Shanghai Airport Guide

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is Shanghai's principal international airport and a major hub for China Eastern Airlines. It is east of central Shanghai and distinct from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).

The airport has two main terminals plus a Satellite Hall:

• Terminal 1 (T1) handles domestic and international flights and is paired with Satellite Hall S1.
• Terminal 2 (T2) handles domestic and international flights and is paired with Satellite Hall S2.
• Satellite Hall (S1/S2) contains boarding gates reached by the airport's underground MRT after processing in the assigned main terminal.

Critical note about Shanghai airports: Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) is a separate airport by the Hongqiao rail hub. Verify the airport code; a PVG–SHA connection requires a landside journey.

Terminal layout:

• T1 and T2 are separate buildings, not connected airside
• Both terminals connect to the Satellite Hall via MRT trains
• Within the Satellite Hall, S1 serves T1 passengers and S2 serves T2 passengers

Key fact: T1 and T2 are separate processing terminals. S1 is an extension of T1 and S2 of T2; the MRT ride to a satellite gate does not change the passenger's assigned terminal.

Terminal Layout

Both T1 and T2 handle domestic and international flights. Check the operating airline's live record rather than relying on an alliance-based table. A boarding pass with a G or H gate uses the MRT to the Satellite Hall after main-terminal formalities.

Getting Between Terminals

For a T1/T2 change, follow the airport's current landside walkway or shuttle signs and expect to repeat the applicable check-in/security procedures. For S1/S2, follow the boarding pass to the correct MRT platform after processing. Arriving satellite passengers ride back to the paired main terminal for immigration and baggage claim.

Shanghai Airport publishes airport service benchmarks, while noting that the airline's flight-specific standard controls and remote stands add time. Use the connection accepted by the airline for a protected ticket; separate tickets and T1/T2 changes require a substantially larger margin.

International Arrival Process

If arriving internationally at PVG:

1. Exit aircraft at T1, T2, or Satellite Hall
2. Take APM if arriving at Satellite Hall to reach main terminal
3. Complete health/quarantine formalities if directed
4. Clear immigration when entering China
5. Collect checked baggage at carousel
6. Complete customs procedures
7. Exit to arrivals hall or proceed to domestic connection

For international-to-domestic connections:

1. Complete arrival process above
2. Re-check bags at transfer counter (if not checked through)
3. Walk or take shuttle to domestic departure area or different terminal
4. Clear security again at domestic departures

Transfer Within Same Terminal (International to International)

For transit passengers staying airside:

1. Follow "Transfer" signs after deplaning
2. Clear transfer security screening
3. Take APM train if needed to reach departure gate in Satellite Hall
4. Complete any document or border-control step directed for that itinerary

PVG is east of central Shanghai. Rail options include Metro Line 2, the Maglev to Longyang Road, and the Shanghai Suburban Railway Airport Link Line toward Hongqiao. Airport buses, authorized taxis, and online car-hailing provide road alternatives. Use a live planner for the route, first/last train, and price.

Important: Uber does not operate in China. Use DiDi (China's dominant rideshare app) or official taxis.

DiDi and Online Car-Hailing

Use only the app-confirmed online-car-hailing pickup area for the assigned terminal. Confirm account and payment access before relying on the service, because requirements for international users can change.

Official Taxis

Taxis queue outside arrivals at both terminals. Only use official taxis from designated taxi ranks—avoid touts inside the terminal.

Tips:

• Use the metered official rank and confirm how tolls/surcharges are handled
• Have your destination written in Chinese characters
• Most drivers speak limited English—use a translation app or hotel card
• Receipts (fapiao) available upon request
• Late-night surcharge (23:00-05:00) adds 30% to the fare

Pickup Locations

• Terminal 1: Ground floor arrivals (B1), taxi queue
• Terminal 2: Arrivals Level 1F, follow taxi signs to designated area

Maglev Train (Fastest to City)

The Shanghai Maglev connects PVG with Longyang Road, where passengers can transfer to the Metro. It does not run to the city centre or Hongqiao.

Route: PVG ↔ Longyang Road Station

Check the official Shanghai Airport/Metro listing for current operating hours, frequency, fare products, and scheduled speed; these vary by time.

How to take the Maglev:

1. Follow signs to "Maglev" from arrivals (T1 or T2)
2. Purchase ticket at machines or counters (cash, cards, or mobile payment)
3. Board train to Longyang Road
4. Transfer to Metro Line 2, 7, or 16 at Longyang Road for onward travel

Connecting from Longyang Road:

• Metro Line 2: To Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, People's Square, Jing'an Temple (add 30-40 min)
• Metro Line 7: To Shanghai Stadium, Jing'an, northern areas
• Metro Line 16: To southern Pudong areas

Note: The Maglev requires an onward transfer at Longyang Road for central Shanghai.

Airport Link Line

The Shanghai Suburban Railway Airport Link Line, opened in December 2024, links Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 station with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 and the Hongqiao rail hub. The airport currently publishes trains roughly every 15 minutes between 06:00 and 22:00, but verify the travel-date timetable before using it for a flight or train connection.

Metro Line 2 (Direct but Slower)

Metro Line 2 runs directly from PVG to central Shanghai without requiring a transfer, making it the most affordable option.

Key stops:

• Longyang Road: Transfer to Maglev, Line 7, Line 16
• Century Avenue: Pudong business district, transfer to Lines 4, 6, 9
• Lujiazui: Pudong financial center, Oriental Pearl Tower
• Nanjing Road East: Shopping district, near The Bund
• People's Square: City center, transfer to Lines 1, 8
• Jing'an Temple: Jing'an district

Fares and first/last trains depend on the destination and date. Check Shanghai Metro before travel.

How to take Metro Line 2 from PVG:

1. Follow signs to "Metro" from arrivals
2. Purchase single-journey ticket at machines or use Shanghai Public Transportation Card
3. Board Line 2 toward Xujing East
4. Transfer or exit at your destination

Airport Buses

Airport buses serve various districts and are useful when the metro is not running or for direct hotel area access:

Routes, boarding points, and operating hours change. Use Shanghai Airport's current bus page or on-site display rather than a fixed numbered-route table, especially after the last rail departure.

PVG offers short-term and long-term parking at both terminals:

Parking Rates

Type	Rate	Notes
Short-term (indoor)	¥10/hour	First 30 min free
Daily max (indoor)	¥80-100/day	Varies by lot
Long-term (outdoor)	¥50-60/day	Remote lots with shuttle

Locations:

• P1, P2: Multi-story parking adjacent to T1
• P3, P4: Multi-story parking adjacent to T2
• Long-term lots: Remote parking with free shuttle service

Tips:

• Payment via cash, cards, or mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• Long-term parking lots fill up during peak holiday travel periods
• Pre-booking may be available through the airport website

Shanghai Pudong International offers diverse dining across both terminals:

Terminal 1:

Airside (After Security):

• Chinese restaurants: Shanghai-style noodles, dim sum, regional Chinese cuisine
• Fast food: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King
• Coffee shops: Starbucks, Costa Coffee
• Convenience stores: Quick snacks and drinks

Landside:

• Food court: Various Chinese and international options
• Chinese quick service: Noodle bars, dumpling shops

Terminal 2 (Better Selection):

Airside:

• Din Tai Fung: Taiwanese dumplings and xiaolongbao (Satellite Hall)
• Chinese restaurants: Cantonese dim sum, Shanghai cuisine, noodle shops
• Wagas: Western-style healthy cafe
• Starbucks, Pacific Coffee: Multiple locations
• Fast food: McDonald's, KFC

Landside:

• Various restaurants: Chinese and international cuisine
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart

Recommended: Try Shanghai specialties like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), or scallion oil noodles at the Chinese restaurants. Terminal 2's Satellite Hall has the best variety including Din Tai Fung.

Free WiFi is available throughout Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Network: "PVG Free WiFi" or "Airport-WiFi-Free"

How to connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network
2. Accept terms on the landing page
3. May require SMS verification to a Chinese phone number

Limitations:

• Some free networks require a Chinese phone number for verification
• Speed can be variable, especially during peak hours
• International websites may be slow or blocked (see VPN note below)

VPN Important Note: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, many news sites) are blocked in China. If you need access to these services, install and configure a VPN before arriving in China. VPN apps are difficult to download once inside China.

Alternative connectivity: Purchase a local SIM or pocket WiFi for more reliable internet access.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though the process can be bureaucratic:

Locations:

• China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters in arrivals halls of both terminals
• Typically located after customs exit
• Also available at convenience stores inside terminals

Requirements:

• Passport (required for registration)
• Chinese regulations require real-name registration for all SIM purchases

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (7 days, 3-5GB data): ¥100-150 (~$14-20 USD)
• Monthly prepaid SIM (10-20GB): ¥100-200 (~$14-28 USD)
• Pocket WiFi rental: ¥40-60/day (~$5-8 USD)

Major carriers:

• China Mobile: Largest network, best coverage nationwide
• China Unicom: Good coverage in cities, some international roaming options
• China Telecom: Reliable, competitive pricing

Tips:

• Pre-order SIM cards online through Klook or similar services for airport pickup
• Consider Hong Kong or Macau SIMs that include China roaming (some bypass the firewall)
• eSIMs from international providers (Airalo, Holafly) work but are subject to China's internet restrictions
• Pocket WiFi devices from Hong Kong providers sometimes offer unrestricted access

ATMs are available throughout both terminals:

Locations:

• Arrivals halls at T1 and T2 (multiple ATMs)
• Departure halls (airside)
• Near convenience stores and currency exchange counters

Major banks with ATMs:

• Bank of China
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Construction Bank
• Bank of Communications

Currency exchange:

• Bank of China counters in arrivals and departures
• Exchange rates are typically 2-4% worse than city center rates
• Currency exchange is also available at most hotels

Tips:

• Chinese Yuan (CNY/¥) is the only accepted currency in China
• International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) have limited acceptance in China—most local shops and restaurants only accept Chinese payment apps
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible—these apps are essential for daily transactions in China (international visitors can now link foreign credit cards)
• ATM withdrawal limits vary; some machines limit foreign cards to ¥2,500-3,000 per transaction
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks

Terminal 1:

Duty-Free (Airside):

• China Duty Free: Cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, Chinese goods
• Luxury brands: Various international brands
• Chinese specialties: Tea, silk, traditional crafts

Landside:

• Limited shopping options, primarily convenience stores

Terminal 2 (Better Selection):

Duty-Free (Airside):

• China Duty Free: Extensive selection of cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco
• Luxury brands: Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Hermes
• Chinese specialties: Tea, silk, traditional crafts
• Satellite Hall: Additional duty-free shops

Landside:

• Shopping areas with fashion, electronics, souvenirs
• Convenience stores for last-minute items

Must-buy Chinese items:

• Tea: Longjing (Dragon Well) from nearby Hangzhou, Pu'er, jasmine tea
• Silk products: Scarves, clothing (Shanghai is known for silk)
• Snacks: White Rabbit candy, various local treats
• Baijiu: Chinese spirit (duty-free)
• Handicrafts: Chinese fans, calligraphy items, jade

Tip: Duty-free prices at PVG are generally competitive for Chinese products but verify prices for international brands before purchasing.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 1:

• No. 37 VIP Lounge: Near international gates. Basic amenities, hot food, drinks. Can become crowded during peak times.

Terminal 2:

• No. 77 VIP Lounge: Priority Pass access, Chinese and Western food options, showers available.
• V1 VIP Lounge: Alternative Priority Pass option in T2

Satellite Hall:

• Check Priority Pass app for current participating lounges in S1/S2

Airline Lounges

China Eastern Lounges:

• China Eastern VIP Lounge (T2): For First/Business Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus
• China Eastern Domestic Lounge (T2): For domestic premium passengers

Features include Chinese cuisine, noodle bar, hot dishes, showers, and rest areas.

Star Alliance Lounges:

• Most Star Alliance carriers direct passengers to partner lounges in T1
• Check with your airline for specific lounge access

Other Notable Lounges:

• Air China Lounge (T1): For Air China premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T1): For Cathay Pacific premium passengers and oneworld status

Pay-Per-Use Options

• VIP lounges: Walk-in access available for approximately ¥250-400 (~$35-55 USD)
• VIP Services: The airport offers paid VIP terminal services with private security lanes

At/Near the Airport:

• Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel (Dazhong): Located in Terminal 2, accessible without exiting security for transit passengers. Basic rooms from ¥400-700/night (~$55-95 USD). Hourly rates available for layovers.

• Ramada by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport: Adjacent to T2, connected via walkway. ¥500-800/night (~$70-110 USD).

• Shanghai Airport Mercure Hotel: 10-minute shuttle from terminals. ¥400-600/night (~$55-85 USD).

• Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport: Free airport shuttle. ¥350-550/night (~$50-75 USD).

Transit/Day Rooms:

• Pudong Airport Hotel (T2): Airside transit hotel bookable by the hour for layovers
• Rest areas and lounges: Some lounges offer sleeping facilities

Budget Options:

• Various budget hotels near the airport offer free shuttles
• Consider staying near Longyang Road Metro/Maglev station for easier city access

Tips:

• For early morning flights, airport-adjacent hotels eliminate traffic concerns
• Transit hotels airside are ideal for long international layovers without a visa
• China's 144-hour transit visa exemption allows travelers from many countries to leave the airport for layovers without a full visa—check eligibility before arrival

Shanghai is China's largest city and financial capital, blending historic charm with ultra-modern development:

From PVG to Shanghai (45-90 minutes depending on transport):

Must-see attractions:

• The Bund (Waitan): Iconic waterfront promenade with colonial-era architecture facing the Pudong skyline. Metro Line 2 to Nanjing Road East, then walk.
• Lujiazui: Pudong's futuristic skyline with Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (world's third-tallest building), and Jin Mao Tower observation decks.
• Yu Garden (Yuyuan): Classical Chinese garden dating to the Ming Dynasty. Adjacent bazaar has traditional shops and street food. Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden.
• French Concession: Tree-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, and colonial architecture. Metro to South Shaanxi Road.
• Nanjing Road: Pedestrian shopping street from People's Square to The Bund.

Neighborhoods to explore:

• French Concession (Xuhui/Jing'an): Historic European architecture, boutiques, cafes, nightlife
• Tianzifang: Converted alleyway with art galleries, craft shops, cafes
• Xintiandi: Upscale dining and shopping in restored shikumen buildings
• Old City (Nanshi): Traditional Shanghai around Yu Garden
• Lujiazui (Pudong): Modern financial district, observation decks

Practical tips:

• Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for metro, buses, Maglev, and ferries
• Download a translation app: Google Translate works offline; Baidu Translate works well in China
• VPN is essential for accessing Western internet services—install before arriving
• Cash is rarely used: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments (now available to foreign visitors)
• Air quality: Check AQI levels; masks recommended on high-pollution days
• Language: English is limited outside tourist areas and major hotels
• Two airports: PVG (Pudong, east) and SHA (Hongqiao, west)—verify your terminal for departures

Day trips from Shanghai:

• Hangzhou: West Lake, tea plantations (45 min by high-speed rail from Hongqiao)
• Suzhou: Classical gardens, canals (25 min by high-speed rail from Hongqiao or Shanghai Railway Station)
• Zhujiajiao: Water town with canals and bridges (1 hour by bus)
• Wuzhen: Picturesque water town (2 hours by bus)

Getting to Hongqiao Airport (SHA): If connecting to a domestic flight from Hongqiao:

• Metro Line 2: Direct from PVG to Hongqiao (90+ min)
• Taxi/DiDi: ¥200-280, 60-90 minutes depending on traffic
• Airport Bus Line 1: Direct service between airports
• Allow at least 3 hours for connections between PVG and SHA