P3 is the large surface economy lot beside Terminal 2
P3 Surface Lot sits a short walk from Shanghai Hongqiao’s Terminal 2 (T2) and operates 24 hours a day. It’s an open-air, ground-level car park set up for longer, budget-minded stays rather than quick drop-offs. You park your own car, keep your keys, and head straight toward the terminal on foot, so there’s no shuttle wait built into your timing.
This is the airport’s economy option, priced below the closer garages attached to T1 and T2. Exact RMB rates can change, but hourly and daily caps stay clearly posted at the entrance and at the pay machines. If you’re leaving the car for several days, do the math at the gate board before you pull a ticket; longer trips sometimes pencil out better here than in the covered structures near the terminals.
Access to P3 is off the main Hongqiao airport road system that feeds T2, with signage in both Chinese and English pointing to “P3” and “Economy Parking.” The lot feeds into the T2 departures and arrivals level via marked pedestrian paths. Count on about 5–10 minutes on foot from most rows in P3 to the main T2 doors, depending on where you find a space and how much luggage you’re dragging.
Lighting runs across the lot overnight, and basic CCTV coverage is in place, similar to the other on-airport lots at SHA. Payment usually includes cash and major Chinese mobile options like Alipay and WeChat Pay at automated kiosks near the pedestrian exits. Keep your parking ticket dry and handy; you’ll need it at the machine before driving to the final barrier.
One practical tip: snap a quick photo of your row number and the nearest P3 sign before walking to T2, since the open layout can feel repetitive when you return after a late-night arrival.