Getting Around Shanghai – How To Do It

If you're taking an international flight to Shanghai, more than likely you will fly into Pudong International Airport. This airport is less than an hour away from Puxi, which is the other section of Shanghai. There is transportation called the Maglev train that is adjacent to the airport and also interacts with the rail system in Shanghai. If Pudong is not your final destination, then you're better off riding in a taxi.

The airport has different taxi lines, so you have to make sure you use the right one. You may have to pay a higher fare if you get a taxi within the airport. If they try to come up and get you as a passenger, just shoo them away. You're there to spend money, but not to have people get over on you financially. Just go outside to the official line and get a legitimate taxi.

You can get a rental car, but it's not always in your best interests. People that come here from other countries would rather have someone drive them around rather than do the driving themselves. Using a taxi would better serve you in order to move around the city. In fact, taxis are very cost effective and you end up spending less than $2.00 to get to your destination.

If you don't want to do the taxi, another cost-effective way to get around the city is to take public transportation. The city does have a bus system. The buses are usually comfortable, and depending on where you're going, you can ride it for less than a dollar. Hopefully, if you decide to do this, you're not in a hurry to get anywhere soon. Buses get stuck in traffic just like vehicles do.

Shanghai Airport would be your destination if you are flying within a city in China. This airport doesn't have a public transportation hookup yet. The government is currently working on this project. However, there are taxis available to accommodate you.

With the subway rail system, Shanghai has five rail sections available. The government is working on expanding the system so that it can accommodate more people. The price for riding the rail is very cheap, starting at under $.50. This is a great way to get around the city and you have easy access to a lot of places in Shanghai. The trains are kept spotless and at each station, the signage is in both Chinese and English.

In Shanghai alone, there are two rail venues that are able to match up with other Chinese rail systems. Using the rail is one of the best ways to travel in Shanghai. You also have trains that are designated for people who are riding overnight. For instance, if you're going to Beijing from Shanghai, you will spend at least a half a day on the train.

As with anywhere else, be careful of your surroundings. This is important, especially if you've never been to Shanghai before. The last thing you want is your trip to be ruined by you missing something.