[5% Off] China Train Ticket Discount for New Users
24/7 Ticketing · 3-Minute Booking · E-Tickets
How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund in 2026

By Amber
July 14, 2026

Pudong International Airport (PVG) and the Bund are separated by about forty kilometres, which is almost the entire width of Shanghai.
At first glance, the journey seems simple: a maglev train whizzing along at 300 km/h, a metro line connecting the airport directly to the city centre, taxis waiting right outside arrivals, and so on.
However, before you set off, it’s best to know all the practical information. Maglev, line 2, taxi, shuttle or private transfer: here is how to reach the famous Huangpu promenade without getting lost in the transport system!
📍 What Is The Bund and Where Is It Located?

Before choosing the most convenient mode of transport, let's quickly recap what The Bund is and how to get there. The Bund, or Waitan, is the promenade that runs along the Huangpu River for a kilometre and a half.
On one side, around fifty colonial buildings from the former international concession, and on the other, the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui. It’s this contrast that makes it so famous. Access is free at any time, but we recommend visiting at twilight: the facades light up just as the skyscrapers begin to glow.

Which metro station is closest to the Bund?
The easiest station to remember is East Nanjing Road (南京东路), served by Metro Lines 2 and 10. From there, it is just a 5–10 minute walk east to the Bund promenade, where you can enjoy views of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Here is a quick comparison of the main ways to travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to the Bund:
Transport Option | Journey Time to the Bund | Approximate Cost | Comfort | Best For |
45–60 min | From CNY 250 (≈£27) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, late-night arrivals, first-time visitors | |
🚖 Taxi / Didi | 45–60 min | CNY 150–200 (≈£17–£22) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Direct door-to-door travel without pre-booking |
🚄 Maglev + Metro Line 2 | 40–50 min | CNY 54 (≈£6) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Light travellers and those wanting the fastest public transport |
🚇 Metro Line 2 (direct) | 1 h 15–1 h 30 | CNY 8 (≈£1) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Budget travellers with light luggage |
🚌 Airport shuttle bus | Around 1 hour | CNY 30 (≈£3) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Budget travellers and some late-night arrivals |








3491 booked
1266 booked
1505 booked
1097 booked
1794977 booked
930 booked![Half-Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town [Explore the Millennial Water Town with Timeless Charm and Lively Atmosphere]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352m12000pbrd487A4C6_C_568_320.jpg)
446 booked
1324 booked
🚄 Shanghai Maglev to The Bund: Fast but Not Direct

It's the real highlight of the journey for most tourists, and you can see why! The Shanghai maglev train is the only one of its kind in commercial service in the world. It hovers one centimetre above the track, experiences no friction, and covers the 30 kilometres separating it from the city in 7 minutes 20 seconds to 8 minutes!
However, despite being designed for speeds of up to 430 km/h, its current operating speed is 300 km/h.
Here is what you need to know:
- 📍 The terminal is not in the city centre: The Maglev ends at Longyang Road Station in eastern Pudong. It does not go directly to the Bund, Lujiazui or the old town.
- 🚇 A metro connection is required: At Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 (Exit 1, around a 300 m walk) and continue towards East Nanjing Road Station. Allow around 30 extra minutes for the transfer and metro ride.
- 💰 Ticket price: A single journey costs CNY 50 (≈£5.50), or CNY 40 (≈£4.50) when showing a same-day flight ticket.
- 📍 Where to take it: The Maglev station is on Level 2, in the corridor connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It takes around 5–10 minutes on foot from the arrivals area.
- ⏱️ Total journey time: Including the Maglev, transfer and metro, expect around 40–50 minutes to reach the Bund.
Fast, affordable and unlike any other airport transfer, the Maglev is a great choice for travellers who want to experience one of Shanghai’s most unique attractions while getting into the city efficiently.
🚇 Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport to The Bund: Affordable Option
On paper, Metro Line 2 looks like the simplest choice: Pudong Airport (PVG) is the eastern terminus of the line, which crosses the city all the way to Hongqiao Airport, stopping at key areas including Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road and People's Square.
With no transfer required and a fare of around CNY 8 (≈£1), it is hard to find a cheaper option.
However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- 🚇 Not every train is fully direct: Since 2019, some trains run all the way through the city, but some services from the airport may still terminate at Guanglan Road, where you need to change platforms to continue your journey. Check the platform screens and look for the train’s final destination before boarding.
- ⏱️ It is slow: The journey from PVG to East Nanjing Road takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, including stops. Line 2 serves around 30 stations, many of which are in the eastern suburbs.
- 🧳 Luggage can be inconvenient: Like most metro systems, expect stairs, crowded trains during peak hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) and limited space for large suitcases.
- 🌙 Late arrivals: The last metro train from Pudong Airport leaves at around 10:00 PM, which is important to consider if your flight arrives late.
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers arriving during the day with light luggage who want the cheapest way into Shanghai.
Our top picks
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Breakfast
Gym
🚕 Taxi and DiDi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund
After a long-haul flight, many travellers simply choose the taxi queue, located on the ground floor of both terminals. It is straightforward: the driver takes you directly to your hotel, with no stairs, transfers or complicated navigation.
- 💰 Price: Expect to pay around CNY 150–200 (≈£17–£22). The higher end of the range usually applies to night-time journeys with additional surcharges.
- ⏱️ Journey time: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic, for a distance of approximately 40–45 km on urban roads and expressways.
- 📱 DiDi: China’s equivalent of Uber works well at PVG and shows the fare before booking. However, you will need the app set up and an internet connection, so it is a good idea to arrange an eSIM before your trip.
Get connected to the network as soon as you arrive in Shanghai
1794977 booked
627132 booked
839426 booked
154994 booked
205910 booked
363314 booked
139348 booked
151983 booked
🚗 Private Airport Transfer to The Bund: The Most Comfortable Option
If you arrive late at night, are travelling with family, or it is your first time visiting China, a private transfer is one of the most comfortable options.
A driver will wait for you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, help with your luggage and take you directly to your hotel near the Bund.
Here is what you should know about private transfers:
- 💰 Fixed price: The fare is confirmed when booking, with no meter and no negotiation, regardless of traffic conditions.
- ✈️ Flight monitoring: Your flight is tracked, so the pick-up time is automatically adjusted if your arrival is delayed.
- 🗣️ No language barrier: You can avoid communication issues, which can be helpful in Shanghai where English is not widely spoken among taxi drivers.
- 🌙 Available 24/7: Private transfers operate around the clock, unlike the metro (which stops around 10:00 PM) and the Maglev (which ends around 9:40 PM).
- 🏨 Door-to-door service: It is the only option that can drop you directly at your hotel entrance, which is especially convenient in the busy Huangpu District around the Bund, where streets can often be crowded.
For maximum convenience after a long journey, especially with luggage or late arrival times, a private transfer offers the smoothest start to your Shanghai trip.
🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus to The Bund: A Backup Option at Night
PVG operates several bus lines to various parts of the city, departing from the ground floor of the terminals. Fares are around CNY 30 (≈£3) and the journey takes about an hour.
Why choose the shuttles? For late-night arrivals! Shuttles actually run after the metro and Maglev have closed, making them a budget-friendly alternative for flights that land very late.
During the day, however, they offer little advantage over the metro or a taxi, and rarely drop you off right next to the Bund.
Heads up: the airport link line doesn't go to the Bund
An important point to know before choosing your mode of transport: since the end of 2024, an airport link line (机场联络线) has connected Pudong to Hongqiao station in about forty minutes.
This is excellent news if you are connecting from a flight at PVG to a high-speed train from Hongqiao, or if you need to get to Shanghai's other airport.
However, it doesn't serve the Bund: its route crosses the south of the city and doesn't get close to Huangpu. So, don't choose it to get to your hotel in the city centre.
✈️ Getting Around Pudong Airport: Key Tips
Here are a few useful tips to help you save time when arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG):
- PVG has two main terminals (T1 and T2), located next to each other and connected by a 700-metre corridor. Many flights also use the Satellite Halls (S1 and S2), which are linked to the terminals by a free automated shuttle train.
- The Maglev train and metro stations are located on Level 2, in the middle of the corridor between T1 and T2. Follow the signs after collecting your luggage.
- Taxis and airport buses are available on the ground floor of each terminal.
- PVG is not SHA: Shanghai has another airport, Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), which is much closer to the city centre. Always check your flight code before travelling, as the two airports are around 1 hour apart by road.
🧭 Best Way to Get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund
The best transport option depends on your travel style, arrival time and priorities:
- 👨👩👧 You are arriving with family or late at night: Choose a private transfer. It is available 24/7 and avoids handling luggage or making transfers.
- 🚄 You want to experience the Maglev: Take the Maglev train, then transfer to Metro Line 2 at Longyang Road. The total journey takes around 40–50 minutes.
- 💰 You are travelling light and want to save money: Take Metro Line 2, costing around CNY 8 (≈£1), if you are happy with a journey of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
- 🚖 You do not want to book anything in advance: Use the official taxi queue, with fares usually around CNY 150–200 (≈£17–£22).
- 🚄 You are connecting to a high-speed train at Hongqiao Railway Station: Use the Airport Link Line, but only if you specifically need to reach Hongqiao.
Whatever option you choose, remember that Shanghai is a huge city, and traffic around the Bund can become heavy, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Always allow some extra time for your journey.
❓ FAQ – Get to the Bund from Shanghai Pudong Airport
-
How far is the Bund from Shanghai Pudong Airport?
The Bund is around 40–45 km (25–28 miles) from Pudong Airport by road. A taxi or private transfer usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, while public transport can take around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the route. -
Does the Maglev train go directly to the Bund?
No. The Maglev only goes from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station in Pudong. From there, you need to take the metro, usually Line 2, to East Nanjing Road Station, which is the closest stop to the Bund. -
What is the cheapest way to get from Pudong Airport to the Bund?
The cheapest option is Metro Line 2, costing around CNY 8 (about £1). The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and a transfer may be needed at Guanglan Road Station. -
How much is a taxi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to the Bund?
A taxi usually costs around CNY 150–200 (about £17–£22), depending on traffic and time of day. Always use official airport taxi queues and avoid unlicensed drivers approaching passengers inside the terminal. -
How late do the metro and Maglev run from Pudong Airport?
The last metro services from Pudong Airport usually run around 10pm, while the Maglev finishes earlier in the evening. For late-night arrivals, taxis, night buses or pre-booked private transfers are the main options.
🧩 More Travel Guides
Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund
- 1. 📍 What Is The Bund and Where Is It Located?
- 2. 🚄 Shanghai Maglev to The Bund: Fast but Not Direct
- 3. 🚇 Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport to The Bund: Affordable Option
- 4. 🚕 Taxi and DiDi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund
- 5. 🚗 Private Airport Transfer to The Bund: The Most Comfortable Option
- 6. 🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus to The Bund: A Backup Option at Night
- 7. ✈️ Getting Around Pudong Airport: Key Tips
- 8. 🧭 Best Way to Get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to The Bund
- 9. ❓ FAQ – Get to the Bund from Shanghai Pudong Airport
- 10. 🧩 More Travel Guides