- Shanghai Airport Fast Facts
- How Long Does It Take to Get to Shanghai Airport?
- Getting Between Terminals
- Getting to and From Shanghai Airport
- Taxis
- Rideshares
- Public Transit
- Hotel Transfers
- Parking and Car Rentals
- Preparing for your China Trip
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.
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.