International Arrivals - Air:
Travelers arriving from international destinations will land at Pudong International Airport. Pudong (airport code: PVG) is approximately 45 minutes from the city center (downtown Puxi). The Maglev train currently connects the airport to Shanghai's subway system but if you're not staying in Pudong, it is faster and wiser to take a taxi.
Note: Be sure to use the proper (official) taxi line for lifts into the city, the taxi touts that approach you in the airport charge higher rates. Just wave them away with a bu yao, pronounced "boo yao" (don't need/want) and continue out the door to the taxi line.
Domestic Arrivals - Air:
If you're arriving from within China, you will land at Shanghai Airport (airport code: SHA) which is about 25 minutes from the city center on the western side of Shanghai. Shanghai Airport is currently not connected by rail but plans are in the works. Taxis are the best option to get to and from SHA.
Getting Around - Car:
Rental cars are available but spend 5 minutes on a Shanghai motorway and you'll glad you opted not to rent. Most travelers who require their own transportation hire a car plus a driver. Taxis are really a very inexpensive and easy way to get around Shanghai and you'll probably be very glad it's not you driving. The base fare is currently 11rmb (US$ 1.35) and this gets you a long way.
Note:When using taxis, be sure to have your hotel or destination card with the address in Chinese with you. Taxi drivers don't speak English no matter how loud you speak.
Getting Around - Bus:
Public busses are an inexpensive means to get around the city but I've yet to discover an English-language bus guide. If you're daring and you have time, by all means take the bus. Fares for air-conditioned buses range 2-4rmb (US$ 0.25-0.50). Traffic in Shanghai can be very bad, so don't expect to get anywhere in a hurry on a bus.
Getting Around - Subway:
The subway ("Metro") system is undergoing a massive overhaul and by 2010, the system is supposed to double in capacity and reach. Right now, five lines operate around Shanghai. The base fare is 3rmb (US$ 0.37). It's a very convenient and easy way to get around Shanghai. The trains are very clean and stations and exits are labeled in English and Chinese.
Note: Make sure to keep your wallet and belongings safe, subways are where a lot of pickpockets make their livings.
Departing (and Arriving) - Rail:
Shanghai has two major train stations connecting it to rail systems throughout China. Rail is a wonderful way to travel. There are usually several classes on trains and sleepers on overnight routes. It takes approximately two hours to go from Shanghai to Hangzhou and twelve hours to get to Beijing on a convenient overnight train.
