Car rental in Shanghai

Important: mainland China does not accept an international driving permit or an overseas licence on its own. To drive, you need a Chinese provisional driving permit, which you apply for in China with your passport, your overseas licence with a Chinese translation, and photos. For short-term visitors it is valid for three months, and rental companies ask for a valid Chinese driving licence or permit. That's a lot of effort for a short trip, so trains, taxis, ride-hailing or a car with a driver are usually more practical.

You don't need a car in Shanghai. The metro covers the city, taxis and ride-hailing are easy, and parking is scarce and expensive. A car, with a driver or with a permit, only makes sense for day trips to the water towns and nearby cities. In November 2026, listings started from about US$80 a day, but the permit rule above still applies.

When a car is worth it

Without a permit, a tour, public transport or a hired driver can reach all of these.

Zhujiajiao. This canal town is about an hour from central Shanghai. It's crowded on weekends, so go on a weekday morning if you can.

Suzhou. Allow about an hour to an hour and a half by road, though the high-speed train is often quicker. A car helps if you want to combine the classical gardens with a canal town.

Wuzhen and Hangzhou. Allow about two hours to each by road, depending on traffic. High-speed trains reach Hangzhou in about an hour.

Before you book

Your licence. As of June 2026, official guidance says foreign visitors need a Chinese provisional driving permit, applied for at a public security traffic management service centre in China with your passport, your overseas licence with a Chinese translation, and photos. For short stays it is valid for three months. Holders of licences from a few countries with recognition agreements (the official guide lists France, Serbia, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates) may have an easier route. Rules can change, so confirm with the rental company or an official source before you travel.

Where to collect the car. Pick up at the airport if you're heading straight out, or at a branch on the side of Shanghai you're leaving from. This avoids driving through the centre.

Identity check. First-time renters may have to verify their identity documents at least a business day before pickup, so ask the rental company early.

Insurance. Check what the basic cover excludes and what you'd pay if the car is damaged.

Driving in China

The basics. Traffic drives on the right. Traffic cameras are everywhere and drink-driving rules are very strict, so don't drink at all if you're driving.

Navigation. Google Maps is often inaccurate in China. Chinese apps such as Amap and Baidu Maps are widely used but mostly in Chinese, so ask the rental company about navigation in English.

Tolls. Expressways charge tolls, and many are paid electronically. Ask the rental company how tolls are charged to you.

Traffic and parking. Roads in Shanghai are busy at rush hour and on holiday weekends. Parking is limited and charged by the hour, so check whether your hotel has a space and what it costs.

Central Shanghai. Roads are dense, with many merging lanes and elevated expressways, and navigation can be confusing. Leave the centre outside rush hour if you can.

Returning the car. Many rentals expect a full tank, so confirm the fuel policy and allow time to refuel near the branch.