Best Ways Visiting Shanghai Bund? Transport Guide

If you’re visiting Shanghai, you’ve gotta check out the Bund – it’s a must-see spot in this buzzing city. The Bund gives you amazing views – on one side you’ve got old colonial buildings, and on the other, the super modern Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower that has those cool spheres and stands 468 meters tall. Getting to the Bund might seem tricky in such a huge city, but it’s actually pretty easy with all the transport choices – you can take the metro, hop on a bus, grab a taxi, or even catch a ferry. This guide walks you through exactly how to get to the Bund using any method, so your trip there will be just as great as being there.

Table of Content

1. Shanghai Metro: The Fastest Route to the Bund
2. Bus and Taxi Options for Direct Access
3. Scenic and Alternative Routes to the Bund
4. Best Times to Visit and Navigating Crowds
5. Essential Tips for Your Bund Excursion
6. FAQ About how to get to the bund shanghai

Shanghai Metro: The Fastest Route to the Bund

Identifying the Closest Metro Stations

Core Operation: Taking Shanghai’s metro is the fastest way to get to the Bund. You’ve got two main stations for the Bund: East Nanjing Road Station on Lines 2 and 10, and Yuyuan Garden Station on Line 14.

East Nanjing Road Station drops you at the Bund’s north end, perfect for a nice walk south along the river. It’s just a 10 to 15 minute walk from there.

Take Exit 1 or 2 straight to East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, then head east until you hit the Huangpu River. These stations get super busy on weekends – over 300,000 people use them to reach the Bund.

Alternative Route: If you want a different view, get off at Yuyuan Garden Station on Line 14. This station puts you closer to the Bund’s southern part and the famous Yu Yuan Gardens.

The walk is slightly longer, around 15-20 minutes, but is highly scenic, taking you past traditional Chinese architecture before revealing the grand Bund architecture.

It’s great if you want to mix some culture with your Bund visit. The station has clear signs in Chinese and English that direct you to the riverfront.

Navigating the Metro System Efficiently

Core Operation: Buying tickets and changing lines is pretty straightforward. You can get single-ride tokens from vending machines in every station – they have English options.

If you’re making several trips, grab a Shanghai Public Transportation Card from a service booth – it works on metros, buses, and taxis. People’s Square Station is a major transfer spot for the Bund, where Lines 1, 2, and 8 all meet.

Just switch to Line 2 going toward Pudong Airport, and you’ll go straight to East Nanjing Road Station.

You can also get to the Bund by bus or taxi.

Here are the main bus routes that go to the Bund area.

Several public buses give you a great street view as you ride to the Bund. Buses 33, 55, and 65 all stop on Zhongshan East One Road, right next to the Bund.

Bus Tour 1 is a special tourist line that takes you straight from places like People’s Square and Yu Yuan Garden to the Bund. Buses are slower than the subway but let you see more of Shanghai along the way.

The fare is usually 2 RMB RMB, and you can pay with cash or a transportation card. Just watch out for traffic jams, especially during rush hours from 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 in the evening.

Taking a taxi or using ride-hailing apps

Taxis and apps like Didi are perfect if you want door-to-door service. Just tell the driver Wai Tan or show them the Chinese characters for the Bund. You’ll find taxi stands at both ends of the Bund for easy pickups and drop-offs.

From spots like Xintiandi or Jing’an Temple, the ride usually costs 3Free-5Free RMB. Ride-hailing apps are great because you can type in your exact destination, so there’s no language trouble. They also show you the price upfront, which helps you budget for your trip.

Here’s how different ways to get to the Bund compare in cost and time.

How you get there	About how much it costs	About how long it takes from People’s Square	Good for
Subway	3-5 RMB	5-1Free minutes	Getting there fast and cheap
Bus	2 RMB	15-2 RMB5 minutes	Seeing the sights and local life
Taxi or ride-hailing	2 RMB5-4Free	1Free-2 RMBFree minutes	Easy door-to-door service
Walking	Free	2 RMB5-3Free minutes	Taking your time and sightseeing along the way

Scenic and Alternative Routes to the Bund

Want a cool way to get to the Bund? Try the Huangpu River ferry.

Here’s how it works: Hop on a ferry from Pudong to cross the Huangpu River. It’s a really scenic route. Most people take the ferry from Dongchang Road Pier.

It’s close to Lujiazui, the financial hub, and just a short walk from the Oriental Pearl Tower. Boats leave every 10 to 15 minutes and it’s super cheap, only Costs Still just 2 RMB. RMB. RMB for a ticket.

The trip is short but the views are amazing. You get to see the Bund’s old buildings and Pudong’s modern skyscrapers from the water. The ride itself is a big part of the fun. You’ll get off at Jinling Road Pier on the Puxi side. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Bund promenade.

You can also walk to the Bund from some famous spots nearby.

If you’re already downtown, walking to the Bund is a great idea. It’s a nice stroll. From People’s Square, just head east down East Nanjing Road. It’s China’s top shopping street and the walk takes about Costs Still just 2 RMB.

RMB.5 to 30 minutes. This walking street is full of history and shops. As you get closer to the river, you’ll really start to feel the excitement building. Or, start from Yu Yuan Garden.

Walk through the Old City streets and soak up the traditional vibe. Then, you’ll suddenly see the Bund’s colonial-era buildings – it’s quite a sight. Walking lets you see the city’s huge contrasts up close, and you can take your own sweet time.

Here’s the ferry schedule from Dongchang Road Pier to the Bund (Jinling Road Pier):

When	How Often	Price (RMB)	Trip Time
During rush hours, like 7-9 in the morning and 5-7 in the evening,	they come every 7 to 10 minutes.	Costs Still just 2 RMB. RMB.	Takes about 10 minutes.
When it’s not so busy,	Every 15-Costs Still just 2 RMB. RMB.0 minutes	Costs Still just 2 RMB. RMB.	Takes about 10 minutes.

Best Times to Visit and Navigating Crowds

Optimal Visiting Hours for Photos and Comfort

Core Operation: Timing your visit is crucial for the best experience. Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal for photographers, as the soft morning light illuminates the Bund architecture and the crowds are minimal.

Come right before sunset if you want to see the famous night view. That’s when all the skyscrapers light up, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. Get there early to grab a good spot by the railing. The lights stay on from 7 PM until 11 PM every night.

Weekdays are way less busy than weekends at the Bund. Steer clear of Chinese holidays like October’s Golden Week. The tourism office says the Bund gets super crowded during these times.

Managing Large Crowds and Finding Viewing Spots

Core Operation: The Bund walkway can get packed with people. For the best views of Pudong’s skyline without crowds blocking you, try walking to either end of the Bund. Head south near the old British Consulate or north by Waibaidu Bridge.

These spots usually have fewer people than the main area across from the Customs House. Here’s another tip: check out the elevated platform called the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel. It gives you an awesome view from above the main walkway.

Keep an eye on your stuff when it’s crowded, and stay aware of your surroundings. That way you’ll have a safe and fun time at the Bund.

Here are some handy tips for your trip to the Bund

You can also check out nearby spots while you’re there

To make the most of your day, hit up some nearby landmarks too A popular plan is seeing Yu Yuan Garden and its busy market in the morning, then walking over to the Bund for afternoon views and evening lights Or you could metro to Lujiazui.

go up Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower for daytime views, then catch the ferry to the Bund at dusk for the other angle This dual-view approach allows you to fully appreciate the scale and contrast that defines Shanghai’s cityscape.

from the historical grandeur of the Bund to the futuristic ambition symbolized by the Oriental Pearl height.

What you should know about facilities and access

The Bund is free and open to everyone all day and night You’ll find restrooms at both ends, but expect lines during busy hours The whole waterfront has wheelchair access with ramps at main entrances There are snack kiosks for drinks and light bites.

but for proper meals, check out the side streets like Sichuan Middle Road with plenty of cafes and restaurants Wear comfy shoes since you’ll probably do lots of walking around the area.

Overall, getting to the Shanghai Bund is pretty straightforward and totally worth it Whether you take the fast metro, scenic ferry, or convenient taxi.

each gives you a different view of the city Just plan your route ahead based on where you’re coming from and what you want to see The juxtaposition of the historic Bund architecture against the modern skyline, punctuated by the soaring Oriental Pearl height, is a sight that truly justifies the journey.

So now you know – which way will you try getting to the Bund first? Share your planned route to the Bund in the comments below or read our in-depth article on the history of Bund architecture to deepen your appreciation before you go!

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Bund in Shanghai

Which metro station is closest to the Bund?

The East Nanjing Road Station on Lines 2 and 10 is your best bet – it’s the closest and most direct. Take exit 1, 2, or 3 and you’ll find yourself on East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. From there, just walk east for about 10-15 minutes and you’ll reach the Bund waterfront.

Can you get to the Bund by boat?

Sure! You can catch a public ferry from Pudong. Head to Dongchang Road Ferry Pier near Lujiazui – they run frequent ferries that only cost 2 RMB. They’ll take you to Jinling Road Pier on the Puxi side, and from there it’s just a short walk to the Bund.

Should you visit the Bund during the day or at night?

Both times give you completely different experiences. During the day, you get great views of the historic buildings architecture. At night, the Pudong skyline lights up – it’s amazing, especially the Oriental Pearl Tower. Lots of visitors suggest coming before sunset so you can see both.

How much time should you set aside for visiting the Bund?

You’ll want at least 1-2 hours to walk along the main promenade and snap some photos. If you plan to check out the historic buildings, visit the Bund Museum, or take a Huangpu River cruise, give yourself 3-4 hours or more to really see everything.