The speedy, safe, comfortable and convenient subway is a fine choice for traveling around Shanghai. The fast-growing Shanghai Subway network now has 5 lines with another 4 under construction. The trains are fast, cheap and fairly user-friendly with most signs also in English, but the trains can get very packed at rush hour.Main attractions and bustling commercial areas such as the Bund, Lujiazuo, Longhua Temple, Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road and Xujiahui are linked by the subway lines. The new Mag Lev (Magnetic Levitation) line has started regular services between the city and Pudong airport. The 30km (19mi) trip will take just eight minutes.

 

Subways have adopted an electronic ticket system. A one-way ticket, valid for two hours, can be bought at the ticket dispenser or an annual season ticket from the ticket booth. Fares range from Y3 to Y8 depending on distance.If you want to use the electronic ticket system, you'll need plenty of Y1 or Y0.5 coins for the ticket vending machines, although most stations also have staff selling tickets. You can now transfer between lines freely with a single ticket. Shanghai Public Transportation Card is also available and convenient. It can be used not only on subway, but some public buses, ferries and even taxis. The card costs CNY 100, including CNY 30 for deposit and CNY 70 for use.