Getting Around

Most visitors arrive at the modern and convenient Pudong International Airport, though a few still fly into Hongqiao International Airport. Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Station connect the city by rail, and with new high-speed trains rail travel is an excellent way to go. In Shanghai, a clean and efficient metro system and relatively inexpensive taxis make getting around the city remarkably easy given its size and the language barrier. Buses offer great neighborhood coverage, though signage is entirely in Chinese. If you have the time and a good map, walking is a wonderful way to get around Puxi, where small shops, tiny lanes and surprising sights and smells combine in ways unique to the city. Pudong's broad streets and brand-new high-rise complexes are much less friendly to pedestrians and offers far less of interest between destinations, but cabs are plentiful and affordable. Biking is another great option for Puxi, and rentals can be arranged through a number of hotels. Finally, the maglev is a must for fans of futuristic travel, though its convenience as a link to Pudong Airport International is hampered by the fact that the line terminates at an out-of-the-way metro station rather than bringing visitors into the heart of the city.

Transportation Card (jiaotong ka) 

You can use rechargeable plastic transportation cards for the metro, taxis and buses. A transportation card requires a redeemable 30 RMB deposit and you can add money to the cards at the ticket sales window in any metro station.

Metro 

The metro is currently expanding from five lines to 11 lines—slated to be in operation by 2010, just in time for the World Expo. For now, the subway allows easy access to points throughout the city. If you don't have a jiaotong ka, purchase a single-use metro card at a service window or an automated machine (instructions and route maps are available in English on the touch screens). Find your fare by indicating destination—rates run between three and five RMB (approximately 40 to 60 cents). Swipe the card over a turnstile sensor upon entering; feed it into the slot upon exiting (or just swipe a jiaotong ka). Although not a huge problem, pickpockets do work the metro, especially around People's Square.

Taxi 

Flag down taxis on most city streets or call for service: 96822 (Dazhong Taxi), 6431 2788 (Bashi Taxi), 6258 0000 (Qiangsheng Taxi) or 96961 (Jinjiang Taxi). Base rate is 11 RMB for the first three kilometers and 2 RMB per additional kilometer. Shanghai drivers have a good reputation for honesty, though you should be sure you get in a metered cab, especially from Pudong International. When you pay, you should receive a receipt (fapiao) that includes the cab number and company phone number. Most drivers do not speak more than a few words of English, so it's always useful to have addresses in Chinese (have someone write out the address in characters or pick up business cards). In outlying suburban districs such as Nanhui, Jiading and Minhang, the base rate is RMB 9 for the first three kilometers.

To and from Shanghai

Air 

Shanghai's international and domestic flights arrive at Pudong International Airport (PVG) while Hongqiao Airport (SHA) generally services domestic destinations. Pudong airport lies 55 km (about 34 miles) outside the city center (People's Square), roughly a 150 RMB ($20) cab ride.

The fastest train in the world, the German-built maglev, whisks passengers from the airport to the Longyang Lu stop on Metro Line 2 (still in Pudong) in under six minutes. You'll need to take an additional subway or cab ride to reach your final destination. The maglev runs from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is 50 RMB (about $6.70) one way. Six airport shuttle buses run from Pudong Airport to several points in the city—check signs outside of the terminal for stops. Hongqiao Airport lies 15 km (9.3 miles) from the city center (People's Square), and a 30-50 RMB ($5-7) taxi ride. Minibuses run from downtown to the airport.

Train 

Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station are both accessible by metro. The larger and older of the two, Shanghai Railway Station, sends 70 trains daily to provincial and national destinations. The recently built Shanghai South Railway station has 30 trains departing every day, mostly to points south of the city.

Bus 

Several long-distance bus stations in Shanghai connect travelers to regional destinations and beyond. Buses depart daily from Hongkou Football Stadium and Shanghai Stadium (both ac