Yan Zhou
I've been guiding foreigners to The Bund for over 5 years. Here's the catch: most online guides tell you to take a taxi. Don't. Not because taxis are bad — but because 90% of tourists get stuck in traffic or overpay. Let me show you the routes I actually use with my groups.
Here is the truth nobody tells you: the best way to get to The Bund is Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, combined with a short walk. But there is a hidden gem — the 2 Yuan ferry across the Huangpu River. I'll break down every option step by step.
Why Taxis Are a Trap (and What to Do Instead)
Instead, use the metro or the ferry. They're faster, cheaper, and you get to see Shanghai like a local. If you must take a taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter — never agree to a flat price. The standard flag-fall is 14 RMB for the first 3 km.
The Best Way: Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road
Which Exit to Take?
Take Line 2 (the green line on most maps) to East Nanjing Road Station. Exit Exit 6. Yes, specifically Exit 6. This exit puts you right on East Nanjing Road pedestrian street. From there, walk straight east toward the river — it's a 10-minute pleasant walk (800 meters). You'll pass historic buildings and the famous Peace Hotel.
Alternative metro lines: Line 10 (Yuyuan Garden Station, Exit 1) is also good if you're near the old city. The walk from Yuyuan to The Bund is about 8 minutes through charming alleyways.
What About the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel?
Don't waste your money. Seriously. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel costs 50 RMB for a 5-minute ride in a Disney-style capsule. It's dark, gimmicky, and you see nothing. Use that money for a proper Huangpu River cruise instead.
The Scenic Route: The Bund Ferry (2 Yuan Secret)
This is my favorite tip. There is a local ferry that crosses the Huangpu River from the Pudong side (Dongchang Road Ferry) to the Puxi side (Fuxing East Road Ferry). It costs only 2 RMB — yes, two yuan. You pay with Alipay or cash. The ferry runs every 10-15 minutes from 7:00 to 22:00.
How to use it: If you are starting from Pudong (e.g., near the Shanghai Tower), walk to Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal (about 15 minutes from Lujiazui metro station). Take the ferry across. When you disembark at Fuxing East Road, you are already on The Bund — just turn left and walk 5 minutes to the iconic viewing platform.
From Pudong Airport: My Step-by-Step Plan
Option 1: Maglev + Metro (Fastest but Costs More)
Take the Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station (8 minutes, 50 RMB with a flight ticket). Then transfer to Metro Line 2 heading to East Nanjing Road (about 30 minutes). Total time: 50 minutes to 1 hour. Total cost: around 55 RMB.
My personal note: The Maglev is fun — it reaches 430 km/h — but honestly, it's not much faster than the parallel metro line 2 express train when you account for transfer time. I usually skip the Maglev and go direct.
Option 2: Direct Metro Line 2 (My Recommendation)
From Pudong Airport, follow signs to Metro Line 2. The journey to East Nanjing Road takes about 65 minutes and costs 8 RMB. Yes, 8 RMB vs 55 RMB. The train is comfortable and has luggage space unless it's rush hour (avoid 7:30-9:00 AM). Change not required — it's a direct ride (but note: there is a long section between Guanglan Road and Hongqiao where the train runs above ground).
Option 3: Airport Bus Line 1
If you have heavy luggage and hate stairs, take Airport Bus Line 1 to the Bund area (to a stop near East Yan'an Road). The bus drops you about 800 meters from The Bund. Cost: 30 RMB, takes 50-70 minutes depending on traffic. I recommend this only if you cannot use metro.
Coming from Hongqiao Railway Station?
Hongqiao Railway Station is huge — don't panic. Follow signs to Metro Line 2 or Line 10. Line 2 goes direct to East Nanjing Road (25 minutes, no transfers). Line 10 goes to Yuyuan Garden Station, also a short walk. Both work fine.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Time | Cost | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 2 (from city center) | 10-15 min | 3-5 RMB | Peak hours crowded | Solo travelers, couples |
| Taxi (from People's Square) | 15-40 min | 20-40 RMB | Variable | Groups of 4+, heavy luggage |
| Ferry (from Pudong) | 8 min crossing | 2 RMB | Lighter, tourist-friendly | Budget travelers, scenic lovers |
| Airport Bus (from Pudong Airport) | 50-70 min | 30 RMB | Moderate | Heavy baggage |
I appreciate the effort, but the article was pretty basic. I was hoping for more insider tips rather than the obvious ones like "don't pay for overpriced photos." Also, the suggested walking route from the Pearl Tower to the Bund took way longer than expected. Maybe the author rushed through it. Not terrible, but I've seen better guides online.
Good article overall, but a bit outdated. The part about the fake 'herbal tea' sellers is correct, but I found that some of the 'avoid' spots have actually been closed or moved since 2022. Still, the main advice on how to get to the Bund via subway is very helpful. Would be nice if the author updated the list annually.
As a solo traveler, this article gave me so much confidence. I followed the map suggestions and avoided the tourist trap restaurants near the Bund. Ended up at a lovely noodle shop two blocks away that the locals recommended. The tip about the right timing (early morning) also worked perfectly - hardly any people! Great writing, very practical.
Wish I had read this before my first trip. The section about the "free guided tour" scam at the Bund observation deck is pure gold. I saw exactly what they described - people being pressured into overpriced boat rides. The alternative walking route along the northern part is way more peaceful. 5 stars.
This article saved me so much hassle! I was about to fall for the "shortcut" through the smelly alley near the Peace Hotel. The author's advice to take the pedestrian tunnel from East Nanjing Road was spot on. Ended up soaking in the sunset view with zero crowds. A must-read for first-timers!