Family-Friendly Shanghai Airport Transfer Tips
Home / Travel Blog / Blog Details
Shanghai, a dazzling fusion of futuristic skylines and ancient gardens, is a top destination for families seeking adventure and cultural immersion. Yet, the journey from touchdown to your hotel room can feel like the first major hurdle of the trip. With two major international airports—Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA)—navigating transfers with kids, strollers, and luggage in tow requires a smart strategy. Fear not! This guide is packed with insider tips to transform your airport transfer from a stressful chore into the seamless, comfortable, and even enjoyable start to your Shanghai family holiday.
Success begins before you even board your plane to Shanghai.
First, confirm which airport you're flying into and out of. Pudong (PVG) is larger, handles most international long-haul flights, and is located about 40-60 minutes east of the city center. Hongqiao (SHA) is closer to downtown (about 20-30 minutes west), primarily serves domestic and regional flights, and is uniquely connected to a massive high-speed rail station. This distinction is crucial for planning your time and budget.
Ensure your family's travel documents are in order. Many nationalities are eligible for the 144-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, but rules are strict. Have confirmed onward tickets and hotel details ready. Upon landing, securing internet is a top priority. Consider renting a portable Wi-Fi device (available at airport counters) or purchasing a local SIM card. Having instant access to maps and translation apps like Google Translate (with camera function for signs) or Pleco is a game-changer for navigating with kids.
In your carry-on, pack a small bag with Shanghai-specific essentials: child-sized face masks (for metro/crowds or pollution days), a compact pack of tissues/wet wipes (as public restrooms may not supply them), hand sanitizer, a refillable water bottle for each child, and some familiar snacks. Having these items on hand prevents minor meltdowns during the transfer.
Each transfer option offers a different balance of cost, convenience, and experience. Here’s the family-friendly breakdown.
If you land at PVG and have older kids who love speed, this is an unforgettable experience. The Shanghai Maglev Train hits a breathtaking 430 km/h (267 mph), covering the 30 km to Longyang Road Station in just 7 minutes! It’s a futuristic ride that feels like a theme park attraction. From Longyang Road, you’ll connect to Shanghai’s extensive metro system. Tip: Purchase a "Shanghai Public Transportation Card" (Jiaotong Card) at the airport to avoid ticket queues. While cost-effective and exciting, this option requires managing luggage on crowded metro lines, which can be challenging with young children and during rush hours.
Both airports offer well-organized, air-conditioned shuttle buses to key city locations. They are very affordable and provide a door-to-hotel service for many major routes. Look for signs directing you to the shuttle bus counters where staff can point you to the correct line. Buses have luggage compartments. The downside? Travel time can be long (up to 90 minutes from PVG depending on traffic), and with no seatbelts, it can be a wobbly ride for toddlers. Best for families with light luggage and patience.
Official taxis are plentiful, reliable, and a good default option. At PVG, follow the clear signs to the taxi queue—never accept offers from solicitors inside the terminal. The ride is metered, and fares to central Shanghai (like the Bund or Nanjing Road) from PVG will typically cost between 180-250 RMB. From Hongqiao, it's much less. Crucial Tip: Have your hotel's name and address written in Chinese characters. Most drivers do not speak English. Show the Chinese address on your phone or a printed reservation. Ensure the driver uses the meter. Cars are generally clean but may not always have child seats.
For families, especially those arriving after a long flight or with very young children, this is often the wisest investment. Booking a private, English-speaking driver in advance through a reputable service or your hotel is the ultimate in ease. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign, help with luggage, and whisk you directly to your accommodation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. You can often request child safety seats for an additional fee. While the most expensive option (approx. 300-450 RMB from PVG to downtown), the peace of mind, time saved, and immediate comfort for tired kids is priceless. It allows your family to begin the vacation relaxed.
If you have mobile data, apps like Didi Chuxing (China's Uber) are incredibly efficient. You can input your destination in English, pay via the app linked to an international credit card, and avoid language barriers. At PVG, you'll need to follow signs to the specific Didi pick-up zone in the parking garage. You can select larger vehicle options (like "Didi Premier") for more space. A great middle-ground between taxis and private transfers for tech-comfortable families.
Hongqiao Airport is part of one of the world's largest integrated transport hubs. If you're traveling onwards to cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, or Suzhou, you can walk or take a short metro ride from the airport terminal directly to the Hongqiao Railway Station. This seamless connection is a marvel of modern travel. For families, it means you can potentially land at SHA and be on a high-speed train to your next destination within an hour—a thrilling and efficient experience for train-loving kids.
Be prepared: many public and older restrooms in China feature squat toilets. Airport terminals have Western-style toilets, but it's wise to have kids use the facilities before your transfer begins. Teach them the basic setup to avoid surprises at a metro station later.
Shanghai's metro has elevators, but they can be elusive or require long walks. Be ready to carry your stroller up and down stairs occasionally. A lightweight, foldable umbrella stroller is highly recommended over a bulky travel system.
While Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate, having some Chinese Yuan (RMB) in cash is essential for small purchases, like buying a bottle of water from a street vendor or paying for a taxi if their digital payment fails. Exchange a small amount at the airport upon arrival.
If you opt for a car transfer into the city from PVG, request the Yangpu Bridge or Nanpu Bridge route if your hotel is in Pudong. The views of the Huangpu River and the iconic skyline—including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower—are a breathtaking "welcome to Shanghai" moment that will excite the whole family and kickstart your adventure in this mesmerizing city. The sight alone is worth the journey.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Shanghai Travel
Link: https://shanghaitravel.github.io/travel-blog/familyfriendly-shanghai-airport-transfer-tips.htm
Source: Shanghai Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.