Getting Around in Shanghai

The easiest way to get around in Shanghai is to use its efficient and affordable public transport system, which includes the Shanghai Metro and public buses.

Public transport in Shanghai is more than sufficient to get you where you need to go. Due to severe traffic congestion and a complex road system, it’s generally advised that expats avoid driving in Shanghai.

Public transport in Shanghai

It is relatively easy to navigate Shanghai’s subway and bus systems. Although the subway only has announcements in English, both forms of transport display their destinations in English and Mandarin.

The Shanghai Public Transportation Card (known as jiaotong yikatong) can be used to travel on buses, the metro, and even taxis. It is recommended for those planning to regularly use Shanghai’s public transport system. The card can be bought at certain convenience stores, banks, and any metro station for a small deposit, and money can be loaded onto it at metro stations.

Buses

Serving a population of over 27 million, the bus system in Shanghai is extensive and well-established, with over 10 bus companies connecting various areas and suburbs. You can find a list of routes written in English online and at some stations, which is helpful as drivers usually don’t speak English.

Several routes are operated by Shanghai’s trolleybuses and eBRT (electric Bus Rapid Transit) system. This network is constantly expanding, and the city is continuously working to improve the bus system, with a goal to ensure that all public buses are electric by 2025.

Metro

As one of the world’s busiest subway systems, the Shanghai Metro serves an average of around 10 million riders daily, and the number of lines constantly increases.

Despite its size, the metro’s routes are easily understood by colour-coded maps. Also, most signs and announcements are in Mandarin and English, making it easy for expats in Shanghai to use.

If you don’t want to use a transport card, you can also get day pass cards or single-journey tickets for the metro. At newer stations, these can only be bought at automatic vending machines. Be prepared for a crush of people on the more popular lines at rush hour.

Trains

A discussion on Shanghai’s public transport network would be incomplete without mentioning the efficient rail network. Two major railways pass through Shanghai: routes connecting Beijing and Hangzhou, and the three key train stations of Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

You can enjoy the high-speed railway, particularly the Shanghai Maglev Train (SMT). The name Maglev comes from it being a magnetic levitation train, allowing speeds of 268 mph (431km/h). While the line is not part of the Shanghai Metro, it connects with it at Longyang Road Station. SMT also connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Ferries

The Huangpu River cuts Shanghai, making ferry travel a great way to get around and see the city. The Shanghai Ferry operates 18 lines. Basic trip costs are about the same as other forms of public transport, and passengers can pay using a Shanghai Public Transport Card. Passengers who wish to take a bicycle, light motorcycle or normal motorcycle are charged higher rates.

Useful links

• Shanghai Metro
• Shanghai Maglev Train

Taxis in Shanghai

Taxis in Shanghai are affordable over short distances, but as most drivers only speak Chinese, expats will need to ensure they have their destination written in Chinese. The easiest way would be to get a colleague or a friend to write the address in Mandarin or to acquire a business card for a landmark nearby.

Taxis are metered and are colour-coordinated according to the taxi company. While tuk-tuks (rickshaws) are not common in Shanghai, there are many taxi alternatives, such as the ride-hailing application DiDi.

Useful links

• Shanghai Taxi Service
• DiDi
• SIXT

Driving in Shanghai

As in other large cities in China, it’s best to avoid buying and driving a car in Shanghai. The road system and traffic laws in this sprawling city are complex, while the public transport system is efficient and comprehensive enough that you often won’t need a car to get to where you want to go.

Chinese traffic laws are typically vastly different from Western ones, and, as a result, it occasionally seems that there are simply no rules at all. Safety should be a concern if you plan to drive, as China has a high rate of traffic-related fatalities. Parking spaces are frequently impossible to find, and commuting in the never-ending rush-hour traffic is a nightmare best avoided, if possible.

If you do want to drive in Shanghai, you will need to get a driving licence for China. International Driver’s Permits (IDPs) are not recognised in mainland China, which means that foreign residents need to convert their home country’s driver’s licence or IDP to a Chinese licence.

Usually, drivers need to complete theory and medical tests and won’t need to retake their driver’s test. This can be done at a Chinese traffic department office or at some airports.

Read Transport and Driving in China for more on acquiring a local driver’s licence.

Bicycles and scooters in Shanghai

Scooters, including electric motorbikes or ‘E-bikes’, are cheap and popular ways to get around Shanghai. They are even available in supermarkets. But they can prove dangerous in the city’s chaotic traffic.

Bicycles are not always allowed on China’s major roads, so they can be unsuitable for long distances. They can also not be ridden in the underground tunnels beneath the river or on bridges, so cyclists must plan their routes accordingly. That said, many people get around by bike, and certain areas are more bicycle-friendly than others, such as Pudong, which offers well-maintained bike paths.

You needn’t worry if you don’t have your own set of wheels, as you can easily rent a bicycle at the click of a button. Bicycle-sharing schemes like HelloBike, Meituan, and Qingju are popular in Shanghai. You simply need to download an app and get riding.

Useful links

• HelloBike
• Meituan

Walking in Shanghai

The best way to travel short distances is on foot. Pedestrians can easily make their way through the city by walking, which is a great way for new arrivals to become more familiar with their surroundings. Strolling along the Bund waterfront promenade and around Pudong is pleasant, especially in the evenings with Shanghai’s nightlife.

While it is relatively safe to walk around in Shanghai, you should take the usual precautions, as in any large city. Pedestrians should be aware of risks, such as safety when crossing busy roads and pickpocketing in crowded areas.