How to get around Shanghai & To Nearby Cities

February 28, 2026

Explore transportation options in Shanghai, from the metro and taxis to high-speed trains to nearby cities, helping you plan a more streamlined and flexible itinerary. So, How to get around Shanghai and from Shanghai to nearby cities? Let’s check out this guide!

Shanghai is always moving, fast-paced, and never stands still. To keep up with this pace, choosing the right mode of transportation is just as important as your sightseeing schedule. From the convenient subway for tour days, flexible taxis for quick trips, to high-speed trains opening up short trips outside the city, each mode of transportation contributes to a unique experience.

Let’s explore transportation options in Shanghai to make your trip smoother and more comfortable from the very first day.

| How to get around Shanghai: Most Popular Transportation Options Within Shanghai

Subway – The “Backbone” of Shanghai’s Transportation

China High Speed Rail

If you ask which mode of transportation is the “backbone” of Shanghai, the answer is almost certainly the subway. With its extensive network, high frequency of service, and punctuality, the metro allows you to travel from the city center to the suburbs, from tourist areas to shopping districts, and even connects directly to major stations and the two airports. The biggest advantage for tourists is that it’s fast, easy to use, and avoids traffic jams during peak hours.

Shangmai metro map | How to get around Shanghai

For a “day trip” itinerary, the metro is the optimal choice: visit The Bund in the morning, Nanjing Road at noon, Lujiazui to admire the skyline in the afternoon, and Xintiandi in the evening – all accessible by subway without the hassle of waiting for a taxi. Many major stations have signs and route maps in English, so you just need to identify the station name, line number, and direction.

Mainland China Bus & Metro Card

A little tip for a smoother Shanghai metro ride: if you’re carrying luggage, avoid peak hours as trains get very crowded; some major stations have long transfer aisles, so allow a few minutes for walking. And when exiting the station, remember to carefully check the Exit (exit gate) because each gate leads to a different side of the road. In short, if you want to travel efficiently, economically, and with the least risk when visiting Shanghai for the first time, the metro is always a reliable choice.

Traditional Taxis and Didi Ride-Hailing App

When you need to travel quickly, have a lot of luggage, or are traveling late at night, taxis and Didi are more flexible options than the subway. They are also suitable for first-time visitors to Shanghai, especially if you are unfamiliar with the metro system or don’t want to change lines multiple times.

Traditional taxis are easy to catch at hotels, shopping malls, major tourist attractions, or you can hail one directly on the street. They use meters, and the fares aren’t too high for short trips within the city. However, the biggest drawback is that drivers often don’t speak English, so you should prepare your destination address in Chinese or save it on your phone to show the driver.

Shanghai Disneyland Transfer

Didi is the most popular ride-hailing app in China, similar to Grab. With Didi, you simply enter your pickup and drop-off points, and the system will automatically locate and display an estimated price before you book a ride. The app has an English interface, making it easier for tourists to use than traditional taxis. This is a very convenient option when traveling in groups, carrying large suitcases, or moving between locations not near metro stations.

Buses – Cheap but Not the Optimal Choice for Short Trips

Buses are the cheapest means of transportation within Shanghai, with a very wide network covering many residential areas. However, for tourists on short trips, this is not an ideal choice. Most route information, stops, and announcements on the bus are in Chinese, making it difficult if you are not familiar with reading maps or using local apps.

Shanghai sightseeing bus tour | How to get around Shanghai

Shanghai Car rental with driver – Shanghai Dowtown

In addition, buses are easily affected by traffic jams, especially during peak hours, making travel times unpredictable. If you’re only in Shanghai for a few days and want to optimize your sightseeing itinerary, the metro or taxis are still the more practical and less risky options. Buses are more suitable for those staying longer or who are already familiar with getting around in China.

Walking & Cycling – Use the Right Areas

Bustling street of Shanghai | How to get around Shanghai

Walking and cycling are great ways to experience the rhythm of Shanghai, but only in the right areas. Areas like The Bund, Xintiandi, the French Concession, or the central shopping streets are quite pedestrian-friendly, with beautiful scenery and easy-to-explore corners.

Public bicycles are also popular, suitable for short distances and areas with less heavy traffic. However, Shanghai is a very large city, and the distances between attractions are often far, so walking or cycling cannot completely replace other means of transportation. You should combine the metro for longer distances and walking or cycling once you’ve reached the areas you want to visit.

Hiring a Car with a Driver – An Easy Solution for First-Time Travelers

Xuyan – Immersive Tang Dynasty Royal Banquet|Shanghai Flagship Store

For those visiting Shanghai for the first time, traveling with family or friends, or with a busy schedule, hiring a car with a driver is the easiest and least stressful option. You simply provide your itinerary, and the driver will pick you up and drop you off at the correct locations; there’s no need to worry about finding your way, changing routes, or language barriers.

This option is particularly suitable for traveling between multiple attractions in a day, going to the suburbs, or needing on-time airport transfers. The cost will be higher than the metro or taxi, but in return you get comfort, flexibility, and energy savings, especially on days when you need to travel frequently. For travelers who prioritize a relaxed experience, hiring a car with a driver is a very worthwhile solution.

Nanjing Road @chinaxiantour.com | How to get around Shanghai

Tips: Want to get around Shanghai quickly, easily, and without language barriers? Book a private car with a driver on Klook for door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, flexible schedules, and clear pricing. Suitable for first-time travelers, groups, or those with a lot of luggage. Book your car on Klook now for a stress-free trip from the very first day.

Transportation Options from Shanghai to Nearby Cities

From Shanghai, you can easily make day trips or combine visits to popular cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, or Wuxi. Depending on your time, budget, and desired level of convenience, you can choose one of the following transportation options.

How to get around Shanghai: High-Speed Train – The Fastest Way to Get Around Outside Shanghai

Bullet train Shanghai – Beijing. copyright: Lyu Biao/VCG/Getty Images

Shanghai Maglev Train Ticket

High-speed trains are the most popular and efficient option for traveling from Shanghai to neighboring cities. Travel time is very short, with many journeys taking only 30 minutes to over an hour, suitable for day trips or combining multiple destinations in one trip.

Trains run continuously throughout the day, the seats are clean, stable, and less affected by weather. Just arrive at the station early, complete the check-in procedures, and board on time, and you can travel with peace of mind. For tourists, this is the fastest, most convenient, and easiest way to manage your time.

Regular Train – A Less Preferred Option

Compared to high-speed trains, regular trains have significantly longer travel times, fewer departures, and are less convenient. The seats and space on trains are also less comfortable, especially on short routes where high-speed trains are available as alternatives.

Therefore, trains are often less preferred by tourists, unless you want to save as much money as possible or there are no other high-speed train options that suit your desired departure time. For short trips, trains are not an ideal option.

Intercity Buses – Suitable for Saving Money

Intercity buses are a cost-effective option when traveling from Shanghai to neighboring cities. Ticket prices are usually lower than high-speed trains, suitable for those who are not in a hurry. However, buses are heavily affected by traffic conditions, prone to congestion, and travel times are unpredictable.

Train and station information is mostly in Chinese, which can be inconvenient for first-time travelers. This option is more suitable if you are already familiar with traveling in China or want to optimize your budget.

Cities Near Shanghai for Travel Enthusiasts

Suzhou – Ideal for Day Trips, Viewing Ancient Gardens & Canals

Suzhou is the closest city to Shanghai and is easily accessible by high-speed train. Most trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao Station, with a travel time of only about 25-35 minutes. Trains usually stop at Suzhou Station or Suzhou North Station, from where you can take the metro or taxi to the city center, home to famous ancient gardens and canals. Thanks to the short distance and frequent trains, Suzhou is ideal for a day trip, leaving in the morning and returning to Shanghai in the afternoon or evening.

Hangzhou – Ideal for 1-2 Day Trips, Viewing West Lake & Relaxation

From Shanghai, you can take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou, with a travel time of about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The most popular destination is Hangzhou East Railway Station, a large station with convenient metro connections. From here, you can easily travel to the West Lake area, a central tourist and resort area. With a short travel time, Hangzhou is suitable for a 1-2 day trip or even a day trip if your schedule is tight.

Nostalgic Xitang Ancient Town in Hangzhou | klook

Nanjing – Suitable for Historical & Cultural Tourism

This mausoleum is known as the number one mausoleum in the history of modern Chinese architecture.

Nanjing is further away than Suzhou and Hangzhou but is still very convenient by high-speed train. The train departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Station and stops at Nanjing South Railway Station, with a travel time of about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. This is a major central station with a metro connection directly to historical sites, museums, and the old town. With this distance, Nanjing is suitable for a 1-2 day trip to have enough time to explore.

Wuxi – Suitable for Short Breaks, Temple Visits & Nature

Wuxi is a relaxing option if you want to leave Shanghai for a short time. The high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Wuxi takes about 45-60 minutes, usually stopping at Wuxi Station or Wuxi East Station. After getting off at the station, you can take a taxi or metro to reach the temples, lakes, and natural attractions. Wuxi is suitable for a day trip or an overnight stay.

Jiaxing – Suitable for Day Trips, Visiting Ancient Towns

Jiaxing is very close to Shanghai, suitable for a short day trip. The high-speed train departs from Shanghai Hongqiao Station and stops at Jiaxing South Railway Station, with a travel time of about 30-45 minutes.

From Jiaxing Station, you can continue by taxi or local bus to the famous ancient towns. The peaceful atmosphere and authentic local life make Jiaxing an ideal destination for a relaxing trip without too much preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Around & Visiting Neighboring Cities from Shanghai

1. What is the best mode of transportation for first-time visitors to Shanghai?

For first-time visitors, the subway is the best option. The metro covers almost all major attractions, runs on time, is reasonably priced, and avoids traffic jams. Taxis or Didi are recommended when traveling late, carrying a lot of luggage, or needing to quickly move between points not near metro stations.

2. Is it difficult to use the Shanghai subway if I don’t know Chinese?

Not too difficult. The route maps and station names are all in English, the automatic ticket machines have English interfaces, and the major stations have fairly clear signage. Just identify the correct route, direction, and pay attention to the exit numbers, and you can get around without knowing Chinese.

3. Should you take a taxi or Didi in Shanghai?

Yes, especially if you’re traveling in a group, carrying large suitcases, or traveling at night. Traditional taxis are easy to catch, but drivers often don’t speak English, while Didi is more convenient as it has an English interface and clearly displays the destination. It’s more expensive than the metro, but offers more flexibility.

4. When should you avoid peak hours in Shanghai?

Peak hours are usually in the morning from around 7:30 to 9:00 and in the afternoon from 17:00 to 19:00. During these hours, the metro is very crowded and taxis are prone to traffic jams. If possible, you should arrange your travel outside of these hours, especially when carrying luggage.

5. Should you rent a self-drive car when traveling in Shanghai?

Renting a car is not recommended for tourists, especially first-time visitors. Heavy traffic, different driving laws, and the requirement for a Chinese driver’s license make self-driving quite complicated. Hiring a car with a driver or using the metro or taxis is easier and safer.

6. Is it possible to travel to other cities from Shanghai in a day?

Absolutely. Thanks to the high-speed train, you can travel to and from nearby cities like Suzhou, Jiaxing, or even Hangzhou in a day trip. Just choose an early departure and a late return to have enough time for sightseeing.

7. Which city is closest to Shanghai and easiest to visit in a day trip?

Suzhou is the closest and easiest city to visit. The high-speed train journey is only about 25-35 minutes, with many trains throughout the day and concentrated tourist attractions, making it ideal for a day trip.

8. Do I need to book tickets in advance for the high-speed train from Shanghai?

It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, holidays, or during peak tourist season. Booking in advance allows you to proactively choose your departure time and seat, and avoid the situation of tickets selling out at the last minute.

9. Can I travel on the high-speed train by myself if I don’t know Chinese?

Yes, it’s possible. Large stations like Shanghai Hongqiao have English signs, clear train information, and a fairly simple boarding process. Just arrive at the station early, check the correct train number, ticket gate, and carriage, and you can travel independently without much difficulty.

10. Should I go on a day trip or stay overnight when visiting a nearby city?

If the city is nearby and the itinerary is concise, like Suzhou or Jiaxing, a day trip is sufficient. For places that require more time for sightseeing, such as Hangzhou or Nanjing, staying overnight will be more comfortable and less rushed.

Experience the amazing transportation options in Shanghai now!