Cruise port Shanghai
Port information & tips for Shanghai
Shanghai is the pulsating gateway to modern China and fascinates as a glittering global metropolis on the Huangpu River. The city offers a spectacular mix of futuristic skyline and colonial history, while simultaneously preserving its cultural roots in the alleys of the Old Town. Highlights such as the legendary waterfront promenade The Bund, the traditional Yu Garden, and the striking Oriental Pearl Tower are easily accessible from the berths. Cruise ships dock either at the central Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal directly at the North Bund or at the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan, which is about 25 kilometers away. Thanks to comfortable shuttle services and an efficient metro connection, the vibrant city center with the famous Nanjing Road is conveniently and quickly accessible at all times.
Shanghai impresses as a modern world metropolis with two major cruise terminals: the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan for large ocean giants and the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal at the North Bund. Thanks to the excellent connection to the international aviation network and the well-developed infrastructure, guests from the DACH region reach their ship comfortably and reliably.
Airplane
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves as the most important hub and is regularly served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. For connections within Asia, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is also relevant, as it is located closer to the city center. From both airports, travelers can easily reach the terminals by taxi or via the cruise lines' organized transfers, with the travel time to the large Wusongkou terminal taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Transfer & Taxi
The journey to the port can be planned flexibly, as taxis in Shanghai are an affordable and comfortable option and drive directly to the terminals. A technologically impressive alternative is the Transrapid Maglev, which transports guests from PVG Airport to Longyang Road Station, from where the journey to the port continues by taxi. Additionally, the Wusongkou Terminal is well-connected to the city's dense public transport network via Metro Line 3 to Baoyang Road Station and a short subsequent taxi ride.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation and booking a hotel in the city center or directly in the Baoshan district. Many international hotels offer first-class service for cruise guests and assist in organizing port transfers to the ship. A stay in advance also allows for a stress-free exploration of the famous waterfront promenade The Bund and, thanks to the mostly visa-free transit regulations, ensures a relaxed start to your long-distance journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Shanghai impresses as a modern world metropolis with two major cruise terminals: the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan for large ocean giants and the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal at the North Bund. Thanks to the excellent connection to the international aviation network and the well-developed infrastructure, guests from the DACH region reach their ship comfortably and reliably.
Airplane
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves as the most important hub and is regularly served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. For connections within Asia, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is also relevant, as it is located closer to the city center. From both airports, travelers can easily reach the terminals by taxi or via the cruise lines' organized transfers, with the travel time to the large Wusongkou terminal taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Transfer & Taxi
The journey to the port can be planned flexibly, as taxis in Shanghai are an affordable and comfortable option and drive directly to the terminals. A technologically impressive alternative is the Transrapid Maglev, which transports guests from PVG Airport to Longyang Road Station, from where the journey to the port continues by taxi. Additionally, the Wusongkou Terminal is well-connected to the city's dense public transport network via Metro Line 3 to Baoyang Road Station and a short subsequent taxi ride.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation and booking a hotel in the city center or directly in the Baoshan district. Many international hotels offer first-class service for cruise guests and assist in organizing port transfers to the ship. A stay in advance also allows for a stress-free exploration of the famous waterfront promenade The Bund and, thanks to the mostly visa-free transit regulations, ensures a relaxed start to your long-distance journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Shanghai welcomes its guests at ultra-modern terminals and, thanks to an excellent infrastructure, allows for a comfortable onward journey directly into the pulsating city center.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official taxis wait at marked stands directly in front of the terminal buildings and offer a comfortable ride to all sights. Additionally, the use of ride-hailing apps like Didi is widespread, ensuring transparent pricing and rapid movement within the urban area.
Metro (Subway)
The efficient metro network is accessible via shuttle connections or short walks and connects the port directly with central points such as Nanjing Road or People's Square. The trains run at very short intervals and, thanks to modern stations and English signage, allow for easy orientation in the metropolis.
Shuttle Buses
From the more distant Wusongkou Terminal, regularly organized shuttle buses are available to take passengers comfortably to major metro stations or the center. Guests at the centrally located International Cruise Terminal can also reach the famous Bund in about a 15- to 20-minute walk, while simultaneously enjoying the impressive view of the Pudong skyline.
To make the most of your stay in Shanghai, it is recommended to focus on the impressive waterfront promenade at The Bund and the city's fascinating cultural contrasts.
The Bund
The historic waterfront promenade delights with its magnificent colonial architecture while simultaneously offering the perfect view of the gigantic skyscrapers on the opposite bank.
Yu Garden & Old Town
This architectural jewel transports visitors to traditional China and, thanks to its artistic pavilions and surrounding bazaars, is also perfect for an authentic insight into local life.
Lujiazui
The futuristic district impresses with its world-famous landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and, thanks to modern observation decks, is the ideal place for an unforgettable panorama over the entire metropolis.
The Bund and Yu Garden
The glamorous waterfront promenade "The Bund" is easily accessible by taxi in about forty to sixty minutes, depending on the pier, and presents you with the impressive interplay of historic colonial architecture and the futuristic skyline of Pudong. This location is ideal for a cultural stroll along the Huangpu River and can be perfectly combined with a visit to Yu Garden, which invites you to explore with its traditional Chinese garden art and charming bazaars. The surrounding area also offers a first-class infrastructure with excellent restaurants and cafes that provide a panoramic view over the city. It is best to visit these highlights in the morning to explore the sights in a relaxed manner, and plan your return trip to the ship about two hours before departure to enjoy the pulsating metropolis stress-free.
The return journey to the terminals in Shanghai is straightforward and can be planned reliably thanks to the modern infrastructure and dense transport network. Pay attention to the location of your ship, as Shanghai has the central terminal at the North Bund as well as the larger Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are available at all major hotels, such as the Peace Hotel on the Bund, or in front of the shopping centers in Lujiazui, and will take you directly to the pier. Thanks to the widespread use of translation apps and the clear marking of official taxi stands, you will reach your terminal safely and on time.
Metro and Feeder Buses
Metro Line 3 takes you quickly to Baoyang Road Station, from where shuttle buses and taxis cover the short remaining distance to the Wusongkou Terminal. This combination is affordable and allows for reliable time planning as well as a comfortable return away from heavy road traffic.
Cruise Shuttle and Orientation
Many cruise lines offer organized shuttle buses from central meeting points such as People’s Square or Longyang Road, ensuring a relaxed transfer directly to check-in. Furthermore, the way within the terminals is excellently signposted and supported by friendly staff as well as security personnel.
