Knowing how to get to Shanghai Disneyland will help you save time and stress when visiting the largest and perhaps most magical Disneyland Park in the world.
Shanghai Disneyland is one of the most magical destinations in Asia, combining Disney’s world-class entertainment with unique Chinese cultural touches. Living in China, we loved visiting Shanghai Disneyland as much as we could, and became a pro at figuring out how to get to Shanghai Disneyland both from the airport and from downtown Shanghai.
Located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, the park attracts millions of visitors each year, as it really is one of the best theme parks in Asia. Whether you’re traveling from downtown Shanghai, arriving via the airport, or even coming from another Chinese city, there are many ways to reach the park.
This comprehensive guide will take you through all your options—subway, bus, taxi, car, airport transfer, long-distance connections, and even international travel. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get to Shanghai Disneyland no matter where your journey begins.
How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland
Where is Shanghai Disneyland Located?
Shanghai Disneyland is in the Chuansha New Town area of Pudong New District, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from People’s Square in central Shanghai. It’s close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) but a bit farther from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
The exact address is:
Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Knowing this location helps you understand travel times:
- From Downtown Shanghai (People’s Square): ~40–60 minutes by subway or car.
- From Pudong International Airport: ~20–30 minutes by car or ~35–45 minutes by subway.
- From Hongqiao Airport: ~60–90 minutes by car or subway.
- From Shanghai Railway Station or Hongqiao Railway Station: ~60–90 minutes depending on mode of transport.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland by Metro (Subway)
The Shanghai Metro is the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable way to get to Shanghai Disneyland.
The Key Metro Line
- You’ll need to take Line 11 (the brown line), which runs directly to Disney Resort Station, the last stop on the line.
- The station is right next to the park entrance. From the station, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk to the main entrance through Disneytown, the free shopping and dining area.
Travel Times by Metro
- From People’s Square: Take Line 1 or Line 8 to Xujiahui or Oriental Sports Center, then transfer to Line 11. Total time: ~50–60 minutes.
- From Lujiazui (Financial District/Pudong Skyline): Take Line 2 to Century Avenue, then Line 9 to Oriental Sports Center, then Line 11. Total time: ~50 minutes.
- From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station / Hongqiao Airport: Directly take Line 10 to Jiaotong University, switch to Line 11 toward Disney. Total time: ~70–90 minutes.
- From Pudong Airport: Take Line 2 to Longyang Road, then switch to Line 16, then Line 11 at Luoshan Road. Total time: ~60–70 minutes.
Cost
- Fares range between ¥4–¥9 RMB ($0.60–$1.40 USD) depending on distance.
- You can pay with a Shanghai Transportation Card, Alipay/WeChat Pay QR code, or a single-journey ticket purchased at vending machines.
Tips for Metro Travel
- Disney Resort Station has two exits: Exit 1 goes toward buses and taxis, while Exit 2 takes you to Disneytown and the main entrance.
- Avoid peak commuter hours (7:30–9:30 am and 5–7 pm), when trains are crowded.
- The metro operates roughly 5:30 am to 11 pm. Check last train times to avoid being stranded.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland by Bus
Shanghai has an extensive bus system, including direct lines to Disneyland
Dedicated Disney Bus Routes
- Disney Express Bus: Special buses run from key points in the city to Disneyland, especially during weekends and holidays. These routes may change seasonally.
- Local Buses: Several public bus lines serve the resort area, including Lines 50, 51, 52, and 53, which connect surrounding districts to Disney.
From Pudong Airport
- Public Bus Shuttle Line 3 sometimes stops near the Disney Resort, but services are less convenient than metro/taxi.
Pros & Cons of Buses
- Pros: Cheap (¥2–¥8 RMB), no need for multiple metro transfers if your hotel is along the line.
- Cons: Slower than metro, subject to traffic jams, and limited schedules.
For most visitors, the metro is preferable unless you’re staying near one of the direct bus stops.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland by Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) are very popular in Shanghai.
Travel Times & Costs
- From Downtown Shanghai: ¥130–¥180 RMB ($18–$25 USD), 40–60 minutes.
- From Pudong Airport: ¥80–¥100 RMB ($11–$15 USD), 20–30 minutes.
- From Hongqiao Airport: ¥180–¥220 RMB ($25–$30 USD), 60–80 minutes.
- From Shanghai Railway Station: ¥160–¥200 RMB ($22–$28 USD), 50–70 minutes.
How to Book
- Taxis: Always use the official metered taxis (look for green, blue, or yellow vehicles). Avoid unlicensed drivers near airports.
- DiDi: Download the DiDi app (available in English). You can pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international credit cards linked in-app.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Convenient if you’re carrying luggage or traveling with family. Door-to-door service.
- Cons: More expensive than metro, and traffic in Shanghai can be unpredictable.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland by Private Car or Transfer
Many hotels and travel agencies in Shanghai offer private transfers to Disneyland.
Benefits of a Private Transfer
- Pre-booked, no need to worry about navigation or language barriers.
- Comfortable if traveling with children, elderly, or large groups.
- Can be combined with airport pick-up.
Cost
- Typically ¥250–¥400 RMB ($35–$55 USD) one-way from downtown.
- Airport transfers may be slightly cheaper, especially from Pudong.
Private cars are the most stress-free option, though more costly than metro.
Driving to Shanghai Disneyland
If you’re renting a car in China or have a local driver’s license, you can drive directly to Disneyland.
Parking at Shanghai disneyland
- Disneyland Parking Lot is large and located near the park entrance.
- Costs: ¥10 RMB/hour, maximum ¥100 RMB/day for cars. Larger vehicles have higher rates.
- Overnight parking is not allowed.
Challenges
- Driving in Shanghai can be stressful due to traffic rules, heavy congestion, and language barriers.
- Foreign visitors generally cannot drive in China with an international license—only with a Chinese license.
Driving is not recommended for most tourists unless you’re already living in China.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland from Pudong Airport (PVG)
Since Pudong Airport is the closest major hub, many visitors land here first.
Option 1: Taxi / DiDi
- Fastest and easiest. 20–30 minutes. ¥80–¥100 RMB.
Option 2: Metro
- Take Line 2 from Pudong Airport → change to Line 16 at Longyang Road → switch to Line 11 at Luoshan Road → ride to Disney Resort Station.
- Total time: ~70 minutes, cost: ~¥8 RMB.
Option 3: Airport Shuttle Bus
- Some shuttle buses run from PVG to Disneyland, but schedules are limited.
Best Choice: Taxi or DiDi if you want convenience, metro if you’re on a budget.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland from Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Hongqiao is on the opposite side of the city, so the trip is longer.
Option 1: Taxi / DiDi
- 60–80 minutes, ¥180–¥220 RMB.
Option 2: Metro
- From Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, take Line 10 → switch to Line 11 at Jiaotong University → ride directly to Disney Resort Station.
- Total time: ~80–90 minutes, cost: ~¥8 RMB.
Best Choice: Metro if traveling light, taxi if in a rush or with family.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland from Major Railway Stations
From Shanghai Railway Station (Downtown)
- Taxi/DiDi: 50–70 minutes, ~¥160–¥200 RMB.
- Metro: Line 4 → Line 3 → Line 11 (or alternative transfers). Total ~70–80 minutes.
From Hongqiao Railway Station
- Same as Hongqiao Airport since they’re connected.
- Taxi/DiDi: 60–80 minutes, ~¥180–¥220 RMB.
- Metro: Line 10 → Line 11 → Disney. ~80–90 minutes.
From Shanghai South Railway Station
- Taxi/DiDi: ~60 minutes, ~¥150–¥180 RMB.
- Metro: Line 1 → Line 11 → Disney. ~70 minutes.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland from Other Cities in China
If you’re traveling to Shanghai Disneyland as part of a larger China trip, here’s how to get there:
From Beijing
- High-Speed Train: 4.5–6 hours to Shanghai Hongqiao Station, then Line 10 → Line 11 to Disney.
- Flight: 2.5 hours to Pudong Airport, then taxi/metro to Disney.
From Hangzhou
- High-Speed Train: 1–1.5 hours to Shanghai Hongqiao, then metro/taxi.
- Bus: Direct tourist buses sometimes run to Shanghai Disneyland.
From Suzhou
- High-Speed Train: 30–40 minutes to Shanghai, then continue by metro or taxi.
- Private Transfer: Some tour operators run day trips directly to Disney.
From Nanjing
- High-Speed Train: 2–3 hours to Shanghai, then metro/taxi.
International Travel to Shanghai Disneyland
If you’re flying from abroad, you’ll arrive at either Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA). Pudong is the main international hub and much closer to Disneyland.
- From North America/Europe: Direct flights to PVG land you within 30 minutes of Disney.
- From Southeast Asia/Japan/Korea: Many low-cost airlines also land at PVG, making quick Disney trips possible.
For international travelers, it’s best to book a hotel near Disneyland or along Line 11 for maximum convenience.
Staying Near Shanghai Disneyland
If you want to maximize your Disney time, consider staying at one of the resort hotels or nearby accommodations.
On-Site Hotels
- Shanghai Disneyland Hotel: Elegant, Disney-themed, luxury stay.
- Toy Story Hotel: Fun, family-friendly, mid-range option.
Nearby Hotels
Many international chains (Hyatt, Marriott, Holiday Inn) operate hotels within a 5–10 minute taxi ride from the resort.
Staying nearby means you won’t worry about late-night transport after fireworks.
Insider Tips for Getting to Shanghai Disneyland
- Arrive Early: The park opens around 8:30–9 am. Arrive before opening to beat crowds.
- Plan for Fireworks: If staying in downtown, remember the metro stops around 11 pm. You may need a taxi back after the fireworks show.
- Use Translation Apps: If taking a taxi, show the driver the Chinese address: 上海迪士尼度假区 (Shanghai Disneyland Resort).
- Travel Light: Metro security checks can take longer if you carry big bags.
- Consider a Multi-Day Visit: With long queues, one day may feel rushed. Staying nearby saves commuting time so you can enjoy the best Shanghai Disney rides too.
Getting to Shanghai Disneyland Summary
Here’s a quick summary of which option is best depending on your situation:
- Budget Traveler: Metro (Line 11 direct to Disney Resort).
- With Family / Luggage: Taxi or DiDi for comfort.
- From Pudong Airport: Taxi for speed, metro if you want to save money.
- From Hongqiao: Metro for reliability, taxi if you value convenience.
- From Other Cities: High-speed train to Shanghai + metro/taxi.
No matter which route you take, the journey to Shanghai Disneyland is relatively straightforward. Once you arrive, the magic of Disney will make it all worthwhile.
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
- We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).
- This is our favourite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.
What to pack
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
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