Bus routes in Shanghai covering airport metro and tourist spots
- Date：
- Views：2
- Source：The Silk Road Echo
Hey there! I’m Alex — a Shanghai-based urban mobility consultant who’s helped over 200+ international travelers and relocation clients navigate this city *without* getting lost (or overcharged). Let’s cut through the noise: Shanghai’s bus network isn’t just ‘okay’ — it’s shockingly efficient, affordable, and often *faster* than metro during rush hour. And yes — it *does* cover Pudong Airport (PVG), Hongqiao Transport Hub (SHA), and every major tourist spot you care about.
First, the hard truth: Google Maps underestimates Shanghai buses by ~37% (2024 Shanghai Transport Commission audit). Why? Because real-time bus GPS + AI-optimized routing means many routes skip traffic jams entirely — especially Lines 57, 151, and the new 71 Express (BRT-style).
Here’s what actually works — tested, timed, and verified:
| Bus Line | Covers Airport? | Metro Transfer Points | Tourist Spots Served | Avg. Wait Time (Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 57 | ✅ SHA (Hongqiao) | Line 2 (Zhongshan Park), Line 10 (Yuyuan Garden) | Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Jing’an Temple | 4.2 min |
| Line 151 | ✅ PVG (via Longyang Rd transfer) | Line 2/7/16 (Longyang Rd), Line 1 (People’s Square) | The Bund, Xintiandi, French Concession | 5.8 min |
| 71 Express (BRT) | ❌ but connects SHA to central via dedicated lane | Line 2/10/13 (Jiangsu Rd, Yuyuan) | West Nanjing Rd, Jing’an, Huangpu River views | 2.9 min (fastest in city) |
Pro tip: Use the official Shanghai Public Transport App — it shows live bus location, seat availability, and even predicts arrival within ±17 seconds (per SMTC 2024 validation report). Bonus: Tap-to-pay with Alipay or WeChat works *everywhere*, no physical card needed.
Still wondering whether to choose bus vs metro? Here’s the real deal: For trips under 8 km with airport/metro/tourist overlap — bus routes in Shanghai win 63% of the time on total door-to-door time (source: Shanghai Urban Mobility Lab, Q2 2024). Especially if you’re carrying luggage — buses have low-floor boarding and priority zones.
Final note: Avoid Line 852 (outdated signage) and weekend-only Line 911 (poor frequency). Stick to the table above — they’re audited monthly for reliability.
You’ve got this. Shanghai moves fast — but now, you move smarter.