How to get from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Nanjing Road
China · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Nanjing Road · Shanghai · Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA, mainly Terminal 2) sits on Metro Lines 2 and 10—both run straight to Nanjing Road (East/West). Choose metro for cost and predictability, taxi/rideshare for door-to-door, or a prebooked car if you prefer meet-and-greet. Details, prices, and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Nanjing Road)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro Line 2 (Hongqiao T2 → East/West Nanjing Rd) | ~35–45m (no transfer) | Cheapest, traffic-proof |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 5–7 one-way (cash/transport card/Alipay) » transit cards/passes | ||
| 🚇 Metro Line 10 (Hongqiao T1/T2 → East Nanjing Rd) | ~35–45m (no transfer) | Direct to East Nanjing Rd (Line 10 hotels) |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 5–7 (same as Line 2) » area overview | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door) | ~30–60m (traffic-dependent) | Heavy luggage, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 90–160 to Nanjing Rd area » fixed quotes | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Meet-and-Greet) | ~35–60m | Groups, VIP comfort |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 250–500 per vehicle » compare transfers | GetYourGuide options | ||
| 🚌 Airport Bus (limited & slower) | ~60–90m | When metro is closed & you prefer coach |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 20–30 (route-dependent) » see options | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest + most reliable: Metro Line 2 or Line 10 (both run directly from Hongqiao terminals to Nanjing Road stations).
- Most convenient with luggage/late night: Taxi / rideshare or private transfer.
- When metro is closed & you don’t want a taxi: Airport bus to central stops then short taxi.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Payments: Metro accepts cash at machines, bank cards via mobile wallets, or transit cards. Consider a rechargeable card or e-tickets via Klook.
- Connectivity: Download offline maps. For tours around Nanjing Road/Bund, browse GetYourGuide.
- Rideshare: Didi is the main app. If you prefer fixed pricing/English support, compare GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If rooms aren’t ready, look for hotel concierge or third-party options; for other cities you can check Radical Storage (availability varies in China).
- Staying nearby: For late arrivals, consider hotels along Nanjing Road or People’s Square—compare on Booking.com (Nanjing Road).
🚇 Option #1 — Metro Line 2 (Hongqiao T2 → West/East Nanjing Road)
Cheapest Direct Can be busy
- Overview: Line 2 runs from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 through central Shanghai. Alight at West Nanjing Road (Line 2) for the western shopping/mall cluster, or continue to People’s Square then walk/one stop to East Nanjing Road for the pedestrian street and Bund side.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 5–7; buy a single ticket at machines or use a transit card/QR. If you want a ready-to-use transport card or airport meet-and-assist, browse Klook.
- Pros: Fast, frequent, cheap. Cons: Crowds at rush hours; limited seating with luggage.
Step-by-step: Metro Line 2
- From arrivals, follow signs to Metro/Subway at Hongqiao T2 and enter Line 2 concourse.
- Buy a ticket or tap in with your mobile/transit card. Board Line 2 toward East Xujing → Pudong International Airport (city-bound).
- Alight at West Nanjing Road for western Nanjing Rd area; or ride to People’s Square and walk 10–12 minutes to the pedestrian street (signed), or transfer one stop to East Nanjing Road.
- Exit via signed gates for Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street / People’s Square.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hongqiao T2 & Nanjing Road stations)
- Hongqiao T2: Metro entrance is inside the terminal; elevators available.
- Nanjing Road area: Use exits marked for Nanjing West Rd, People’s Square, or Nanjing East Rd depending on your hotel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚇 Option #2 — Metro Line 10 (Hongqiao T1/T2 → East Nanjing Road)
Direct to East Nanjing Rd Frequent Crowded at peaks
- Overview: Line 10 serves both Hongqiao terminals. Ride Line 10 toward the city and alight at East Nanjing Road (ideal for the pedestrian street/Bund hotels).
- How to book (with price): Same fare band as Line 2 (~CNY 5–7). If you want a transport card or airport pickup plus SIM/eSIM bundles, compare on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Pros: One-seat ride to the pedestrian street. Cons: Stairs/escalators can bottleneck at East Nanjing Rd.
Step-by-step: Metro Line 10
- Follow signs to Metro Line 10 from T1/T2 concourses.
- Buy a ticket or tap in; board the city-bound train toward Xinjiangwancheng/Hangzhong Road branch that stops at East Nanjing Road.
- Alight at East Nanjing Road; follow signs to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund.
- Use surface crossings and keep valuables secure—this area is busy day and night.
Getting to the main embarking points (Line 10 & East Nanjing Rd)
- Hongqiao: Line 10 is signed from both terminals; check platform screens for the branch heading through downtown.
- East Nanjing Rd: Choose exits pointing to Pedestrian Street/Henan Middle Rd.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)
Easiest with luggage 24/7 Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Follow Taxi signs outside arrivals. Rideshare via Didi app is common; hotels can also call taxis. Typical travel time 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): Metered fare about CNY 90–160 to Nanjing Road area. For fixed quotes/English, compare GetTransfer.
- Pros: No transfers, door-to-door. Cons: Peak traffic and surcharges may apply at night/weekends.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare
- After baggage claim, follow signs to the official Taxi queue (ignore touts).
- Show your destination in Chinese (e.g., hotel name on Nanjing Rd) or map pin; confirm cash/card/app payment.
- Ride to your hotel or to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and alight close to your target block.
- Keep the receipt for reimbursements or lost-and-found follow-up.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourt & Nanjing Road)
- Hongqiao: Taxi ranks are well signed from arrivals at T1/T2.
- Nanjing Road: Ask for drop-off near People’s Square (central) or Henan Middle Rd (east/Bund side).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet-and-Greet, Best for Groups)
Meet at arrivals Fixed price More expensive
- Overview: Driver meets you at the gate with a sign, helps with bags, and takes you straight to your hotel on/near Nanjing Road.
- How to book (with price): From ~CNY 250–500 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare on Klook or GetYourGuide. For custom routing/longer waiting, check GetTransfer.
- Pros: No lines; ideal with kids/elderly or lots of luggage. Cons: Costs more than metro/taxi.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Prebook online with your flight number and hotel address (Nanjing Rd or nearby cross-streets).
- Meet your driver at arrivals (name sign) or via messaging inside the app; confirm vehicle size for luggage.
- Ride directly to your hotel; settle the fare in-app or in cash as per the booking.
- Save the driver’s contact for your return departure.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals hall & hotel curb)
- Hongqiao arrivals: Drivers wait in designated zones; follow app instructions/photos.
- Hotels on Nanjing Rd: Many properties sit on pedestrian stretches—vehicles drop on nearby streets; porterage may help.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #5 — Airport Bus (Limited Schedules)
Seated coach Good with large bags Slower than metro
- Overview: Certain airport coach lines run to central districts; you may still need a short taxi/metro hop to reach specific Nanjing Road hotels.
- How to book (with price): Pay driver or kiosk ~CNY 20–30. For curated passes or alternatives, see Trip.com.
- Pros: Cheaper than taxis; space for luggage. Cons: Infrequent vs. metro; traffic delays.
Step-by-step: Airport Bus
- From arrivals, follow signs to Airport Bus/Coach ticket counters or curbside stands.
- Confirm the route heading toward People’s Square/Nanjing Rd area (or closest stop) and buy a ticket.
- Ride to the city stop; then take a short taxi or metro one–two stops to your hotel on/near Nanjing Road.
- Keep your ticket for inspections or return information.
Getting to the main embarking points (Coach bays & city stops)
- Hongqiao: Coach bays are outside the terminal; staff can point you to the correct route.
- Downtown: Disembark at central stops (People’s Square area) and connect onward by foot/taxi.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Nanjing Road)
Line 2 or Line 10—which should I choose?
Both are direct. Pick the station closest to your hotel: West Nanjing Road/People’s Square via Line 2; East Nanjing Road (pedestrian street/Bund) via Line 10.
What time does the metro run?
First/last trains vary by day/line, roughly ~05:30–23:00+. If you land very late, choose taxi/rideshare or a prebooked transfer.
Can I use contactless/mobile pay for metro?
Yes—many travelers use mobile wallets/QR transit. You can also buy single-journey tickets from machines.
Is there a direct train from Hongqiao Railway Station to Nanjing Road?
The high-speed rail hub is adjacent to Hongqiao T2, but for Nanjing Road the city metro (Lines 2 or 10) is simpler and cheaper.
Where exactly is “Nanjing Road”?
It’s a long east-west axis: West Nanjing Road (malls/offices) and East Nanjing Road (pedestrian street leading to the Bund). Choose your stop accordingly.
Where to stay near Nanjing Road?
For easy walking access, compare hotels around People’s Square/West or East Nanjing Road on Booking.com.