Quick Answer
Identify your airport code and arrival terminal before choosing transport. Compare the full route to your hotel, including transfers, walking and the last departure. A signed taxi rank may be simpler with luggage; a rail route may be easier in traffic if it is still operating.
If this happens, do this
| Situation | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong, PVG | See the dedicated Pudong guide for Metro Line 2, Maglev and the Airport Link Line. |
| Beijing Capital, PEK | Use the Capital Airport transport information. It is a different airport from Daxing. |
| Beijing Daxing, PKX | Use the Daxing Airport Express and ground-transport information, not Capital Airport directions. |
| You arrive after rail services end | Ask the airport desk for the operating official bus or taxi options. |
Shanghai Pudong Airport to the City: Arrival Guide.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Turn on mobile data or airport Wi-Fi.
- Save your hotel address in Chinese.
- Test Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible.
- Choose transport mode before leaving the terminal.
- Avoid anyone offering rides outside official taxi or app channels.
Option 1: Metro or Airport Train
Use metro or airport rail if it is still operating, you have manageable luggage and your hotel is near a station. It is usually cheaper and predictable, but transfers can be hard after a long flight.
Check last train times. If you arrive late at night, metro may not be available.
Option 2: Official Taxi Queue
Taxis are useful when you have luggage, arrive late or cannot set up ride-hailing. Follow airport signs to the official taxi queue. Show the Chinese hotel address. Keep your phone map open and save the receipt if available.
Do not accept random approaches inside arrivals.
Option 3: DiDi or Ride-Hailing
DiDi can be convenient, but airport pickup points can be confusing. The app may direct you to a specific zone, level, door number or parking area. If you cannot find the pickup point, ask airport staff or use official taxi instead.
Confirm the airport, terminal and permitted pickup area with the app.
DiDi in Alipay: the pickup pin and destination field.
Image source: Shanghai International Services. Screenshot rights remain with the publisher. Reference example; screens can vary by device, account and app version. Dates and prices shown are not live.
Option 4: Hotel Transfer
For a first trip, late arrival, family trip or expensive luggage, a hotel transfer can reduce stress. Confirm driver name, pickup sign, flight number and payment method in advance.
What to Prepare in Chinese
Save this information:
- Hotel name in Chinese.
- Full address.
- Phone number.
- Booking confirmation.
- A phrase: 请带我去这个酒店。Please take me to this hotel.
Common Mistakes
Following unofficial drivers
Use official taxi ranks, app rides or hotel transfers.
Not knowing the arrival terminal
Large airports have multiple terminals and pickup areas.
Using only English hotel name
Show Chinese address.
Choosing metro with too much luggage
A cheaper route is not always the easiest route after a long flight.
Related Guides on Get Around CN
Disclaimer
App interfaces, payment rules, station practices, hotel policies and local procedures may change. Treat this guide as a source-checked practical guide, then verify important details with the official service, your hotel, transport staff or your card issuer before relying on it in an urgent situation.
Sources and review
Sources reviewed on 2026-09-10. These sources support the service or policy facts; the practical fallback steps are editorial guidance. This is not a recorded field test.