Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai, CN · 30 km (19 mi) east of central Shanghai
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time |
|---|---|
| Airport Bus Line 1 Bus · Every 15-30 min | 60-90 min |
| Airport Bus Line 2 Bus · Every 15-30 min | 60-90 min |
| Airport Bus Line 4 Bus · Every 15-30 min | 60-90 min |
| Airport Hotel Shuttle Bus Bus · Every 15-30 min | 5-10 min |
Insider notes
Avoid the obvious eateries near main halls; deeper concourse noodle and dumpling counters offer better, more authentic flavors.
Use ATMs in the maglev/metro foyer level instead of the first arrival hall exchange counters for better rates.
Walk past the first taxi stands to the long-distance bus area; queues are usually shorter and move faster, easing departure stress.
Welcome
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) offers a rare juxtaposition of high-speed transport and deep-seated cultural elements. This is the place where you can transition from a technological marvel like the 430 km/h maglev train to savoring authentic regional Chinese dishes right within its terminals. For seasoned travelers, the airport unfolds with contrasting layers: sprawling and at times chaotic, yet interspersed with quiet nooks, efficient showers, and genuine culinary finds that mainstream maps barely acknowledge.
At a glance
With an annual footfall of 54 million passengers, PVG is a major hub for China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines, offering connections through two main terminals. Located 30 kilometers east of central Shanghai, it serves as a critical gateway for both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 predominantly handles airlines like Spring Airlines and Air China, whereas Terminal 2 is the home turf for China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines.
Terminals & layout
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 collectively manage thousands of flights daily. T1 mainly facilitates carriers such as Spring Airlines and Air China, while T2 is dedicated to China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Both terminals feature extensive facilities, yet travelers often speak of the hidden charms away from the main halls. Expect long walks if you're transferring across terminals and allow at least a 2-hour buffer if switching from domestic to international flights.
Getting to and from the city
The Shanghai Maglev Train offers a quick 8-minute ride to Longyang Road Station, transforming a normally weary journey into a swift sprint. Though the maglev is exhilarating, most city-center destinations are just as accessible by the Shanghai Metro Line 2 or various buses, which take 60 to 90 minutes. For door-to-door convenience, metered taxis and rideshare options like Didi Express or Didi Premier take 45 to 60 minutes but prepare for long queues during peak hours. Consider the Airport Bus Line for destinations like the Shanghai Railway Station or further afield to places like Hangzhou and Suzhou.
Traveller essentials
Wi-Fi can be tricky, requiring SMS verification or a passport-based code, and travelers have frequently cited the connection as sluggish. A savvy move is to use an eSIM or offline maps to prevent frustrations. Purchasing a Shanghai Public Transport Card on arrival is highly recommended, as it streamlines your travel through the maglev, metro, and buses, bypassing often-crowded single-ride ticket counters.
Dining & shopping highlights
Food options can vary widely in quality and value. Terminal 2 is a gastronomic hotspot offering everything from Ajisen Ramen to Dian Shui Lou and the local favorite Xiaonanguo. For something more familiar, Starbucks and McDonald's are available in both terminals. High-end shopping is centered in T2, with names like Hermès and Gucci lining the concourses, though some jewel spots for quality teas and snacks can be found tucked away, offering authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
Lounges
Pudong's lounges vary from the expansive China Eastern No. 77 Lounge in T2 to the more secluded Cathay Pacific Lounge. Reviews consistently highlight the superior shower facilities and quieter environs of smaller contract lounges over flagship ones, making them worth exploring. A Priority Pass or DragonPass card can unlock access to excellent facilities not necessarily linked to your ticket class.
Insider tips
- Insider: Avoid the obvious eateries near main halls; deeper concourse noodle and dumpling counters offer better, more authentic flavors.
- Money: Use ATMs in the maglev/metro foyer level instead of the first arrival hall exchange counters for better rates.
- Time: Walk past the first taxi stands to the long-distance bus area; queues are usually shorter and move faster, easing departure stress.
- Avoid: PVG’s Wi-Fi setup is cumbersome; an eSIM or offline prep will save time and frustration, especially during layovers.
- Local: Explore the quiet mezzanine above main departure areas for a peaceful rest spot with better seating options.
- Quiet: Seek out end-of-pier spots for uninterrupted views of widebody aircraft, away from crowded central lounges.
- Time: Check all immigration lines before committing; far side queues are often quicker than those directly off the escalators.