Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of Asia's busiest hubs, serving over 70 million passengers annually. Getting from PVG to popular areas like Lujiazui, The Bund, and downtown Shanghai requires knowing your options. This guide covers everything you need to know about airport transfers from Pudong Airport in 2026.
PVG to Lujiazui: All Transfer Options Compared
Lujiazui is Shanghai's financial district, home to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. Here are your transfer options:
1. Private Airport Transfer (Recommended)
- Time: 35-50 minutes depending on traffic
- Cost: From $35-50 USD for a sedan
- Pros: Door-to-door, flight monitoring, no language barrier, fixed price
- Best for: Business travelers, families, first-time visitors
2. Maglev Train + Metro
- Time: 8 minutes (Maglev) + 15 minutes (Metro Line 2) = ~45 min total with transfers
- Cost: ¥50 Maglev + ¥4 Metro = ~$7.50 USD
- Pros: Fastest transport option, experience the world's fastest commercial train (431 km/h)
- Cons: Maglev only runs to Longyang Road, need transfer to Metro Line 2 for Lujiazui
3. Airport Bus Line 1
- Time: 60-90 minutes
- Cost: ¥24 (~$3.30 USD)
- Pros: Cheapest option, runs until late
- Cons: Slow in traffic, doesn't go directly to Lujiazui, limited luggage space
4. Regular Taxi
- Time: 40-60 minutes
- Cost: ¥150-200 (~$20-28 USD) metered
- Cons: Language barrier, potential scams, surge pricing at night, long taxi queues
PVG to The Bund (Waitan)
The Bund is approximately 35km from Pudong Airport. A private transfer takes 40-55 minutes and costs from $40-55 USD. The Maglev + Metro route takes about 50 minutes total via Line 2 to East Nanjing Road station.
Night Transfers from Pudong Airport
Flights arriving after 10 PM have fewer options. The Maglev stops running at 9:40 PM, and metro services end around 10:30 PM. For late arrivals, a pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable option, as taxi queues can be very long at night.
Tips for a Smooth PVG Transfer
- Pre-book your transfer to avoid the notoriously long taxi queues at PVG
- Download a translation app — most taxi drivers don't speak English
- Keep your hotel address written in Chinese characters
- PVG has two terminals (T1 and T2) — confirm which one your flight arrives at
- Traffic can double journey times during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
Book Your Shanghai Airport Transfer
Skip the stress and book a reliable private transfer from Pudong Airport. Fixed prices, flight monitoring, and a driver waiting with your name at arrivals — all bookable in 60 seconds on AirportTransfer Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Lujiazui?
A metered taxi costs approximately ¥150-200 ($20-28 USD). A pre-booked private transfer costs $35-50 with fixed pricing and no surprises.
How long does it take from PVG to Lujiazui?
By private transfer: 35-50 minutes. By Maglev + Metro: about 45 minutes total. By airport bus: 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Is there an airport bus from Pudong Airport to Lujiazui?
There is no direct bus to Lujiazui. Airport Bus Line 1 goes to Hongqiao Airport via the city center. You would need to take the bus to a metro stop and transfer to Line 2 for Lujiazui.
What is the cheapest way from Pudong Airport to Shanghai city center?
The cheapest option is Metro Line 2 at ¥7 ($1 USD), taking about 60-70 minutes. The Maglev + Metro combo at ¥54 ($7.50) is faster at 45 minutes total.
AirportTransfer Portal Team
Travel & Transportation Expert