What Is the Starting Fare for Taxis in Shanghai? A Deep Dive into the City's Cab Culture
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If you're planning a trip to Shanghai and you're not keen on navigating metro lines or hopping on crowded buses, you're probably going to find yourself flagging down a taxi sooner or later. The good news is that Shanghai’s taxi system is one of the most efficient and affordable in Asia. The bad news? Like much of urban China, the details can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to pricing. So let’s talk about the starting fare—what locals call the qǐbù jià—and why it's not just a number but a window into how this city works.
As of the latest standard pricing in Shanghai, the starting fare for most taxis is 14 RMB for the first 3 kilometers (roughly 1.9 miles). This base price is typically in effect from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. After that, the city slips into its late-night pricing model—also known as yèjiān jiàgé—which bumps the starting fare up to 18 RMB for the same distance.
So if you’re catching a cab after a long night out at Xintiandi or the Bund, don’t be surprised if your fare feels a little inflated right from the jump. That’s not a scam—it’s just Shanghai after hours.
After the initial 3 kilometers, the meter begins to climb. For daytime fares, the rate is typically 2.5 RMB per kilometer up to 15 kilometers. Once you pass that threshold, the fare goes up again—to 3.6 RMB per kilometer. This pricing system is called “ladder pricing” (jiēduàn jiàgé) and is designed to account for long-distance trips that go beyond central Shanghai.
Night rates apply a similar structure but with a slight premium. From 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, the per-kilometer charge increases to 3.1 RMB per kilometer after the base fare and goes up again after 15 kilometers, just like the daytime model.
It's also worth noting that if you're stuck in traffic or the cab is moving at less than 12 km/h for more than 5 minutes, the meter will start adding a waiting fee, which accumulates based on time, not distance.
You might think a taxi is a taxi, but in Shanghai, the color of the cab tells you a lot. Most taxis belong to major companies with regulated fare systems, but there are subtle differences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common colors and what they generally represent:
Blue (Dazhong Taxi) – Generally regarded as the most reliable fleet with polite drivers and clean interiors.
Green (Qiangsheng Taxi) – Also a trusted brand, particularly common at airports and train stations.
Red or Yellow (Smaller Companies) – These cabs often follow the same pricing structure but may vary slightly in vehicle condition or service.
Regardless of the color, all legally registered taxis must display their pricing structure on the passenger-side window and on the meter inside the car. If you don’t see a working meter, get out immediately—it’s not a legal ride.
Shanghai doesn’t burden you with a lot of hidden fees, but there are some situations where you might pay more than expected. Here's what to watch for:
Toll Fees: If your journey includes a highway or bridge (like a trip to Pudong International Airport), you're responsible for the toll.
Call Dispatch Fee: If you book a taxi by phone or through an app like Didi Chuxing, there's often a small dispatch charge, usually around 5 RMB.
Luggage Fee: Rare these days, but if you have unusually large or heavy items, the driver might tack on an extra charge.
Keep some small bills or coins handy, especially if you’re going a short distance. Some older drivers still prefer cash, even though mobile payment is nearly universal now.
Gone are the days when taxi drivers in Shanghai fumbled with change or swiped old-school credit cards. These days, the majority of taxi passengers pay via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or apps like Didi Chuxing. There’s usually a QR code taped to the dashboard or seatback. Scan it, enter the fare amount, and voilà—it’s done.
If you’re a foreign traveler, it’s worth setting up one of these mobile payment systems before you arrive. International cards now work with Alipay and WeChat Pay, so even if you don’t have a Chinese bank account, you can still go fully digital.
Still carrying cash? No problem. Just make sure your bills aren’t too large—drivers often don’t carry enough change for 100 RMB notes unless you're coming from the airport.
If you’re arriving in Shanghai via Pudong or Hongqiao International Airport, the first ride you take might very well be a taxi. While the starting fare is the same (14 RMB by day, 18 RMB by night), airport taxis often rack up higher bills due to tolls, long distances, and waiting time in traffic.
Here are some quick tips:
Use the official taxi queue: Don’t follow people who approach you inside the terminal offering rides. These are almost always unlicensed drivers with inflated rates.
Flat rates don’t exist: Don’t accept a flat rate unless it's clearly listed by the airport authority. Shanghai taxis are metered by law.
Print or show your hotel name in pinyin: Many drivers don’t speak English, so having your destination in pinyin (or better yet, on a map) will save a lot of headaches.
For reference, a daytime ride from Pudong Airport to the city center typically costs between 160–200 RMB, depending on traffic and exact location. At night, that could jump to 220 RMB or more.
Shanghai is home turf for Didi Chuxing, China’s dominant ride-hailing app. While traditional taxis are still widely used and often preferred by older locals, Didi is increasingly popular among younger passengers and travelers who want to avoid language barriers.
Using Didi allows you to:
Pre-set your pickup and drop-off locations in English
Pay through international credit cards linked to your account
Choose from different service levels (basic, premium, or even luxury cars)
However, during peak hours or rainy days, Didi prices surge due to demand, sometimes making traditional metered taxis the more economical option. Also, taxis can use special driving lanes and get better access in restricted zones—an often-overlooked benefit in a city notorious for its traffic snarls.
Taxis in Shanghai operate on a first-come, first-served basis—there’s no tipping culture, and politeness is expected but not fawned over. Here's some practical etiquette to keep in mind:
Don’t slam the door: It’s considered rude. Gently close it instead.
Sit in the back seat unless invited otherwise. It’s safer and more standard.
Have your destination ready in pinyin or on a map. Very few drivers speak English fluently.
Avoid rush hour if possible: From 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, expect delays and difficulty in finding a free taxi.
Also, keep in mind that smoking in taxis is technically illegal, but some drivers may light up regardless. If you're sensitive to smoke, feel free to politely ask the driver to refrain—most will comply if asked nicely.
Yes, taxis are convenient, but they’re not always the best option. Avoid taxis:
During typhoons or citywide events, when traffic can become a nightmare.
To get around pedestrian-only zones, such as parts of Nanjing Road or Yuyuan, where walking or biking is far more practical.
For very short trips, where the base fare makes the ride disproportionately expensive.
Also, if you're in the French Concession or Jing'an area, consider walking. These neighborhoods are dense, interesting, and full of surprises—better seen on foot than through a car window.
The starting fare in Shanghai may seem like a small detail, but it’s emblematic of the city's larger transportation philosophy: efficient, affordable, and rapidly modernizing. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned expat, knowing the ins and outs of Shanghai's taxi fares will save you time, money, and maybe even a little frustration.
Shanghai moves fast—but when you’re in the back seat of a cab, you get a moment to watch it all unfold.
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Author: Shanghai Travel
Source: Shanghai Travel
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