So what's your #2 bus kickback? You really really love that bus don't you... :D

It costs Y19, and you can walk from JA to your house. If you can manage to get on top of the receipt game like the locals, using it could net you an extra $40 per week.

I gotta admit that when I was driving behind one of them buses (can't remember whether it was #2 or #3) on the outer ring, they sure were going fast!

Just did a google and it looks like they've hiked the price to Y22.

This has been bugging me for a while, and I finally googled it:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...3&ie=UTF8&z=12

According to Google, the outer ring is the best route in terms of speed. Not very surprising since the speed limit on it is 20km higher than the middle ring. However, since any self-respecting Shanghai cab driver isn't going to pay attention to the speed limit, it looks like the middle ring should be the best option.

If you go via the Lupu bridge, then you either need to take the inner ring or the NS road, both of which are longer than the outer ring route, not to mention the terrible congestion during peak hour.

Receipt game?

Slightly off-topic: while in SH in October, the group escorts advised that when taking a cab - to avoid the "RED" ones, and that the blue or green/yellow ones were the ones to take --honesty issue? or familiarity with the city? I thought the red cabs looked older.

Any thoughts?

Dark red (as in maroon) and dark blue. IMO, dark red are more of a problem. That being said, I've never really had a problem with them trying to cheat me, only 2x they tried to negotiate a price (1 dark red 1 dark blue). If that is the case, walk away and wait for the next cab. Once inside, they're very likely to not cheat you (but I've heard stories of them taking long about ways).

Can anyone suggest the easiest/cheapest (non taxi) route from PVG to Courtyard Shanghai Puxi 338 Heng Feng Road, Shanghai, 200070? If possible: if via Maglev/metro, please provide details on elevator/escalator access rather than stairs. Flight arriving PVG on Friday Dec 24 around 3pm.

Thanks in advance.

Cheapest would be Line 2 to People's Square and then Line 1 to Shanghai Station (I believe escalators are available throughout, although I haven't done that particular interchange recently).

Easiest would be Airport bus #5 (and get off at the last stop, Shanghai Station).

Line 2 to Line 1 with any luggage at all? No thanks.

Unlike the #2 bus, #5 takes 5-10 minutes longer than the taxi option because its route follows some busy streets and makes 3 intermediate stops, but I agree it is the best for anyone on a budget... far better than the subway.

Sounds like a plan. Is it a city bus where luggage goes with us in the cabin of the bus (and if so is there plenty of room for luggage) or an airport shuttle type bus with luggage in the hull?

Anyone know approx taxi fare to compare (again, PVG to Courtyard Shanghai Puxi 338 Heng Feng Road, Shanghai, 200070)

thanks

Luggage in hull.

Taxi fare should be around Y170-Y180 assuming you don't get stuck in traffic (which is a distinct possibility since you're arriving at 3pm on a Friday afternoon).

Oh and if we are considering cabs then the other option is maglev + taxi. The maglev will cost you Y50 (Y40 if you buy a Shanghai Transportation Card), and the cab from Longyang Station should be between Y45-Y55.

Unless I missed a beat, you forgot to mention the cost of the: 1) best; and 2) cheapest -- options:

-bus costs around y21
-subway costs around y8

Fastest EVER PVG-Jing An
 

I normally take the Maglev, but with good old China Eastern living up to its reputation for ALWAYS being delayed I arrived too late for the last Maglev. Yes it was late at night so no traffic, but I did set a new record.

2136 Touchdown
2149 Exit Plane
2155 Clear customs
2158 Get into cab
2229 Arrive at Jing-An Temple

So there you have it 31 minutes from PVG to Jing An. Again, late at night no traffic, AND the driver was about the craziest one I've ever had. He averaged about 120kph on the highways and hit max around 138 kph. This was one of the few times I was actually looking for a seatbelt in a cab in Shanghai. :D