90–120 minutes is the realistic bus time between PVG and Hongqiao
The Pudong Airport–Hongqiao Airport Shuttle Bus connects Shanghai Pudong (PVG) with Hongqiao in about 90–120 minutes, depending on traffic on the S1 and G15. Buses run roughly every 30–60 minutes, so this works for same-day connections when you’ve left enough buffer between flights on separate tickets.
From Pudong, buses depart from both T1 and T2 ground transportation centers, clearly signed for the Hongqiao route. You pay at the counter or on board in RMB; expect a standard city shuttle fare, usually under ¥40 per person. Keep your paper ticket handy, as staff may check it again before boarding or when stowing bags.
At Hongqiao, the bus drops near the terminals, with stops signposted for Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2, which matters because T1 is mainly domestic and T2 handles a mix of domestic and some international. From the drop-off point, walking time to check-in is usually 5–10 minutes, but add extra if you hit crowds at security or if you need to re-check luggage.
Timing is everything here: with a 90–120 minute ride plus up to 60 minutes of waiting and boarding slack, most people only use this bus if they have at least 5–6 hours between scheduled arrival at PVG and departure at Hongqiao. Add more if you land in PVG during evening rush, roughly 16:30–19:30, when the expressways slow down.
- Step 1: At PVG T1 or T2, follow signs for "Airport Shuttle" and find the counter marked for the Hongqiao Airport route.
- Step 2: Buy your ticket in RMB (usually under ¥40) and confirm the destination as "Hongqiao Airport" plus your target terminal (T1 or T2).
- Step 3: Wait in the marked queue; typical headway is every 30–60 minutes, with more gaps late at night.
- Step 4: Load checked-size bags into the luggage compartment; keep small bags and passports with you in the cabin.
- Step 5: Ride 90–120 minutes, then follow terminal signs from the Hongqiao stop to your check-in area.
Tip: print or save the Chinese name "虹桥机场" and your terminal number on your phone so you can show staff and double-check you’re boarding the correct shuttle from PVG.