Shanghai Airport: Ultimate Guide for Arrivals, Departures & Parking

Author's Profile Picture
Shanghai Airport

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.

See All Flights
Macau
MFM
Shanghai
PVG
Thu, Sep 18
Thu, Sep 18
Return
34% off
From 256.16AU$ 169
Seoul
ICN
Shanghai
PVG
Thu, Sep 18
Fri, Sep 19
Return
30% off
From 256.16AU$ 180
Seoul
ICN
Shanghai
PVG
Thu, Oct 16
Thu, Oct 16
Return
27% off
From 256.16AU$ 187
Seoul
ICN
Shanghai
PVG
Thu, Sep 11
Fri, Sep 12
Return
27% off
From 256.16AU$ 188
Busan
PUS
Shanghai
PVG
Fri, Oct 24
Fri, Oct 24
Return
25% off
From 256.16AU$ 193
Osaka
KIX
Shanghai
PVG
Thu, Sep 11
Thu, Sep 11
Return
24% off
From 256.16AU$ 194
Seoul
ICN
Shanghai
PVG
Thu, Sep 4
Thu, Sep 4
Return
24% off
From 256.16AU$ 195
Seoul
ICN
Shanghai
PVG
Sat, Sep 6
Sat, Sep 6
Return
24% off
From 256.16AU$ 196

Shanghai Airports & Terminals

Shanghai Airport

(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?

  1. ​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?

  1. ​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.

🎁 Book Cheapest Flights to Shanghai | Search Best Hotels in Shanghai | Grab New User Coupon for eSIM, Attraction Tickets Below!

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.

Need reliable data in China?​​ You can't miss these ​​high-speed SIM/eSIM plans.

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​

Duty Free Sydney 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​

  1. ​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.
  2. ​Required Docs​​:
    • Passport with valid visa.
    • Home driver’s license.
    • ​Chinese IDP​​ (physical copy).
    • Credit card in driver’s name for payment/deposit.
  3. ​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.
  4. ​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.
New to Trip.com? Grab 8% off your first car rental and hit the road for less - it's a way of saying welcome to Trip.com family! 😘

The Map of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of SHA airport

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of SHA airport

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of SHA airport

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of SHA airport

(Source from China Airline Travel)

The Map of Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of PVG airport

Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of PVG airport

Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of PVG airport

Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 Map, plan, layout map of PVG airport

(Source from China Airline Travel)

Hotels Near Shanghai Airport

Register FREE on Trip.com & save ​​up to 8% instantly​​ on hotels. ✅

See All Hotels
NO.1
9.6/105455 reviews
Atour Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport)
Hotel in Shanghai
Restaurant
Gym
NO.2
9.5/1013644 reviews
Vienna International Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport)
Hotel in Shanghai
Airport pickup service
Restaurant
NO.3
9/109233 reviews
Dihang Boutique Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport)
Hotel in Shanghai
Airport pickup service
Restaurant
See All Hotels
NO.1
9.6/101352 reviews
MLILY HOTEL
Hotel in Shanghai
Restaurant
Gym
NO.2
9.2/102826 reviews
Weizun Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station National Convention and Exhibition Center)
Hotel in Shanghai
Airport pickup service
Restaurant
NO.3
9.6/103940 reviews
Atour S Hotel Hongqiao Center Shanghai
Hotel in Shanghai
Restaurant
24-hour front desk

Restaurant Recommendation

Taste of China 味

Chef Fancy Zhao​ (9 years culinary expertise) crafts a transcendent journey through China’s epicurean landscape. Blending ​Chinese culinary heritage​​ with ​​Western techniques​​ under Panda Chef Trippaw’s guidance, guests embark on a curated odyssey: exploring UNESCO sites, savoring regional delicacies, and immersing in 5,000 years of culture—all in one transformative dining experience.

TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Dining, nestled within Shanghai's century-old landmark "THE BUND · CITY HALL PLAZA", is a panoramic cultural experience and space. Crafted by Trip.com Group to unveil the destinations and soul of China. Multi-sensory interactive technology brings the landscapes to life. The Yellow River, as waterfalls thunder down beside you, while the Li River's mist-kissed peaks dissolve into indigo hues across your plate—each bite embodying the majesty of mountains and rivers.

Panda Chef "Cheng BaoBao" guides you through seven culinary keys, unlocking a millennia-long odyssey from ancient dynasties to modern China—deconstructing landscapes through digital art and harmonizing cultures with the alchemy of flavor. Here, global gourmets don't just savour premium Chinese cuisine—they embark on a journey from palate to soul: tasting China's flavors, experiencing its many facets, and falling in love with its essence forever.

TASTE OF CHINA - Opening Hours

The restaurant opened on August 23, 2025. Business Hours: 10:00-22:00 | Two sessions daily: Lunch: 12:00-14:00, Dinner: 19:00-21:00 (It is recommended to arrive 2 hours in advance for costume and makeup preparation)

TASTE OF CHINA - Address

No. LG1-03, Zone E, 215 Middle Jiangxi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanghai Airport | Restaurant Recommendation
Location
Taste Of China 味
Address: No. [LG1-03], Basement 1, No. 215, Jiangxi Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Telephone:021-1234567

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.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
>>
Shanghai Airport