Transportation

As befits its status as a major center of transportation in China, Shanghai has developed an extensive network of transport and telecommunication services. It is also the only city in China to have two international airports-Hongqiao Airport and Pudong Airport, which operate direct flights to and from major cities in more than 20 countries and regions. More than 40 Chinese and foreign air companies have opened airlines to Shanghai, and some of them have established offices there. As China's largest harbour city, Shanghai has fostered close ties with major commercial harbours in the world. An extensive web of expressways and railways has brought Shanghai closer to neighboring cities. Getting around in the city has become more convenient than ever with the completion of a series of elevated roads, major bridges, and the subway.

Hongqiao Airport
Distance from city proper: 13.5km
For information call 62688918

Pudong airport
Distance from city proper: 30km
For information call 58378800

Buses -- Shanghai boasts the most established highway system in China. Express ways has been constructed to link all the nearby provinces. The main long distance bus station is near the train station on Qiujiang Lu. Buses from here head to Nanjing (4 hours), Wuxi, Suzhou and Hangzhou and other destinations. There is also a new bus station servicing Shaoxing, Ningbo, Yangzhou and Hangzhou.

The Subway is the best bargain - clean, fast, and quiet, it runs from the train station in the north past People's Square, along Huaihai Road, through Xujiahui to Jinjiang Amusement Park. Stops are announced in English as well as Chinese.

Tricycle-Cabs -- these things are NOT cheap, often even more expensive than the taxis. In accordance with their appearance, they are relatively unsafe in traffic.

Taxi -- Minimum cost of a taxi is 10 CNY. ALL taxis use meters.

Within Shanghai, the most convenient way to get around for the foreign traveler is a combination of the subway, LRT and using the over 50,000 taxis in the city. Shanghai also boasts a highly developed and complicated bus system.