Shanghai Pudong International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Pudong sits about 30 km from the Bund on Shanghai's eastern coast, and the trip into the center takes between 45 and 70 minutes depending on how you travel. If you leave at dawn or land late at night, there is a solid reason to stay at the airport: you avoid a long transfer at the most inconvenient hours. With at least a full day to spare, though, it is better to sleep in the city, choosing an area along line 2 so you don't have to change trains with your luggage.

At the airport

A covered walk to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Best for: Anyone with a flight before 8 a.m., a night layover, or an arrival after the metro has closed.

Pros

You reach both terminals without a shuttle or a taxi
Maglev, line 2 and the Airport Link Line start a few steps away
No risk of traffic on the expressways to Pudong

Cons

There is only terminals and car parks around, so little choice for dinner
Seeing the Bund still takes at least 50 minutes each way

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport: Connected to Terminals 1 and 2 by a covered walkway, with the metro line 2 station, Maglev and Airport Link Line within walking distance.

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Lujiazui

Neighbourhood · Metro line 2 direct to Lujiazui; by Maglev to Longyang Road and then line 2 about 50 minutes; by taxi 45-50 minutes.

Best for: Anyone who wants Pudong's skyscrapers and the view of the Bund while staying on the airport side of the river.

Pros

Line 2 with no changes to the terminal
From the riverfront you look across to the illuminated Bund in the evening
A shorter taxi ride to the airport than from the Puxi districts

Cons

An office and shopping-mall district, not very lively on the inner streets
To reach the historic Bund you have to cross the river

Recommended hotels in this area

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai: On the Huangpu River opposite the Bund, within walking distance of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the IFC Mall; many rooms overlook the historic waterfront.

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The Bund and Nanjing Road East

City centre · Metro line 2 direct to Nanjing Road East (60-70 minutes); Maglev plus line 2 about 50 minutes; by taxi 45-60 minutes.

Best for: Anyone with a day or two who wants to stroll between the Bund, Nanjing Road and People's Square.

Pros

Riverfront, pedestrian Nanjing Road and People's Square are all on foot
A line 2 stop, which takes you to the terminal with no changes
Plenty of restaurants and venues open in the evening

Cons

The longest route to Pudong among the areas suggested
Very dense crowds on Nanjing Road and the Bund at weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Fairmont Peace Hotel: The former Cathay Hotel of 1929, at the corner of Nanjing Road and the Bund: every evening the Old Jazz Band plays in the Jazz Bar.

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