Shanghai Airport Transportation

By Andrew Lewis on 24 Sep 2023

One of East Asia’s biggest airport hubs, Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China, is a behemoth aviation center serving some 80 million passengers each year. One of two airports in the area (the other being the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which mainly does regional and domestic flights), Shanghai Pudong is the city’s main aviation hub.

Located about 19 miles from the city center, this bustling, modern facility is your gateway to exploring the vibrant city of Shanghai. As the biggest city in the country, Shanghai is a major tourist destination, with popular areas, like the Bund waterfront promenade, and a dazzling skyline of cutting-edge architecture. From there, you can branch out to explore southeastern China.

This essential guide to Shanghai airport transportation and transfers will help you get around from the moment you touch down, leaving you ready to take on the city. (Flying into Beijing? We’ve got you covered there too.)

Shanghai Airport Fast Facts

  • Name: Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Code: PVG
  • Terminals: Two (international and domestic flights depart from both); one satellite concourse
  • Airlines: 70+
  • Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, shopping, taxi service

How Long Does It Take to Get to Shanghai Airport?

Located in the Pudong district southeast of central Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 19 miles from the city center. Depending on the traffic, travel time can take anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour, and if you’re taking public transit, anywhere from eight minutes to 60 minutes, depending on your departure point and the type of transit you’re using. Always allow plenty of time to get to the airport prior to departure.

Getting Between Terminals

The airport’s two main terminals are laid out in an “H” style formation, with a complimentary airport shuttle bus connecting the passenger terminals. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes and operates from 6:00 am to midnight.

If you’re only moving between the two main passenger terminals, a hallway connects the two with a moving walkway, so you don’t necessarily need an airport transfer, though you could take the shuttle if you prefer not to walk.

Getting to and From Shanghai Airport

From airport transfers to public bus, there are several convenient ways to get into the city from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Taxis

For a taxi transfer, head to the arrivals area of either terminal; the drive into Shanghai city center takes around 40 minutes. There are day and night rates, with day rates averaging around ¥180 to the city center during the day and ¥230 (Chinese yuan renminbi; CNY/RMB). Taxis are metered by the kilometer, and there are sometimes surcharges depending on the hour or on holidays.

Rideshares

While there are rideshare options that work in Shanghai, many of the most popular ones in the US, like Uber and Lyft, either aren’t available or aren’t widely used. The local DiDi app is the best option for hailing a rideshare from the Shanghai airport, but it’ll be far more expensive than a taxi.

Public Transit

With buses, metros, trains, and shuttles, Shanghai’s comprehensive and well-connected public-transit system makes it easy to get into the city without needing a taxi. Here are some of the options.

Maglev Train

Running at speeds of more than 260 miles an hour, the Maglev train—which uses magnetic levitation to run—is the fastest way to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport into central Shanghai. The ride takes about eight minutes to Longyang Road metro station, from which you can take other metro lines further into the city. A one-way ticket costs ¥50, while a round-trip ticket is ¥80. The Maglev runs from around 7:00 am to nearly midnight.

Metro

Roughly an hour-long trip from the airport to the city center, Metro Line 2 connects directly to central Shanghai and popular attractions like People’s Square and People’s Park. Lines run from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm, and cost between ¥3 and ¥9 depending on the length of your trip.

Airport shuttle bus

If you’re not in a rush, you can use one of the nine shuttle bus lines that connect to downtown Shanghai. Taking between an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic, these shuttle buses access both terminals and cost between ¥2 to ¥30. Hours vary depending on the route, but generally run from around 6:30 am to 11:00 pm.

Hotel Transfers

Some hotels, like the Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai, provide complimentary shuttles that do pick-ups in the arrivals area. Not all properties offer this service, so confirm with your hotel.

Parking and Car Rentals

Parking is available at both Terminals One and Two in the T1, T2, and P4 lots. If you’re using Terminal One, T1 will be the closest option, while T2 and P4 are closer to Terminal Two. In all lots, the first 20 minutes are free; after that, it’s ¥10 for the first two hours and ¥5 per hour after that. The maximum charge for 24 hours is ¥130 in P1 and P2 and ¥60 in P4. These rates apply to smaller vehicles; larger vehicles will be charged double.

Car rental services, like Hertz, Avis, and Ehi, are available at the airport in the arrivals hall of both terminals. You have the option to book in advance or rent on-site, but you’ll have a better selection and a guaranteed vehicle by prebooking.

Preparing for your China Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a China visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to China,  including travel requirements, visa extensions, and culture and traditions, visit our China content hub.