Shanghai Taxi
Shanghai is the bustling economic and social hub of China. One of its most famous attractions is the Bund waterfront and promenade, which is lined with stunning colonial buildings and boasts the best panoramic views of the Pudong district’s futuristic skyline.
Getting around this sprawling city can be a little tricky if you’re new, so we recommend taking a reliable Shanghai taxi to make your journeys in Shanghai stress-free and easy. Getting a taxi in Shanghai couldn’t be easier, you can hail one in the street, call a local phone dispatch company, walk to a designated taxi rank or book your rides in advance.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM PUDONG AIRPORT TO HONGQIAO AIRPORT | 28 € | 34 € | 50 |
| FROM PUDONG AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE | 24 € | 26.50 € | 45 |
| SHANGHAI RAILWAY STATION TO HONGQIAO AIRPORT | 8.50 € | 10 € | 20 |
| SHANGHAI TO SUZHOU | 70 € | 85 € | 80 |
Shanghai Cab Fare
Compared to other Chinese cities, Shanghai cab fares are considered high. However, when you put these fares on a global scale, compared to America and Europe, they are very affordable. There are two different Shanghai taxi tariff systems, but both operate using a taximeter based on distance and time travelled. The fares are as follows:
Downtown Tariff Day (05:00 to 23:00) –
Base Fare inc first 3 km: €2 (CNY 14)
Price per km: €0.30 (CNY 2.5)
Downtown Tariff Night (23:00 to 05:00) –
Base fare inc first 3 km: €2.50 (CNY 18)
Price per km: €0.40 (CNY 3.1)
Suburb Tariff Day (05:00 to 23:00) –
Base Fare inc first 3 km: €1.50 (CNY 11)
Price per km: €0.30 (CNY 2.4)
Suburb Tariff Night (23:00 to 05:00) –
Base fare inc first 3 km: €1.80 (CNY 13.2)
Price per km: €0.40 (CNY 2.9)
It’s worth noting that there’s a charge for keeping your driver waiting (the price per km for every 4 minutes) and a fuel surcharge for taking a taxi in the suburbs, at €0.15 (CNY 1) per ride.
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How to get a Taxi in Shanghai
There are over 50,000 taxis and 100 different Shanghai taxi companies serving the city. Every company has different coloured taxis, but some of the more trustworthy are Dazhong (sky-blue and white), Qiangsheng (orange and green), Jinjiang (white) and Haibo (dark blue and silver). You can hail a Shanghai cab in the street by raising your hand, or by walking to one of the designated taxi ranks. The taxi ranks are usually found outside of all transportation hubs, like Shanghai Railway Station, metro stops and the bus station, major hotels, tourist attractions and shopping malls.
If you’re located outside of the downtown area or are travelling late at night, you may also want to call a local Shanghai taxi phone dispatch company to come and pick you up. Some of the most popular and trustworthy ones are:
Qiangsheng: +86 21 6258 000 0
Dazhong: +86 21 9682 2
Jinjiang: +86 21 9696 1
Haibo: +86 21 9693 3
Benefits of Booking your Shanghai Taxi with Welcome Pickups
There are plenty of taxis in Shanghai that can whisk you off from point A to point B. However, the language barrier, miscommunication and manipulation of the taximeter can result in overcharging and confusion. To avoid this, we recommend booking your Shanghai taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups. We have English-speaking drivers, guaranteed on-time pickups, modern cars, personalised transfers and 24/7 customer service, all at unbeatable prices.
Shanghai Taxi Tips
- You can pay for your Shanghai taxi with cash in the local currency or with a Shanghai Public Transportation Card.
- Some taxis in Shanghai can accept card payments, but not all. Be sure to ask your driver before getting in the taxi if you wish to use this form of transportation.
- Dazhong and Qiangsheng Taxi Companies are the most popular and well-rated in Shanghai.
- There’s a fuel surcharge of €0.15 (CNY 1) for picking up a taxi in the suburbs.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi in Shanghai
Although standard Shanghai cabs don’t offer wheelchair accessibility or assistance, there are around 50 wheelchair accessible taxis in the city. The only two known Shanghai taxi companies that have wheelchair accessible vehicles are Qiangsheng (+86 21 6258 000 0) and Dazhong (+86 21 9682 2). These taxis can be ordered in advance or on-demand, but there may be a long wait time as the vehicles are limited.
Shanghai Cab Safety and Complaints
On the whole, Shanghai cabs are very well maintained and monitored. However, as there are so many companies operating in the city, there may be times when you experience a rude driver or overcharging. If this does occur, be sure to note down the taxi company, your driver’s name and ID or the taxi number. You can then make a complaint to the Shanghai Municipal Administration by calling +86 2163 2321 50 or to the passenger hotline on +86 2163 2332 15.