How to transfer between Hongqiao and Pudong airports Shanghai

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My China Guide · Accepted Answer

Take the Shanghai Suburban Railway Airport Link Line 机场联络线 — the dedicated Pudong–Hongqiao train that opened on 27 December 2024 and now cuts the airport-to-airport transfer to about 40 minutes, versus 90+ minutes on Metro Line 2. The full one-way fare is ¥26 from Pudong Airport T1&T2 to Hongqiao Airport T2, with a starting fare of ¥4 for short hops. Trains depart roughly every 15 minutes from 06:00 to about 22:00 in both directions. The line has seven stations including Shanghai International Resort, where you get off for Disney instead of riding to Hongqiao. Tap a foreign Visa or Mastercard contactless card at the gate; readers work most of the time but keep Alipay's metro QR code ready as backup. Look for the dedicated 'Airport Link' / '机场联络线' signage — it has a separate entrance and security screening from the regular Pudong Airport metro. Cars include luggage racks designed for full-size suitcases, so you don't need to wedge bags between your knees. Skip the taxi unless you have mobility issues or are flying out before 06:00 — taxis charge ¥250+ before tolls and routinely sit in traffic for 60–90 minutes during morning and evening peaks. Avoid the Maglev as a transfer option; it stops at Longyang Road, not Hongqiao, so you still need a metro ride after it. Verify departure times at the station on your travel day in case of weekend schedule shifts.