Which is better to use metro subway or buses from pudong airport to hongqiao railway station?

If it's not traffic high hour, you are suggested to take direct airport shuttle bus line 1. The duration is about an hour.
But if it's peak time, it's advised to take metros in order to make sure to catch the train. You can take Maglev Train to Longyang Road Station first. It takes around 8 mins. Then transfer to subway line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station directly. The travel time is about 50 mins.