Shanghai Layover Guide

Shanghai layover at a glance

Bund skyline, quick dumplings, and a ride back to PVG.

Is it worth leaving the airport?

• Leave with 6+ hours. Under that, stay airside.
• Visa/Transit: Check China transit rules (e.g., 24/144-hour TWOV). If not eligible, stay airside.
• Luggage: Arrivals storage available at PVG; verify fees on site.
• Transit: 30-60 minutes to city by Maglev + metro or taxi (traffic dependent).

3-5 hours: stay airside

Eat, coffee, lounge for showers/Wi‑Fi. Gate 40 minutes before boarding.

6-9 hours: Bund and Nanjing East

Maglev to Longyang, metro/taxi to Nanjing East. Walk to the Bund for skyline photos, a quick dumpling or noodle stop (~$8-12 USD / 60-90 CNY). Coffee/tea nearby. Leave 4 hours before departure to buffer metro/security.

10+ hours: add Yu Garden exterior

After the Bund, swing by Yu Garden’s bazaar area for snacks/shops (exterior stroll). Return with a generous buffer.

Getting there and back

• Maglev: ~$8 USD / 50 CNY one-way; ~8 minutes to Longyang.
• Metro/taxi: Metro from Longyang to city center (~30-40 minutes); taxi times vary (traffic).
• Taxi direct PVG-Bund: ~$25-40 USD / 180-280 CNY; 40-70 minutes depending on traffic.

Money and budget

• Currency: CNY; cards/mobile payments common; carry some cash.
• 6-9h: ~$35-45 USD / 250-320 CNY (Maglev+metro/taxi, food, coffee).
• 10h+: ~$45-60 USD / 320-430 CNY (Maglev+taxi, meals, extras).

Logistics and safety

• Immigration: TWOV rules apply; allow time for passport control.
• Storage: Available in arrivals; check fee locally.
• Return: Back at PVG 3h before departure; add time for metro/security lines.
• Safety: Bund/Nanjing East are busy; normal awareness.

If you stay airside

• Lounges: PVG lounges with food/showers.
• Food: Dumplings, noodles, coffee/tea; fast options.
• Rest: Lounges best.