The metro is the usual way between Pudong and Puxi and to both airports. We do not print a line count, a fare table or last-train times — check the official map and that day’s last train. Do not assume Shenzhen’s five-scheme contactless rule applies. The Bund is a public waterfront; tower decks are official ticketed sites.
Last verified on · First published · 4 sources
Key facts
| Primary tool | Official Shanghai Metro — confirm the day’s last train |
|---|---|
| River | Metro and official ferries between Puxi and Pudong |
| Cards at gates | Do not assume Shenzhen’s five-scheme rule |
| Last verified | National payment rules: 2026-11-12 |
The short version
Shanghai’s metro is the usual way between Pudong and Puxi, and between the airports, Hongqiao, and the central districts. It is signed in English and Chinese at central stations. We do not print a current line count, a fare table or last-train times — check the official Shanghai Metro map and that day’s last train.
Metro and the river
Tickets and official QR codes are sold at machines and in official apps. Do not assume Shenzhen’s 10 September 2026 five-scheme contactless rule applies at Shanghai’s gates. Carry Alipay or WeChat Pay and a backup. Keep your ticket until you exit. The Huangpu divides Puxi (the older west bank, including the Bund) from Pudong (the east bank, including Lujiazui’s skyline). Several metro lines and official ferries cross. Walking the Bund does not require a ticket; going up a tower does, on that tower’s official channel. Confirm hours on the official page.
Ride-hail
Licensed taxis and DiDi fill the gaps, especially late, or with luggage. We will not invent a typical fare. For a day trip out of the city, prefer 12306 or an official bus, and confirm the last return.
Daily life runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay bound to a foreign card. Official 2026 operator wording (Tenpay, 15 January 2026): a single international-card payment of ¥200 or below (inclusive) is waived; above ¥200, a 3% fee on the full amount. Promotional first-bind waivers are not the standing rule. Read the fee line on the confirmation screen. Keep a small cash backup and a physical card for hotels. Shenzhen’s official contactless gate rule (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB, from 10 September 2026) is Shenzhen-specific — do not assume the same card set works at this city’s metro gates. Last verified: 2026-11-12.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk the Bund without a ticket?
Yes, the waterfront is public. Going up a tower is a separate official ticket.
How do I get to Hangzhou?
Book on 12306 and confirm the last return if it is a day trip. We will not invent the timetable.
Sources and a honesty note
Visa, arrival-card and payment rules on this page follow our national guides, last verified on 12 November 2026 against official sources (National Immigration Administration; Tenpay / WeChat Help for the ¥200 inclusive / 3% structure). City transport times, fares and attraction hours are not frozen here — confirm them on the official operator or park page, and on 12306 for trains, on the day you travel. We do not invent restaurants, prices, quotes or first-person anecdotes. Last verified (national rules): 2026-11-12.