lines which have connections all over the city of Shanghai, and have stops at or nearby all of the main attractions and commercial areas. Except during rush hour, the subway is the fastest and most comfortable way for visitors to get around Shanghai. The Shanghai subway is fast, cheap, air conditioned and user-friendly, no matter your native language. Station stops and line information are announced in both Mandarin and English. If you can remember a few of these helpful hints, getting around the city will surely be a breeze.

By Taxi:
As in other large cities, Shanghai has taxis roaming the city and they are available 24 hours a day. Visitors can take a taxi from virtually anywhere, and it is the most common means of transportation to get around Shanghai. Taxi is the speediest form of transportation in the city, except during rush hour. Rush hour in Shanghai is from about 7:30 to 9:00AM, and then again in the evening from about 4:45-6:30PM. During regular hours, the first 5 kilometers (or 3 miles) are 10.8rmb and 1.6rmb per km (0.6 mile) after that. After 11:00pm, prices are 12.6rmb for the first 5kilometers. It is possible to get lower rates during rush hours. All visitors to Shanghai are recommended to take one of their hotel's business cards. They will have directions back to their hotels, and if they get lost, they just need to hand it to the taxi driver and they can get back without a problem.

There are over 100 taxi companies in Shanghai. Of all the taxi companies, Dazhong, Qiangsheng and Jingjiang are most strongly recommended. Dazhong is sky blue: the largest taxi company in Shanghai. The drivers are very professional and all the cars are new and in good condition. Taxi call or Enquiry in Shanghai:

Dazhong: 021-96822
Qiangsheng: 021-62580000
Jinjiang: 021-96961
Bashi: 021-96840
Haibo: 021-96965 

By Public Bus:
There are more than 1,100 bus routes in operation in Shanghai, and buses are jam-packed the entire day. Shanghai Railway Station, Renmin Square (People's Square), Xujiahui, Zhongshan Park, Wujiaochang, Shanghai Indoor Stadium and Dongchang Road serve as the main bus transfer stations in downtown Shanghai. Shenzhuang, Longyang Road and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park stations provide many routes to Shanghai's suburbs.

The fare for the regular public bus is 1 RMB and is 2 RMB for the air-conditioned buses. For suburban buses, Shanghai has implemented a new system where every ride costs 2 RMB (before, the suburban rates were based on mileage and ranged from 1-11 RMB). Shanghai has many one way streets therefore passengers often cannot take the same bus back the way they came. It is a good idea to ask which bus to take back when getting off, otherwise the return station might be difficult to find. If you are using a travel card, you will get a discount of 1 RMB if you transfer buses within two hours. Most buses will accept IC cards (Shanghai Public Transportation Cards) with the exception of certain special and suburban lines.

On the roadside, you will find kiosks selling Shanghai bus maps for 8-10 Yuan. The maps are marked correctly with the Shanghai bus stops and names. Peddlers in the area will sell maps for about 3 RMB but these maps are often counterfeit and may have errors.

Most bus routes accept the Shanghai Public Transportation Card (IC card). Exceptions include some of the Special and Suburban Lines.

By Airplane:
Shanghai has two international airports and is a nexus for international flights. Pudong Airport, about an hour's drive from the city center, handles most international and some domestic flights. The Hongqiao Airport located 18km (11miles) from the Bund is reachable via bus, shuttle or taxi. Shanghai's airports have flights to most international and domestic destinations.

By Train or Long-distance Bus: 
Shanghai is at the junction of the Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Hangzhou train lines, so many of China's major destinations can be reached by direct train from Shanghai. There are a number of long-distance bus stations in Shanghai, the busiest one is the Hengfeng Lu that has a 13-hour trip to Beijing.

Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT):
The Shanghai Maglev line runs between Longyang Road station of Subway Line 2 in Pudong and Pudong International Airport. At full speed, the trip takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to finish the distance of 30 km. The train can reach 350 km/h in 2 minutes, with the maximum speed of 431 km/h (268 reached thereafter. The train, which consists of 9 compartments, is capable of carrying 959 passengers. The magnetic levitation train started operating on Jan 1, 2004. 

The fast and convenient maglev train is operated by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd., which was set up in 2000. Any questions or complaints, you may go to the Maglev Service Center established by the company on the second floor of the station.

Maglev Hotline: 021-28907777

Timetable:

Interval: