Shanghai soars with two major airports. Pudong (PVG), the global giant, sits about 30km east of downtown – grab the maglev bullet train for a lightning-fast (and seriously cool) 8-minute ride! It handles nearly all international flights and lots of domestic ones across its massive Terminals 1 & 2.
Located just 13km west of the center, Hongqiao (SHA) is a breeze to reach and incredibly handy for domestic routes and some regional flights, all tucked into its conveniently compact T1 & T2.
Together, PVG and SHA connect you across China and to nearly anywhere on earth. Below, find the key intel on navigating their layouts, and the smartest ways in and out.
Shanghai Airports & Terminals
(Source from Unsplash)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Terminal 1 (T1): International & Domestic Hub
- Handles the majority of international flights (Airlines like Air China, ANA, Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta) plus many domestic routes (including China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines domestic). Features vast immigration halls, extensive duty-free, airline lounges, and direct links to the Maglev station, metro Line 2, and taxi ranks.
- Terminal 2 (T2): International & Domestic Hub
- Handles another large portion of international flights (Airlines like China Eastern international, Emirates, United, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific) and significant domestic traffic (especially China Eastern, Juneyao). Also offers duty-free, lounges, Maglev/metro Line 2 access, and taxis. Note: T1 and T2 are separate buildings but connected airside via a long underground corridor (post-security).
- Satellite Concourse (S1 & S2): Gates Only
- Expands T1 (S1) and T2 (S2). You check-in and clear security in the main terminal (T1 or T2), then take an automated people mover underground to reach these additional gates. Primarily used for flights, with limited basic facilities like restrooms and small shops.
Getting Between Them?
- PVG T1, T2, S1, S2: These are all connected as part of Pudong Airport. Transferring airside within PVG is possible via shuttles/trains after security. Transferring landside between T1 and T2 requires exiting and re-entering.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- Terminal 1 (T1): Older Terminal
- Primarily handles budget domestic airlines (like Spring Airlines) and some regional international flights (e.g., to Taipei, Tokyo-Haneda, Seoul-Gimpo). Smaller, older facilities with metro Line 10 access. Renovated but less shiny than T2.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Main Domestic & Bus Terminal Hub
- The primary terminal for domestic flights by major carriers (China Eastern, Air China, Juneyao, China Southern) and Shanghai Airlines' regional international flights. Features modern amenities, lounges, extensive ground transport links: metro Lines 2 & 10, Hongqiao Railway Station (high-speed trains), long-distance buses, taxis.
Getting Between Them?
- SHA T1 & T2: These are two distinct terminals 1.5km apart. A landside transfer requires using:
- Free Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus: Runs frequently (5-10 min journey). Find stops outside arrivals.
- Walking: Possible (~15-20 mins) via covered walkways and underground passages, but not ideal with luggage.
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Shanghai Airport Parking
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Parking
- Where you park:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Dedicated P1 (long-term) and P2 (short-term) garages right in front of the terminal. P1 is slightly further back. Follow huge signs.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Dedicated P2 (long-term) and P1/P2 (short-term - check level) garage integrated with the terminal. Entry/exit can be surprisingly tight. P1 is closer to check-in.
- The Cost:
- Short-Term: First hour ~ ¥10. Then roughly ¥10/hour. 24 hours can hit ¥180-240. Designed to make you think twice about leaving the car.
- Long-Term: Still pricey. Around ¥70-90 per 24 hours. Slightly better weekly rates exist but aren't cheap.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Parking
- Where you park:
- Terminal 1 (T1): P1 Garage right opposite the terminal. Small, basic, older.
- Terminal 2 (T2): P6 (Ground level for immediate access) & P7 (big multi-story garage, slightly further walk) garages. P7 connects underground to T2 via the Railway Station concourse – follow signs carefully (it's a tunnel walk).
- The Cost:
- Short-Term: First hour ~¥10. Then roughly ¥10/hour. Cap around ¥80 per 24 hours..
- Long-Term: Approx ¥60-70 per 24 hours. Still not cheap, but better value.
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Shanghai Airport Arrivals
Arrivals at Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
- International Flights (Most arrive at S1/S2 Satellites):
Disembark and prepare for a walk followed by an automated people mover train ride (approx. 10-15 mins) to reach T1 or T2 main terminal. Proceed through immigration (have documents ready), then collect luggage at Baggage Claim. Clear customs to exit into the large public arrivals hall.
Key Note: Exit doors are lettered (A, B, C...). Confirm your specific exit door with pickup contacts. Ground transport (taxis, Maglev, Metro Line 2) starts just outside these doors. - Domestic Flights:
Land directly at T1 or T2 main terminal. Shorter walk to Baggage Claim. Exit into the same arrivals hall as international passengers. Door letter coordination still recommended.
Arrivals at Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)
- Terminal 1 (T1):
Primarily for domestic budget/regional flights. Compact layout. Disembark, short walk to Baggage Claim, exit into small arrivals area. Taxis and Metro Line 10 are steps away. - Terminal 2 (T2) - Domestic:
Disembark, follow corridors (moving walkways available) to Baggage Claim. Exit into large, well-organized arrivals hall with numbered exits (1-10). Specify your exit number for pickups.
Integrated Access: Follow internal signs directly to Hongqiao Railway Station (high-speed trains) and Metro Lines 2 & 10. - Terminal 2 (T2) - International:
Less frequent. Clear immigration, then Baggage Claim, then customs. Exit into T2's main arrivals hall. Same exit number system applies.
Shanghai Airport Departures
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) - Departures
Check-in:
• T1: Use for international flights (most airlines except China Eastern international). Find rows of check-in islands grouped by airline alliance.
• T2: Used by China Eastern international/domestic and partner airlines. Multi-level check-in zones.
• Satellites (S1/S2): No check-in. You must check bags & get boarding passes in main T1/T2 first, clear security/immigration, then take the shuttle train to your gate.
Security & Immigration (International):
• Lines can be long, especially during peak times (mornings/evenings).
• Have boarding pass, passport, and departure card ready.
• Clear security first, then passport control.
After Security (Airside):
• T1/T2: Large duty-free, restaurants, lounges (find yours early). Walking distances to gates can be significant.
• Satellites: Basic facilities – limited shops/food. Allow 20-30 mins after security to reach S1/S2 gates via shuttle train.
Getting There:
• Drop-off: Follow "Departures" signs. Curbside lanes are busy. Drivers have strict time limits (often 3-5 mins).
• Parking: Short-term parking (P1/P2) linked directly to T1/T2 departs level – expect fees.
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) - Departures
Check-in:
• T1 (Budget/Regional): Simpler, older check-in halls. Mostly Spring Airlines. Arrive with ample time if flying international from here (customs/immigration are small).
• T2 (Main): Modern. Domestic flights: Large zones by airline (China Eastern, Air China, etc.). International flights: Dedicated counters near security/immigration entry.
Security & Immigration (International):
• Located near check-in. Generally faster than PVG, but still build queues during rush hour.
After Security (Airside):
• T1: Limited offerings. Feels functional, not luxurious.
• T2: Good range of shops & eateries. Lounges available. Gate areas generally well-organized.
Getting There & Integration:
• Drop-off: Curbside "Departures" at T1 & T2. Strict time enforcement.
• Key Advantage: Departing from T2? You can walk directly from Hongqiao Railway Station (high-speed trains) or Metro Lines 2/10 into the terminal – seamless for train arrivals.
• Parking: P6 (T2, very short walk) or P7 (T2, connected via tunnel).
Duty Free Shanghai Airport
（Source from Unsplash)
📍 Pudong (PVG)
- T1 International Departures: Major shops after passport control. Usual suspects: liquor (Moutai, whisky), cosmetics (Estée Lauder, Lancôme), perfume, cigarettes. Look for Sunrise Duty Free (CDF) – the main operator.
- T2 International Departures: Slightly larger than T1, similar brands. China Duty Free (CDF) dominates.
- Satellites (S1/S2): Limited pickings. Tiny outlets with basics: cigarettes, perfume, snacks.
- ⚠️ Critical Notes:
- Shop BEFORE the shuttle train if flying from satellites. Once airside at S1/S2, options dwindle.
- Arrivals Duty-Free? Tiny shops in international baggage claim (PVG). Skip – prices match downtown stores, no real discount.
📍 Hongqiao (SHA)
- T2 International Departures Only: Single main duty-free zone after security/passport control. Compact but covers essentials: cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, confectionery. Brands like Dior, Chivas, Marlboro.
- T1 (Mostly Domestic): No duty-free.
Shanghai Airport to City
Method | Pudong (PVG) | Hongqiao (SHA) |
|---|---|---|
Fastest | Maglev + Metro: (→ Longyang Rd in 18min, ¥50; then Metro Line 2/7/16 → downtown) | Metro Line 2/10: Direct to Jing’an/Xujiahui (25min, ¥4) |
Cheapest | Metro Line 2: Direct to People’s Sq (75-90min, ¥7) | Metro Line 2/10: Same as “Fastest” option (¥4) |
Most Convenient (Taxis) | Taxi: ¥180-220; 45-75min (+30% night surcharge) | Taxi: ¥50-80; 20-40min (+30% night surcharge) |
Best for… | Maglev: Tech enthusiasts / Speed Metro: Solo/budget travelers Taxi: Groups/luggage | Line 10: Bund/Xujiahui Line 2: Nanjing Rd/Jing’an Taxi: Late arrivals |
Unique Perk | Experience 300km/h Maglev (world’s fastest train) | Walk to High-Speed Rail at T2 → Shanghai Station in 7min (¥5) |
Hours | Maglev: 6:45-21:40; Metro: ~6:00-22:30 | Metro: ~5:30-23:00 |
Trip.com Car Hire Shanghai Airport
Booking & Basics
- Coverage: Available at both PVG (Pudong) and SHA (Hongqiao).
- Biggest Hurdle: You ABSOLUTELY NEED a Chinese International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license. Agencies won’t rent without it.
The Process
- Pickup Location:
- PVG: Desks are inside T1 or T2 arrivals halls. Catch: After signing papers, you’ll take a shuttle bus (5-10 mins) to an off-site depot. Annoying with bags.
- SHA (T2): Better. Some depots (Hertz, eHi) are inside the P7 parking garage – walkable via tunnel. For T1: smaller desks/shuttle to depot.
- Required Docs:
- Passport with valid visa.
- Home driver’s license.
- Chinese IDP (physical copy).
- Credit card in driver’s name for payment/deposit.
- Insurance & Fees:
- Basic insurance included. Add Super CDW to reduce excess/deductible to ¥0.
- Deposit hold: ¥3,000-15,000 (luxury cars higher) blocked on your card. Use credit, not debit.
- Extra traps: Daily "toll pass" fee (¥50-80) if you want ETC device – decline if staying city center.
- Return:
- Return with full tank or pay agency markup prices + service fee.
- PVG/SHA depots have nearby gas stations – fill up before arriving.
- Deposit refund takes 7-14 days.
The Map of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
(Source from China Airline Travel)
The Map of Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
(Source from China Airline Travel)
Hotels Near Shanghai Airport
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TASTE OF CHINA - Address
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Questions about Shanghai Airport
Is Shanghai airport Hongqiao or Pudong?
Verdict: Hongqiao Airport is generally closer to most of Shanghai's central attractions, making it the better option for those staying in the city or focusing on shorter trips. Pudong Airport, however, is the best choice for travelers heading to Shanghai Disneyland or those flying on international routes.What to do in Shanghai airport for 12 hours?
How to Spend a 12 Hour Layover in Shanghai Apply for 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption (1 h) ... Luggage Storage (0.5 h) ... Currency Exchange (0.5 h) ... Experience the fastest Maglev Train ( 8 mins ) ... Stroll at the Bund (1 h) ... Appreciate Yuyuan Garden (1 h) ... Taste local snacks at Chenghuangmiao (1 h) ... Go shopping in Nanjing Road (1 h)Which Shanghai airport is better?
For international flights, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is generally considered better due to its larger capacity and more international connections. However, for domestic flights and those to Hong Kong, Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is more convenient due to its closer proximity to the city center.