How to Get to Shanghai from Anywhere?

Author: Shanghai Props

As an international metropolis, Shanghai is one of the important transportation hubs in the world. For travelers preparing to travel to Shanghai, there are several modes of transportation available.

The most convenient and common way to get to Shanghai from a foreign city is to take an international flight. Taking an international cruise is also a viable option.

From domestic cities to Shanghai, you can choose a variety of modes of transportation, including flights, trains, self-driving cars, long-distance buses, etc.

Best Airlines to Fly to Shanghai

Shanghai is home to two major international airports: Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both airports receive international flights from all over the world.

1. Plan Your Trip to Shanghai

There are many international flights to Shanghai from abroad, and travelers can choose the right airline and route according to their origin, travel time and budget.

International airlines in Shanghai, such as Eastern Airlines and Southern Airlines, all offer round trip flights. In addition, many foreign airlines have also opened routes to Shanghai.

You can buy tickets through the airline's websites, online travel agent's websites, or a travel agents. When booking, you need to pay attention to information such as ticket price, flight time, baggage allowance, etc.

2. Global Entry at Shanghai Airports

Passengers arriving in Shanghai will first land at Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao International Airport. Upon arrival, you will need to go to the Immigration Department and present a valid passport and visa.

If you carry items that need to be declared, such as cash and valuables that exceed the prescribed limit, you need to declare them to the custom.

For transfer passengers, please follow the instructions to the transfer counter for onward flights.

3. Transfer Options from Airports to Shanghai

Metro: Shanghai has a well-developed subway network, Pudong International Airport can take Metro Line 2, Hongqiao International Airport Metro Line 2 and Line 10.

Airport Limousine Bus: The airport shuttle bus covers a wide range of routes, which is convenient and fast. The airport limousine bus can be used to all major locations in the city.

Taxi or Ride Hailing: Take a taxi from the taxi rank at the airport, or hail a ride through a mobile app to get to the city.

Arriving in Shanghai by Cruise Ships

Shanghai is an important cruise home port, with modern cruise terminal facilities. Taking an international cruise ship from abroad to Shanghai is a more comfortable and romantic way.

Travelers can choose from international cruise lines departing from Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and other countries. Some well-known cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, etc., offer destinations to Shanghai.

Passengers can book their tickets through the cruise's official website, online travel platforms, or travel agencies. When booking, you need to pay attention to the ferry ticket price, route itinerary, onboard facilities and other information.

Upon arrival at Shanghai Wusongkou Internaitonal Cruise Terminal, passengers need to go through Shanghai customs first. Then follow the signs to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage.

From Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal to the Shanghai city centre, you can choose to take the subway, taxi or bus. Transfers provided by cruise lines can also be booked in advance.

Good to Know When Arriving by Train in Shanghai

The main railway stations in Shanghai include Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and Shanghai South Railway Station.

Buy Bullet Train Tickets: Log in to the official website of Railway 12306 or APP to purchase tickets. Or purchase tickets on some third-party platforms. Or bring your passport to the ticket window at the station to purchase a ticket. Tickets also can be purchased at the Ticket Vending Machine at the station.

Arrival Process: After arriving at the train station, put your luggage and belongings into the security checkpoint for security check, and at the same time go through the security gate to be checked by the security personnel. Show your passport and ticket at the arrival ticket gate and enter the waiting hall.

How to Board Trains: Waiting in the waiting hall for ticket check-in and listening to the announcement on the radio so as not to miss the boarding time. After the check-in time starts, go to the designated ticket gate and show your ticket and ID card for ticket check-in.

Arrive in Shanghai: After the train arrives in Shanghai, get off according to the Broadcast Notifications. At the exit gate, show your ticket and passport for verification and exit the train station.

Arriving in Shanghai by Coach or Bus

Shanghai's long-distance bus stations include Shanghai General Long Distance Bus Station, Shanghai Hutai Road Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station, etc.

You can buy tickets at the ticket window of the long-distance bus station from your departure, or you can buy them in advance through various agent websites or mobile apps. Some stations also offer self-service ticket machines.

10-15 minutes before departure time, the station staff will start to check the tickets at the ticket gate. Show your ticket and ID card and get on the coach.

Traveling to Shanghai by Car: Tips, Advice and Guidance

To get to Shanghai by car, you'll need to consider a number of aspects, including route planning, traffic rules, and traffic restrictions.

The elevated roads in Shanghai are restricted to non local license plate vehicles from 7:00-20:00 every day. There is no restriction on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Check the weather forecast for the areas along the route and avoid driving in bad weather conditions. During long drives, it is recommended to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid fatigue driving.

Conclusion

There are many ways to get to Shanghai from foreign or domestic cities. The choice usually depends on departure point, travel time, budget and personal preference.

The most common way to get to Shanghai from abroad is by international flight. As an important international aviation hub,Shanghai Pudong International Airport receives flights from all over the world.

No matter which method you choose, you need to understand the relevant ticket purchase, security, and immigration processes in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

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