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?
- Fastest overall: Maglev + short metro/taxi to The Bund.
- Lowest cost, simple: Metro Line 2 directly to East Nanjing Road (Bund is a short walk).
- Most luggage-friendly: Airport Shuttle Bus to People’s Square then brief hop to hotels.
- Door-to-door, late-night: Taxi/ride-hailing or private transfer.
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
- Follow airport signs to Maglev/磁浮 at PVG; buy tickets or redeem your Klook voucher.
- Ride PVG → Longyang Road (8 minutes). At Longyang, follow signs to Metro Line 2 toward People’s Square.
- 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.
- 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
- At PVG, follow Metro/地铁 signs to Line 2; buy a single-journey ticket or use transit card.
- Board Line 2 toward downtown; if prompted, transfer at Guanglan Road to a through-train.
- Alight at East Nanjing Road (Exits 2/3 lead toward the Bund); walk ~10–15 minutes to the riverside.
- 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
- From arrivals at PVG, follow Airport Bus/机场巴士 signs; confirm the line to People’s Square area.
- Buy a ticket and board; store large luggage in the hold if offered.
- 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.
- 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
- Exit PVG and follow Taxi/出租车 signs to the official rank; ignore touts.
- Show your destination in Chinese (e.g., “外滩” or your hotel name/address). Keep small bills or card/QR ready.
- For fixed-price rides or larger vehicles, request a quote on GetTransfer before landing.
- 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
- Before travel, enter flight details and hotel address on GetYourGuide, Klook, or GetTransfer.
- On arrival, meet your driver at the designated point (arrivals hall) and confirm your hotel drop-off.
- 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).
