World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
The public buses are rarely used by foreign visitors without a good understanding of Mandarin Chinese. Travel by metro or taxi is by far the easier option. Shanghai Municipal Public Transportation Administration operates a cheap and comprehensive system.

City buses (tel: (21) 1608 8160) run 0500-2300 and can get very crowded during rush hours (0630-0830 and 1700-1900). Flat fares of RMB2 (up to RMB3 for air-conditioned buses) are paid to the conductor. Major city-centre routes are numbered – suburban and long-distance buses only have their destination in characters.

Shanghai metro (operating 0500-2300) is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Three lines are running to date, with more being built. The Number 1 Line operates north–south from Shanghai Railway Station to the southern suburb of Xinzhuang. The Number 2 Line runs west–east from Zhongshan Park to Zhangjiang Gao Ke in Pudong, while the Pearl Line runs north–south from Jiangwan Zhen in the north to Shanghai South Station in the south. Stations have a red sign resembling an ‘M’. Ticket prices vary depending on the number of stops. These are available from machines and ticket offices near the entrance. Integrated metro, bus, ferry and taxi travel cards are also available if you think your Mandarin is up to asking for one. Signs and station announcements in trains are in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Taxis
Despite the alarming metal cages around the drivers, Shanghai taxis are actually reliable, plentiful, cheap and safe. A variety of fleet companies operate Shanghai taxis, which are almost uniformly locally manufactured Volkswagens. All taxis are metered. Flag fall during the day is RMB10 for the first two kilometres and RMB2 per kilometre thereafter, rising to RMB13 and RMB2.6 per kilometre at night (2300-0500). Maps and written addresses in Chinese are the best tools for foreigners to direct taxi drivers, as few speak English.

Taxis can be pre-booked from some of the major fleets, including Friendship Taxi (tel: (21) 6258 4584) or Dazhong Taxi (tel: (21) 6320 7207).

The Shanghai Municipal Taxi Association (tel: (21) 6368 1055) can provide further information.

Driving in the City
With the prevalence of taxis in Shanghai, it makes little sense for a visitor to hire a car without good reason. Hiring a driver is also recommended, given the chaotic traffic, the Chinese road signs and the difficulties involved. Bicycles are very common and many accidents involve them – drivers are advised to remember this.

Car Hire
Driving in Shanghai is not for the faint of heart. There is little point hiring a car in the city, and we don’t recommend you do, as the roads are dangerous, traffic hectic and public transport very efficient. If you want more flexibility, hiring a car with a local driver is another option. If you still want to rent a vehicle, an International Driving Permit, air ticket, passport and a credit card to cover the large deposit are required. Shanghai Angel Car Rental (tel: (21) 6229 1119) is one of the biggest local agencies, with offices at both airports. Dazhong (tel: (21) 6320 7207) is another reputable company. In 2000, Hertz signed an agreement with China National Auto Anhua to operate jointly in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen, however, despite this, the company still recommends that foreign visitors hire a car with a local driver.

Bicycle and Scooter Hire
No-one rents bikes in Shanghai as again, it is too dangerous to cycle in the city.