Shanghai Taxi

Shanghai Taxi  is a key transport option in the city, covering all 16 districts and connecting major hubs such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场), Shanghai Hongqiao Transportation Hub (上海虹桥枢纽), Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), Shanghai South Railway Station (上海南站), as well as attractions like the Bund (外滩), Yuyuan Garden (豫园), and Shanghai Disneyland Resort (上海迪士尼度假区).

The system includes street-hail taxis, regional taxis, and ride-hailing services. All vehicles are regulated, with professional drivers, standardized pricing, and 24-hour availability.

Taxi Types and Features

Main Vehicles

• Standard: Volkswagen Santana (桑塔纳), VW Polo, Chevrolet
• Mid/high-end: VW Passat (帕萨特), Mercedes-Benz C/E Class
• New energy: Roewe Ei5 (荣威Ei5), LEVC TX electric taxi (吉利LEVC TX5)
• Multi-seat: VW Touran (途安), suitable for families

LEVC TX5 supports wheelchair access and up to 6 passengers.

Vehicle Standards

• City taxis: silver-gray lower body + company color upper body
• Roof light shows “vacant/occupied” status
• Inside: fare chart, company info, supervision number, no-smoking signs
• Regional taxis show district name on body

Equipment

• GPS tracking, taximeter, in-car camera
• Emergency alarm system
• Digital driver ID display
• Wheelchair ramps on accessible vehicles

Coverage & Operating Hours

• Coverage: all 16 districts, some intercity trips (e.g., Suzhou, Jiaxing) allowed
• 24-hour service
• Peak hours: 07:00–10:00, 16:00–19:00 (traffic congestion, delays expected)
• Night: 23:00–05:00 reduced availability but airport/stations remain active

Fare Structure (2026)

Base Fare

• Standard taxi: 14 RMB / 3 km
• EV / Touran: 16 RMB / 3 km
• Premium: 18 RMB / 3 km
• Night (23:00–05:00): +30%

Per km rate

• Day: 2.7 RMB/km
• Night: 3.51 RMB/km
• Over 15 km: higher rate (up to 4.7 RMB/km at night)

Waiting fee

• Low speed (<12 km/h): 2.7 RMB per 4 minutes equivalent
• Peak-time optional adjustment ±5%

Holidays

• Spring Festival: +10 RMB/trip
• National Day / Labor Day: +5 RMB/trip

Notes

• Toll/bridge/parking paid by passenger
• Fare rounded to nearest RMB
• Receipt required for disputes

How to Get a Taxi

1. Ride-Hailing (Recommended)

Didi Chuxing / Gaode Taxi / Shen Cheng Chuxing

Steps: App → Enter route → Choose taxi → Confirm → Match driver → Board
Advantages: price estimate, English support, airport pickup points, cashless payment

2. Street Hailing

• Allowed on legal stopping areas
• Best on main roads outside peak hours
• Avoid bus lanes, intersections, and crowded hotspots during rush hours

3. Phone Booking

• Hotline: 95128 (24h, elderly-friendly)
• Transport hotline: 12328 / 12345
• Taxi companies: Dazhong, Qiangsheng, Jinjiang, etc.

4. Taxi Stands (Stations & Airport)

• Pudong Airport (T1/T2 queue areas)
• Hongqiao Hub (airport + railway station zones)
• Shanghai Railway Station (north square)
• Shanghai South Station (arrival level)

All operate on queue-based dispatch.

Practical Travel Tips

Key Routes

• Pudong Airport → City: 120–150 RMB, ~60 min
• Hongqiao Airport → City: 50–70 RMB, ~30 min
• Shanghai Station → Bund/Yuyuan: 15–25 RMB
• City → Disneyland: 80–100 RMB

Saving Tips

• Short trips: taxis cost-effective
• Long trips: confirm price before ride
• Avoid peak hours (07:00–10:00, 16:00–19:00)
• Use metro for cheap travel (3–10 RMB)
• 3–4 passengers sharing = best value

Essentials

• Phone, ID, Chinese address written in advance
• Payment: WeChat, Alipay, cash (~100 RMB backup)
• Use navigation apps to avoid detours
• Keep receipt for safety and lost items

Safety Rules

• Only licensed taxis (silver-gray body, roof light, meter)
• No smoking in vehicle
• Meter must be used
• No refusal or overcharging allowed
• Avoid illegal “black taxis”

Night rides: prefer ride-hailing with live tracking.

Pets allowed only in carriers (driver approval required). Children should be accompanied; safety seats recommended.

Complaints & Lost Items

• General hotline: 12345
• Transport supervision: 12328
• Taxi company hotlines available on receipt

Lost items: contact company or airport/station lost & found immediately.

FAQs

Q: Why hard to get taxis at peak hours?
A: Traffic congestion reduces availability; use apps or walk to main roads.

Q: Can taxis go outside Shanghai?
A: Yes, but must confirm with driver.

Q: Are taxis available 24 hours?
A: Yes, especially at airports and railway stations.

Q: What if I lose items?
A: Contact hotline or company using receipt details.