Tips for Shanghai mini-bus and coach tourism

Useful tips for Shanghai bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and  ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in Shanghai. Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in Shanghai. Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of Shanghai highlights.

What you need to know about Shanghai Airports

Shanghai has 2 airports, each serving over 30 million passengers annually. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is the international airport and is 40km from the city. Shanghai Hongqaio (SHA) is the domestic hub and is only 12km from downtown Shanghai. From here you can connect to practically every major city in China. Both airports have the same services available for airport transfer.

Shanghai Airport credit: Max Talbot-Minkin CC BY 2.0

Shanghai Pudong is a new and ever expanding airport with excellent facilities. Shanghai Hongqiao is Shanghai’s original airport and is somewhat run down in comparison. It ceased operating international flights a few years ago.

Pre booked airport transfers

Pre booked Taxi:

Taxi drivers in Shanghai do not speak English. Communication difficulties can mean a frustrating start to your time in this giant city. By pre booking a taxi you can be assured of having either an English speaking driver or a direct radio link in the car to an interpreter. The driver will meet you at the arrivals gate.

Car with driver Audi from Shanghai Car Service

It will take around 1 hour to reach downtown Shanghai from Pudong, and  20-30 minutes from Hongqiao. When pre booking a taxi you can also request a particular type of vehicle, including a Rolls Royce or Mercedes. Local Chinese brand vehicles are most common and cheapest, and are very comfortable. Prices start at around CNY250-300 (€30-37) from Shanghai Pudong, and CNY80 - 100 (€10-12) from Hongqiao.

With a pre booked taxi there will be no confusion over destination. You can use a company like Shanghai Airport Shuttle in 6000 Pudong, Shanghai Eastern Taxi Service on 89 Yingbin No.2 Road, or Shanghai Airport Transfer at Recheo International Centre.

Mini bus or coach airport transfer:

A number of car rental companies also offer minibus or coach hire. This is on a per day or per journey basis. These companies regularly organise airport transfers by coach or minibus. Your group will be met at arrivals by a driver and you can expect either a driver or an assistant who can speak English. From Pudong prices are around €120 for a 32 seater.

Minivan toyota coaster from Luer Rental Car

Organising an airport transfer on arrival at Shanghai Airport

Taxi on arrival:

After passing through customs at either of Shanghai airports you can follow signs to the taxi stand. There will be a queue of people and expect to wait 10 – 15 minutes for a taxi. A taxi from Pudong will cost around CNY200 (€25). From Hongqiao it will cost around CNY60 (€8), but it will be a little more expensive in high traffic as taxis charge for waiting. 

The major problem of taking a taxi on arrival is communicating with your driver, who will almost certainly be unable to speak or read English. Chinese pronunciation is very difficult and it’s unlikely you will be able to say your destination correctly. If taking a taxi on arrival you must have your destination clearly written down in Chinese symbols; otherwise expect lots of confused looks from the driver.

Shanghái - 上海 credit: Juan Llanos CC BY-ND 2.0

Jade Buddha Temple - 玉佛禅寺

Using Public Transport:

Hongqiao is ideally situated for rail transport, and the high speed railway station is located at this airport. If you can understand the Chinese symbols and know where you are going this is can be a good option for you to take. Pudong is also well connected and has a high speed train link to central Shanghai. While at the airports there are signs in English, when arriving at other metro stations you may find that there are only signs in Chinese. So if you’re travelling to nearby Shanghai Central Station this is a good choice, but if making extensive onward journeys by metro it can be a frustrating start to your trip.

Water town near Shanghai credit: Mr Thinktank CC BY 2.0

More travel and transport info for tourist flying in to Shanghai

Want to know more about travel in China? Read more about things to do and see in Shanghai, various travel services in China or ideas for trips and transport in Shanghai. A relaxing holiday or successful business trip starts at the airport. Start your trip the best way you can by booking the airport transfer of your choice. Just fill out the form to start receiving airport transport quotes for free and discover the benefits of using RentAutobus first hand!