How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund

China · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Shanghai · Shanghai Pudong Airport · The Bund

Getting from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to The Bund (Waitan) is easy once you pick your speed vs. budget: the Maglev rockets you into the city in 8 minutes, Metro Line 2 is the cheapest door-to-downtown ride, airport buses are simple with luggage, and taxis/transfers are the most convenient with heavy bags or late arrivals. Choose your option below with step-by-steps and map links.

At A Glance (Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund)

Mode Duration Best For
🚄 Maglev (PVG→Longyang Rd) + Metro/Taxi ~8m Maglev + 15–25m onward Fastest into the city
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 50 Maglev (std) + CNY 3–5 metro or ~CNY 35–60 taxi » Maglev tickets
🚇 Metro Line 2 (PVG→East Nanjing Rd) ~60–70m (one simple transfer at Guanglan Rd may apply) Cheapest & straightforward
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 7–9 » transit cards
🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus (to People’s Square/VIPs stops) + Short hop ~60–90m (traffic) Big luggage, minimal walking
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 20–30 » central drop area
🚕 Taxi / Ride-hailing (Door-to-door) ~45–70m (traffic) Late arrivals, heavy bags, families
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 180–220 incl. tolls (metered) » fixed-price quotes
🚐 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet) ~45–70m Hassle-free door-to-door
🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 260–500 per vehicle (size/time) » compare transfers | more options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • SIM/payment: Have some cash for metro/bus; many services accept mobile pay. Consider airport pickup SIM/eSIM via Klook.
  • Luggage storage: If rooms aren’t ready, stash bags via Radical Storage Shanghai and explore The Bund hands-free.
  • Hotel near the Bund: Compare stays with river views on Booking.com (The Bund).
  • Tours & tickets: Night cruises/sky decks bookable on GetYourGuide or Klook.

🚄 Option #1 — Maglev (PVG → Longyang Rd) + Metro/Taxi (Fastest)

8-minute train Frequent One transfer

  • Overview: Ride the Shanghai Maglev from PVG to Longyang Road in ~8 minutes. Then switch to Metro Line 2 or take a quick taxi to The Bund (East Nanjing Rd/Waitan).
  • How to book (with price): Maglev ~CNY 50 adult; buy at PVG station or prebook e-vouchers on Klook. onward metro ~CNY 3–5 or taxi ~CNY 35–60.
  • Pros: Fastest city entry; fun experience. Cons: Requires a metro/taxi link for the last stretch.

Step-by-step: Maglev + Metro/Taxi

  1. Follow airport signs to Maglev/磁浮 at PVG; buy tickets or redeem your Klook voucher.
  2. Ride PVG → Longyang Road (8 minutes). At Longyang, follow signs to Metro Line 2 toward People’s Square.
  3. Metro to East Nanjing Road (南京东路); walk ~10–15 minutes to The Bund promenade. Alternatively, take a taxi from Longyang Road straight to your Bund hotel.
  4. For door-to-door on arrival, compare fixed transfers on GetTransfer.

Getting to the main embarking points (PVG Maglev & Longyang Rd)

  • PVG Maglev Station: Connected to both terminals; elevators/escalators available.
  • Longyang Road hub: Interchange for Metro Line 2/7/16 and taxis just outside.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚇 Option #2 — Metro Line 2 (Cheapest, One Simple Transfer)

Budget Frequent trains ~60–70 minutes

  • Overview: From PVG, take Metro Line 2 toward downtown. A simple transfer at Guanglan Road often applies; continue to East Nanjing Road for the Bund.
  • How to book (with price): No booking; fare ~CNY 7–9. Consider a reloadable transit card via Klook.
  • Pros: Cheapest and reliable. Cons: Peak-hour crowding; stairs at some exits.

Step-by-step: Metro Line 2

  1. At PVG, follow Metro/地铁 signs to Line 2; buy a single-journey ticket or use transit card.
  2. Board Line 2 toward downtown; if prompted, transfer at Guanglan Road to a through-train.
  3. Alight at East Nanjing Road (Exits 2/3 lead toward the Bund); walk ~10–15 minutes to the riverside.
  4. If your hotel is on the north Bund, consider switching to Line 10 at East Nanjing for Tiantong Road or take a short taxi.

Getting to the main embarking points (PVG Metro & East Nanjing Rd)

  • PVG Metro Station: Inside the terminal complex; ramps/elevators available.
  • East Nanjing Road: Busy pedestrian street; follow signs toward The Bund/外滩.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Airport Shuttle Bus to People’s Square + Short Hop

Luggage-friendly Direct to center Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Board an airport shuttle bus from PVG to central stops near People’s Square. From there, take a brief metro/taxi to your Bund hotel.
  • How to book (with price): Pay on site ~CNY 20–30. For tours or add-on tickets nearby, check GetYourGuide.
  • Pros: Easy with suitcases. Cons: Slower at rush hour.

Step-by-step: Airport Shuttle Bus

  1. From arrivals at PVG, follow Airport Bus/机场巴士 signs; confirm the line to People’s Square area.
  2. Buy a ticket and board; store large luggage in the hold if offered.
  3. Alight near People’s Square; walk or take Metro Line 2 one stop to East Nanjing Road, or grab a short taxi to the Bund.
  4. For onward activities around the Bund, compare options on Klook.

Getting to the main embarking points (PVG Bus Bays & People’s Square)

  • PVG Bus Bays: Clearly signed outside the terminals; attendants can guide you.
  • People’s Square: Multiple metro lines/taxi ranks; the Bund is ~1.5–2 km east.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #4 — Taxi / Ride-hailing (Door-to-Door, Easiest with Kids/Bags)

No transfers 24/7 Traffic & tolls apply

  • Overview: Official taxis queue outside arrivals; ride-hailing operates via local apps. Expect 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.
  • How to book (with price): Metered fare ~CNY 180–220 incl. tolls at typical times. For English-speaking, fixed-rate pickups, compare GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Door-to-door comfort. Cons: Peak-hour traffic; higher cost than metro.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing

  1. Exit PVG and follow Taxi/出租车 signs to the official rank; ignore touts.
  2. Show your destination in Chinese (e.g., “外滩” or your hotel name/address). Keep small bills or card/QR ready.
  3. For fixed-price rides or larger vehicles, request a quote on GetTransfer before landing.
  4. Get dropped directly at your hotel or the Bund promenade entrances.

Getting to the main embarking points (PVG Taxi Rank & Bund Hotels)

  • PVG Taxi Rank: Signed lanes by terminal exits; staff assist with queues.
  • Bund area hotels: Many along Zhongshan Rd (E-1); confirm exact entrance for drop-off.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Fare)

Meet in arrivals Door-to-door Higher cost

  • Overview: Driver waits with a name sign and takes you straight to your Bund hotel—ideal after long flights or with kids/elderly.
  • How to book (with price): From ~CNY 260–500 per vehicle depending on time/size. Compare providers on GetYourGuide or Klook, or get custom quotes on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Stress-free, fixed fare. Cons: More expensive than public transit.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Before travel, enter flight details and hotel address on GetYourGuide, Klook, or GetTransfer.
  2. On arrival, meet your driver at the designated point (arrivals hall) and confirm your hotel drop-off.
  3. Ride 45–70 minutes to The Bund area; request child seats in advance if needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (PVG Arrivals Meet Area & Bund)

  • Meet & Greet: Drivers usually wait outside customs with a sign; message via app if delayed.
  • Drop-off: Hotels along the Bund/People’s Square area; confirm exact entrance.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund)

How long does the Maglev run and how often?
Trains run frequently throughout the day; the ride is about 8 minutes between PVG and Longyang Road.

Is Line 2 easy with luggage?
Yes, trains are spacious but can be crowded at rush hour. Elevators/escalators are available at most stations including PVG and East Nanjing Road.

What’s the cheapest way?
Metro Line 2 (~CNY 7–9) is the lowest cost point-to-point option.

What’s the quickest way to be on the riverside?
Maglev to Longyang Road, then Line 2 to East Nanjing Road or a quick taxi to your Bund hotel.

Any late-night options?
Taxis/ride-hailing and private transfers run 24/7. If metro is closed, consider a prebooked transfer.

Where should I stay for Bund views?
Search river-view hotels along Zhongshan Rd/East Nanjing area on Booking.com (The Bund).