Shanghai soars with two major airports. Pudong Airport (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 Airport (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 all information of Pudong airport.
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Shanghai Pudong Airport & Terminals
(Source from Unsplash)
- 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 Pudong Airport (PVG) Parking
Source from Unsplash
- 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.
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Arrivals
Source from Unsplash
- 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - Departures
Source from Unsplash
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | 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.
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Duty Free Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
（Source from Unsplash)
- 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to City
Source from Unsplash
Method | Pudong (PVG) |
|---|---|
Fastest | Maglev + Metro: (→ Longyang Rd in 18min, ¥50; then Metro Line 2/7/16 → downtown) |
Cheapest | Metro Line 2: Direct to People’s Sq (75-90min, ¥7) |
Most Convenient (Taxis) | Taxi: ¥180-220; 45-75min (+30% night surcharge) |
Best for… | Maglev: Tech enthusiasts / Speed Metro: Solo/budget travelers Taxi: Groups/luggage |
Unique Perk | Experience 300km/h Maglev (world’s fastest train) |
Hours | Maglev: 6:45-21:40; Metro: ~6:00-22:30 |
Trip.com Car Hire Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) | 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 Pudong International Airport (PVG)
(Source from China Airline Travel)
Hotels Near Shanghai Pudong Airport
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FAQs about Shanghai Pudong Airport
How do I get from Shanghai Pudong airport to city Centre?
The fastest way to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Shanghai Downtown is to Maglev and line 2 subway and line 9 subway which takes 31 min and costs ¥56.Is there a bullet train from Shanghai airport to city?
Pudong Airport to Shanghai: By Shanghai Maglev Train. The Shanghai Maglev Train starts from Longyang Road Station on Metro Line 2 in the west and ends at Pudong Terminal 1 and 2 Station in the east. The line is 30 kilometers long and the single-line running time is only 7 minutes and 20 seconds.How much is a taxi from Shanghai airport to city?
A taxi from a Shanghai airport (either Pudong - PVG or Hongqiao - SHA) to the city center typically costs around ¥200-250 (approximately $27-34 USD as of late 2024/early 2025, but use current exchange rates for accuracy). The final fare depends on the specific airport, your destination within the city, and the time of day.