Shanghai, China

Getting around Shanghai

How to travel around Shanghai — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Metro

The world's largest network by route length, cheap, signed in English, and screening bags at every entrance.

Cost: CNY 3–10

2. Maglev to Pudong airport

430 km/h for eight minutes — the only commercial maglev of its kind.

Cost: CNY 50

3. DiDi

The dominant ride-hailing app, with an English interface in the international build.

Watch outAvoids the unlicensed cars touting at stations and the counterfeit-note change.

4. Ferries across the Huangpu

Working commuter ferries for a couple of yuan, with the same view as the tourist cruises.

Cost: CNY 2

5. Bike share

Dockless bikes everywhere, and the Concession's flat grid suits them.

Tip: Needs a Chinese payment app; set up Alipay before arriving.

Booking apps in China

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

DiDi

The dominant Chinese ride-hailing platform, with an English interface in the international app.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Removes the unlicensed cars that tout at stations and airports, and records the route.

Alipay

Handles metro and bus fares, taxi payment and most everyday transactions; supports foreign cards.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Paying digitally sidesteps the counterfeit-banknote problem entirely, which is the most common change scam in China.

Trip.com

Books high-speed rail and domestic flights with an English interface and passport support.

Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Avoids station touts reselling rail tickets at markups.