Ways to reach downtown from Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station

The Hongqiao Transportation Hub, which includes Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station, is located at a traffic junction of two metro lines and two expressways. This makes it a great option for getting to downtown Shanghai more quickly and easily than from other transportation hubs in the city. 

Lying in the deep west of Shanghai, the Shanghai Hongqiao Transportation Hub plays an important role in transporting vast numbers of travellers in and out of the city each day. It's a popular choice for those arriving to Shanghai as it's only 15 km from the city center, versus 20 km from Pudong. It might not seem like much, but add in traffic and other delays, 5 km is a welcome time saver for weary travellers who would like to get to their final destination as quickly as possible. 

Now, let's have a look at the options for shuttling between Shanghai downtown and the Hongqiao Transportation Hub, and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. 

1. Metro Line 2 and Line 10

Shanghai possesses one of the world's largest metro networks, transiting passengers across the city, spanning an impressively vast area. As of July 16th, 2021, there are a total of 18 lines running across the city's downtown and suburbs. Line 11 even reaches Jiangsu province on its west end.

Here in Hongqiao Transportation Hub, you'll have Line 2 at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station and Hongqiao Railway Station, and Line 10 at the Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stations. Either of the two lines can take you through many central areas of the city. If you're looking to travel anywhere else in the city, you can conveniently change lines to get wherever you need to go in Shanghai.

Besides helping you get from Hongqiao to your hotel, there are many things to see and do along the metro routes. The stops that may interest you on metro Line 2 are the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Zhongshan Park, Jing'an Temple, West Nanjing Road, People's Square, East Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, Century Avenue, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Zhangjiang High Tech, and Pudong International Airport.

The stops that may interest you on metro Line 10 are Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Library, South ShaanXi Road, Xintiandi, Yu Garden, East Nanjing Road, Tiantong Road (Qi Pu Lu Market), Tongji University, Wujiaochang, and Jiangwan Town.

It's recommended to purchase a transportation card once you arrive in Shanghai, as it will be very useful during your trip. You can purchase them at many of the main information desks located throughout the metro stations throughout the city. If you are just purchasing one ticket, it is recommended to have change prepared for added convenience.

Purchasing single-trip tickets is quite easy, with touch-screen kiosks that are available in English, users simply select the metro station they would like to go to, insert the payment, and out will come a single-use card. This is swiped at the entrance to the platform after passing through security. Do not lose the card, as it will be sucked into the machine after you swipe it when leaving the station of arrival.

Disadvantage:

During rush hour, expect to be packed in like a sardine along with other commuters. Rush hour is usually between 7-9am and 5-7pm. Because of this, you must listen carefully to the broadcast announcing the arrival stations and move towards the side the door will open in advance (beware that it is not always on the same side). Otherwise, you'll probably be stuck on the train by the influx of new passengers, and have to get off and try again at the next station.

2. Taxi

Grabbing a taxi can be an option if you are expecting an end-to-end ride to your destination.

At the Hongqiao Transportation Hub, there are dedicated spots for taxi pick-up and drop-off, and they are always located on different hall levels. What you should be careful of is not to 'go to the wrong spot'. Passengers are not allowed to get into taxis at a spot that is only used for passenger drop-off. Follow the directions posted on the signage boards, and they will lead you to the right place to get a taxi.

Disadvantages:

1. There might be long queues for waiting in the taxi departure area, especially on holidays.

2. There is a certain probability of receiving complaints or even refusal from the driver when your trip involves a destination that is only a short distance away, as some of the drivers have been waiting hours in lines for the chance to close a long-distance deal. In this case, just stay calm, there is no need to take it seriously.

However, if you really want to teach the driver a lesson, you could take an opportunity to record the whole process and take photos of the driver's working certificate or any identification which is supposed to be stuck on the backside of the driver seat. After the trip ends, claim the invoice/payment slip, and then call 12345 to report the case.

Or if the situation gets worse, for example, you thought you were harassed or threatened by the driver, you can call 110 for the police help. This is rarely necessary, but just be informed of all of your options just in case.

3. Ordered a ride with Didi 滴滴 or other ride-hailing apps

Didi 滴滴, Meituan Taxi 美团打车, or other ride-hailing apps similar to Uber or Lyft are a great good complement to the city's public transportation system. In this way, travellers are provided with convenient ride ordering methods over a range of budget options.

Advantages:

1. Fast order-processing speed and multiple budget options. Orders can be placed anytime you need a ride, and the prices are friendly.

2. Drivers can be nice and keen to offer extra help with luggage delivery.

Disadvantages:

1. On holidays, or any day that the traffic flow has been slowed by congestion, the airport and the train station become destinations that no driver wants to take on, as it will cost much more time to get to you and once again a considerable amount of time to drive out of the congested area.

2. As there are not high requirements for becoming a driver for Didi, the service quality cannot be guaranteed all the time. If you get a ride with someone who performs in an unprofessional way, or even worse, you'll have less of a chance to report him or her and solve the issue, not to mention it might just ruin your day.

3. If you get lost on the way to meet the driver, and you don't understand Chinese, it will be difficult to figure out a quick way to find each other, potentially leading to both parties becoming frustrated.

4. Private Airport Transfer service provided by OOHMYGUIDE

There is also a great alternative solution for those seeking a clean, professional, and smooth ride to their destination. Travellers that don't wish for their business trips or staycations to be disrupted up by no-show drivers and frantic re-ordering annoyances, or who consider privacy and comfort as an important part of the travelling experience, can turn to the private transfer service in Shanghai provided by OOMYGUIDE.

There is a wide range of vehicle options that you can choose from to meet different passenger groups and budget requirements. In addition to options like an infant seat, wheelchair, and stroller, a personal assistant will be allocated to passengers to create a smooth and customized traveling experience, solving problems and answering questions during the trip.

To book a ride service from OOHMYGUIDE, go to the Private Transfers and Rides page, click 'Book' to start filling in the order form with your ride requests, and then submit!

As soon as your order has been received by the Client Service department, the preparation work will begin according to your order specifications.

The driver will greet you on-time on the day at the appointed location, and serve you the ride with thoughtful luggage delivery and a safe driving experience.

A contact number of your personal assistant will be given through an internal message sent to the inbox on the Messages page, so you can easily find it at the navigation bar after login to the Membership Management page. 

If questions of any kind come up, the personal assistant allocated to you will efficiently address them. Changes to your itinerary, even those made at the last-minute, can be managed in the same way.

The personal assistant is a kind of one-on-one hotline operator who will take care of all trip-related issues for our passengers. Even matters not related to the trip can be handled professionally.

Advantages:

1. With plenty of options available, the whole riding trip can be customized to meet any requirements.

2. Flexible riding schedule. What you have ordered is a kind of flat-package ride service. No hidden fees or tricky charges will be added at the trip end.

3. Professional service standards and flexible service duration. You don't need to rush at any moment during the trip. Your trip has been given a considerate time provision for any unpredictable delay.

Disadvantages:

1. The reservation should be made in advance.

2. The service prices are not as low as Didi or other ride-hailing apps. Quality-oriented services usually charge higher.

Private airport transfer service with a professional chauffeur