Private Airport Transfers in Shanghai

Shanghai is served by two very different airports. Pudong International (PVG) sits 30 kilometres east of the Bund and handles the vast majority of international long-haul arrivals; Hongqiao (SHA) is 13 kilometres west of the city and focuses on domestic routes plus a small number of regional flights from Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei. Travellers connecting onward from SHA to PVG (or vice-versa) should allow at least 90 minutes of ground transfer time between them. From PVG the Maglev reaches Longyang Road in seven minutes at 431 km/h but leaves passengers several kilometres from most tourist hotels. LocalsRide locks the USD fare at booking and an English-speaking driver is waiting at arrivals.

Key Destinations from PVG and SHA

From PVG: Lujiazui and the Shanghai Tower (30 km, 35–55 min), the Bund (32 km, 40–65 min), Xintiandi and People's Square (35 km, 45–70 min), former French Concession (38 km, 50–75 min), Hongqiao rail station for bullet trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing (55 km, 60–90 min). From SHA: the Bund (14 km, 25–40 min), Lujiazui (18 km, 30–50 min), West Nanjing Road (10 km, 20–35 min).

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take the Maglev from Pudong or a taxi?

The Maglev is an experience worth having for the seven-minute 431 km/h run from PVG to Longyang Road, but Longyang sits in eastern Pudong and not close to most tourist hotels around the Bund or the French Concession. Once you factor in walking with luggage to Longyang metro and the onward connection, a direct taxi or private car is roughly equivalent in total door-to-door time and far easier with baggage. Most arriving tourists ride the Maglev on a return trip from the city to the airport at the end of the stay instead.

Can I book one transfer from Pudong airport (PVG) to Suzhou or Hangzhou?

Yes — direct private transfers from PVG to Suzhou (130 km, 2–2.5 hours) and Hangzhou (200 km, 2.5–3.5 hours) are a common option for travellers who don't want the PVG→Hongqiao rail connection. High-speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is fast (25 minutes to Suzhou, 45 minutes to Hangzhou), but requires a 55-kilometre cross-town transfer from PVG to Hongqiao first. For one-trip door-to-door with multiple travellers and luggage, a private car is often simpler overall.