Having just finished a flight of over ten hours, you drag your tired body and heavy suitcase out of the arrival gate. A long queue of taxis stretches before you, and you're unsure how long you'll have to wait. Someone approaches you holding a "Private Car" sign, asking in accented Mandarin, "Where to?"—but do you really dare get in? You open your phone to call a ride-hailing service, only to find that Pudong Airport's ride-hailing policy differs from other places, leaving you momentarily bewildered.
This is the reality for many travelers arriving in Shanghai. But actually, there's a more convenient and reliable option: pre-booked private car transfer services.
Why choose a private car service?
Predictable timing. After your flight arrives, you won't need to queue in the taxi stand or search for your car in the parking lot. A passenger who has pre-booked a private car can go straight to the agreed location after collecting their luggage, where the driver will be waiting on time.
Comfort. Private car services typically use mid-to-high-end vehicles with clean, odor-free interiors and spacious cabins. After a long flight, settling into a comfortable business vehicle is a truly therapeutic experience.
Luggage carrying capacity. The amount of luggage for family trips often exceeds expectations—two large suitcases, a stroller, and several handbags simply cannot fit in the trunk of a regular taxi. However, the trunk of a 7-seater minivan can easily accommodate 4 to 5 28-inch suitcases, allowing the whole family to pack their luggage in one go without having to travel separately.
Communication is very convenient. Service platforms usually offer online customer service, and driver information will be sent to your mobile phone before your ride. Even if you don't speak Chinese, you don't need to worry about communication problems at all.
Flexible stops. If you need to stop by to buy something, pick up your keys, or take a detour to see the Bund's night view on your way to the hotel, the chauffeur service usually supports multiple stops—simply communicate with customer service in advance. Of course, adding stops may incur additional charges, which will be explained in detail below.
Things You Should Know About Shanghai's Two Major Airports
Shanghai has two international airports: Pudong Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Pudong International Airport (PVG) is Shanghai's main international gateway, handling the vast majority of international flights.
The drive from Pudong Airport to People's Square in the city center takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes and covers a distance of about 50 kilometers.
Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) primarily handles domestic routes and some regional international flights.
It is closer to the city center, approximately 13 kilometers away. Hongqiao Transportation Hub is one of the most complex transportation hubs in Shanghai, integrating the airport, high-speed rail station, subway, and bus services. Taxi capacity is strained during peak hours.
How do I transfer between the two airports?
If you need to transfer from Hongqiao to Pudong to catch an international flight, you can take the airport shuttle or choose a private car service—airport-to-airport private car services can also be booked through the platform.
Who is best suited for airport shuttle service in Shanghai?
Private car transfers aren't suitable for everyone, but the following types of travelers will benefit the most:
For families traveling with children, this means carrying lots of luggage and dealing with unexpected situations. If you're going to Disneyland, a 7-seater minivan is highly recommended, as the trunk is spacious enough to hold a stroller and souvenirs.
Business travelers. Time is money. After your flight lands, you won't waste a single minute queuing. Your driver will be waiting at the arrival gate with a sign, assisting with your luggage, and then taking you to your destination on time.
Elderly travelers. They may be unfamiliar with ride-hailing apps, have language barriers, and find it difficult to carry luggage for long distances. Our private car service provides full assistance; the driver will proactively help with luggage and select the optimal route after confirming the destination.
For passengers arriving on night flights. The subway lines at Pudong Airport stop operating after 11 PM, leaving passengers arriving at night with only taxis or private cars as options. However, taxis are not only difficult to hail at night, but passengers may also encounter refusal to pick them up or extra charges. Booking a private car in advance avoids time constraints, and the driver will wait for you at the agreed location on time.
For first-time visitors to Shanghai, unfamiliarity with the airport transportation in a strange city can be anxiety-inducing. Pre-booking a private car is like having someone coordinate all your transportation needs; you simply need to follow the signs out of the airport.
How to choose a recommended car model?
Different vehicle models are suitable for different numbers of passengers and luggage. Below are some mainstream chauffeur service models for reference:
A 5-seater (such as a Mercedes-Benz) is suitable for 1-4 people with up to 2 pieces of luggage. This is the most economical choice, suitable for solo business trips or couples traveling together.
A 7-seater business van (such as a Buick GL8) is the most recommended model, especially suitable for family trips or large groups. It can seat 6 people with up to 4 pieces of luggage. If you are traveling with parents or children, this model is highly recommended.
A 9-seater minibus (such as a Ford Transit) is suitable for 5-8 people with 6-8 pieces of luggage. It is recommended if you are a small tour group.
A 12-seater minibus/medium-sized bus (such as a Toyota Coaster) is a cost-effective choice for groups of around 10 people or those with a lot of luggage.
Price reference (Shanghai airport shuttle service)
1. Pudong Airport (PVG) ↔ Core areas of Shanghai (Lujiazui, Jing'an Temple, People's Square, etc.)
5-seater economy car: Approx. 260-380 RMB
7-seater minivan (GL8 class): Approx. 320-480 RMB
2. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) ↔ Core areas of Shanghai (Jing'an Temple, People's Square, Xuhui, Gubei, etc.)
5-seater economy car: Approx. 180-320 RMB
7-seater minivan (GL8 class): Approx. 260-420 RMB
Main factors affecting prices
Vehicle Class. Economy cars are the cheapest, while luxury models like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are naturally more expensive.
Distance. For distances exceeding the base mileage, the platform charges per kilometer.
Time of Day. Nighttime services usually incur additional charges. Most ride-hailing services charge nighttime fees between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following morning.
Free Waiting Time. Most ride-hailing services offer 60 minutes of free waiting time after flight arrival. Waiting fees apply for any time exceeding this limit.
Typical process: From booking to boarding
Step 1: Booking.
You can book a private car transfer service through platforms such as Ctrip, KKday, and RideCN. When booking, you will need to provide the following information: flight number (for real-time flight tracking), arrival or departure date and time, number of passengers, amount of luggage, and exact pick-up and drop-off addresses. It is recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance, and 3 to 5 days in advance during holidays or peak seasons.
Step 2: Confirm the pick-up and drop-off point.
After booking, the platform will send you driver and vehicle information 12 to 24 hours prior to your ride. The driver will wait at the agreed time and location. If you require a driver to hold a sign with your name on it at the arrival gate, remember to select this additional service when booking.
Step 3: Confirm Driver Information.
After receiving the driver's information, it is recommended to save the driver's name, contact number, and license plate number. Upon arrival at the airport, the driver will contact you proactively or send location information via the app.
Step 4: On-site coordination.
Upon arrival, wait at the location you provided to the driver. The driver will assist you with placing your luggage, and once the destination is confirmed, you will depart. The entire process is seamless and requires no complicated communication.
Tips to avoid pitfalls
First, do not take any soliciting vehicles. Near the parking lots of Hongqiao Transportation Hub and Pudong Airport, people often solicit passengers under the guise of "legitimate private cars." These vehicles often take detours, overcharge, and may even pose safety hazards. Always book and pay through official platforms; do not conduct offline transactions with any vehicles not affiliated with these platforms.
Second, be wary of low-price traps. Some seemingly cheap ride-hailing services may hide extra charges such as over-mileage fees, overtime fees, and highway tolls. Carefully read the inclusions when booking, and choosing an "all-inclusive" package will save you more trouble.
Third, confirm luggage capacity. Be sure to accurately fill in the number of passengers and luggage when booking. If the actual number of passengers or luggage exceeds the vehicle's capacity, the driver has the right to refuse service for the excess portion and will not provide a refund.
Fourth, confirm the pick-up point in advance. Pick-up points for ride-hailing services at airports sometimes change, so check the app for the latest pick-up point directions as soon as you arrive. At Pudong Airport, the "Xiangdao Station" for Xiangdao Chuxing has a fixed location, which can be quickly found using the app's text and image guidance.
Fifth, keep your e-voucher. After successful booking, save your e-voucher or a screenshot of your booking. This is crucial evidence for protecting your rights in case of disputes.
Other charter information and tips
In addition to information on chartered cars at Shanghai Airport, you can also view related airport chartered car guides:
Guiyang Airport Shuttle Service Guide
Chengdu Airport Private Car Service Guide
2026 Beijing Airport Private Car Charter Guide
Or a city charter guide：
Private Driver in Chongqing: Prices & Booking
Beijing Private Car Service Guide for Tourists
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Most reputable ride-hailing services offer flight tracking. Drivers can access your flight status in real time and adjust pick-up times accordingly. Most providers offer a free 60-minute waiting period; however, if the delay is significant, it's recommended to contact customer service in advance via the app or phone to discuss adjustments or cancellation.
Q2: Can I add a stop temporarily?
Yes, but it usually needs to be discussed with the driver. Ride-hailing services generally support flexible stopping, but this may incur additional charges.
Q3: Which is more suitable for me, a chartered car or a taxi?
This depends on your specific situation. If you are traveling alone with light luggage, during the daytime, and your destination is not far from the airport, a taxi or ride-hailing service (such as Didi Express) will be more economical. However, if you are taking a late-night flight, have a lot of luggage, are traveling with family, or are on a business trip, a chartered car offers much better overall value and experience—the price is close to or even lower, the service is more reliable, and the space is more spacious.
Q4: Can the driver speak English?
No, most drivers don't speak English, but they can communicate with you using a translation device. If you need to communicate in a language-dependent way, you can use the translation device or choose the tour guide service.
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