Car Hire Shanghai Airport
Landing in Shanghai and wondering if you should rent a car? It’s a great question, and honestly, the answer depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. If you’re sticking mainly to the city center, Shanghai’s metro system is efficient and affordable. But if you’re looking to explore beyond the urban sprawl—think ancient water towns, coastal getaways, or the stunning countryside of Jiangsu province—having your own wheels opens up a whole world of possibilities that public transport simply can’t match.
That said, renting a car in China isn’t quite the same as picking up a vehicle in Europe or North America. There are some important things you’ll need to know before you book, especially when it comes to documentation and local driving regulations. Don’t worry though—we’ve got you covered with everything you need to make your Shanghai car rental experience smooth and stress-free.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Shanghai Airport
Shanghai has two major airports, so you’ll want to know which one you’re flying into. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles most international flights and sits about 30 kilometers from the city center. Car rental desks are located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, generally on the arrival level or in designated ground transportation areas. Major providers like Avis, Hertz, and local companies such as eHi and China Auto Rental have counters here.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) primarily serves domestic flights and is closer to the city center. Rental desks can be found in the ground transportation center, easily accessible from both terminals. It’s worth booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like Chinese New Year or the Golden Week holidays, when availability can get tight.
Here’s the important part about documentation: you cannot rent a car in China with just your home country’s license or an International Driving Permit. China isn’t a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, so you’ll need either a Chinese driving license or a temporary driving permit. The good news? Temporary permits can be obtained at the airport’s Vehicle Administration Office with your passport, home country license, and a translation. It takes about an hour and costs a small fee. Some rental companies can help arrange this, but call ahead to confirm.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Shanghai Airport
Once you’ve got your keys, the possibilities are pretty exciting. One of the most popular day trips from Shanghai is Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town about 50 kilometers west of the city. It’s often called the “Venice of Shanghai” with its charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. The drive takes roughly an hour, and having a car means you can arrive early before the tour buses and stay for the magical evening lights.
Suzhou is another fantastic destination, about 100 kilometers away. Famous for its classical Chinese gardens and silk industry, it’s perfect for an overnight trip. The drive along the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway is straightforward and well-maintained. If you’re up for a slightly longer journey, Hangzhou and its stunning West Lake are about 180 kilometers south—a beautiful drive through the Yangtze River Delta region.
Closer to Shanghai, you might enjoy exploring the coastal areas around Nanhui or visiting the charming town of Qibao, which is technically part of Shanghai but feels worlds away from the bustling city center. For a unique experience, drive to Chongming Island in the Yangtze River—China’s third-largest island—where you’ll find wetland parks, organic farms, and a much slower pace of life.
Tips for Driving in China
Driving in China can be an adventure, and it’s definitely different from what you might be used to. First off, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Road conditions on major highways are generally excellent, but city driving can be intense—Shanghai traffic is notoriously busy, and local drivers can be unpredictable. Expect motorcycles and scooters to appear from unexpected directions, and don’t be surprised if cars change lanes without signaling.
Speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras everywhere. Highways typically have limits of 100-120 km/h, while city roads are usually 40-60 km/h. Fines for speeding can be hefty, and they’ll catch up with you through your rental company. Speaking of which, most rental cars run on gasoline, though electric vehicles are becoming more common—just make sure you understand the charging situation if you opt for one.
Navigation is best handled through apps like Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps, which work better than Google Maps in China. However, you’ll need a working phone with Chinese data, so sort out your roaming or get a local SIM card at the airport. Parking in Shanghai can be challenging and expensive in the city center, so consider staying at hotels with included parking or use paid parking garages near major attractions.
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