Summary
Shanghai Pudong International Airport Overview
- Airport Code: PVG
- Location: Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
- Distance to City Center: 30 km
- Terminal Details: Terminal 1 serves flights operated by China Eastern, while also hosting Japan Airlines; Korean Air runs services here too, alongside various carriers. Terminal 2 is bigger, more recent - hosts the majority of remaining airlines.
Top 5 Ways to Get from Pudong Airport to Downtown
Users leaving Pudong Airport have choices to use various modes of transportation that have varying ratios of speed, cost and comfort. Considering multiple features of transportation including speed, cost, comfort, flexibility, and language issues as a whole cluster, the topmost suggested transporting systems to tourists are maglev train, subway, taxi, ride-hailing car and bus.
1. Taking the Maglev Train
The Maglev at Pudong Airport makes the brief trip worthwhile - not just fast but calm, hitting 300 km/h in under eight minutes. One terminal links straight to it; so does the other.
1.1 Buying Tickets
You may purchase tickets via kiosks - cash or UnionPay accepted - or at ticket windows that take cash along with widely used credit cards; alternatively, opt for online options using authorized WeChat channels or reservation sites. Occasionally, special offers show up on Trip.com.
1.2 Fares
- One-way ticket: ¥50 (valid only on the day of issue)
- One-way trip with flight ticket: ¥40 (valid only on day of issue)
- Round-trip: ¥80 (within 7 days)
1.3 Operating Hours
- PVG → Longyang Rd: 07:02–21:42
- Longyang Rd → PVG: 06:45–21:40
- Trains operate at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes.
1.4 Transfers at Longyang Road Station
- Following this step, link up with:
- Metro Line 2 toward People’s Square or East Nanjing Rd.
- Metro Line 7 leads toward Jing’an Temple.
- Taxi ranks along outside and multiple city buses located right outside.
2. Taking the Subway
Most people find Line 2 easy on the budget and straightforward. Connecting terminals straight to central zones, it serves spots such as Lujiazui, Nanjing East Road, or People’s Square along the way.
2.1 Finding the Station
It lies from T1 toward T2. Proceed by following markers to B2 using travelators.
2.2 Buying Tickets
Kiosks take cash along with UnionPay. Meanwhile, counters support widely used credit cards. Occasionally, deals show up through Trip.com, alternatively on Klik or KKday.
3. Taking a Taxi
A cab directly from PVG works well when you’ve got bags or get in after hours - each terminal offers authorized waiting lines.
3.1 What to Do
- Head toward where the "Taxi" markers point, then join the line there.
- Hold on till it's your turn - steer clear of those pushing free lifts out of nowhere.
- Choose official taxis that display clear markings.
- Request the driver to activate the meter.
- Hold onto your paper copy of the transaction record.
4. Using Ride-Hailing Apps
Services such as DiDi or Alipay simplify arranging rides. Each offers English interfaces along with electronic payments. Fares tend to match standard cabs - yet let you choose where to start and end.
5. Taking the Airport Bus
The shuttle buses operate around the clock, providing affordable rides while including extra neighborhood stops.
Main Routes
- Line 1: PVG → Hongqiao Airport/Rail Station
- Line 4: PVG → Shanghai Railway Station
- Long-distance: PVG → Hangzhou, Suzhou.
Traveling Between Pudong and Hongqiao Airports
Suburban Railway
- Time: 45 mins
- Fare: ¥26
- Tickets: Same method as the metro.
Maglev Train + Metro
- Route: Maglev from PVG to Longyang Road; then take Line 2 by metro toward Hongqiao.
- Duration: about 70 minutes
- Fare: ¥55
Metro
- Route: Line 2 directly links both airports.
- Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Fare: ¥8
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
- Duration: roughly 50 minutes - subject to traffic fluctuations
- Fare: ¥200–250
Useful Tips
1. Tax Refunds
1.1 Rules
Spend 500+ RMB in one day at one tax-free store. Depart within 90 days of purchase.
1.2 Refund
Rate is 13% (VAT included), with 11% returned to you.
1.3 Process
- Pre-Security: Verify at Customs (T1: Opposite Gate 11; T2: Opposite Gate 25).
- Post-Security: Get refund at T1 near Gates 19/20 (24/7), T2 near Gate D83 (24/7), Satellite S1 near Gates G135/G152 (24/7).
2. Where to Purchase SIM Cards
2.1 Terminal 1 (Arrivals)
- YouBanBan (2F, 1E-W2): 8 AM–7 PM.
- Roamingman (2F, 1E-W1): 6 AM–12 AM.
- AiChuxing (Gate 9, 1D-W2): 24/7.
2.2 Terminal 2 (Arrivals)
- YouBanBan (Luggage Claim 27, 2E-W1): 8 AM–10 PM. (Same packages as T1).
- YouBanBan (Luggage Claim 26, 2E-W2): 24/7.
- Roamingman (Wuzhou Middle Rd, 2D-W1): 24/7.
- AiChuxing (Wuzhou Middle Rd, 2D-W2): 24/7.
3. How to Transport Between Terminals
- Walk: 10 minutes between T1 and T2.
- Shuttle Bus: Free service (5 mins).
- Stops: T1 (Gates 1, 11), T2 (Gates 21, 26).
- Hours: 24/7. (Every 10 mins 6 AM–9 PM; every 15 mins 9 PM–6 AM).
4. Duty-Free Store Hours
Sunrise Duty-Free (Cigarettes, perfume, cosmetics, etc.)
T1 & T2 Post-Security: 7:00 AM–End of flights.
5. Where to Get Currency Exchange
Terminal 1
- SPDB Bank: Gate 9 (9 AM–5 PM).
- Youlian: Int'l Security (6 AM–11 PM).
- Tongjilong: Post-security Departures (6:30 AM–12 AM); Post-immigration Arrivals (6:30 AM–12 AM).
- Ctrip: Post-security Departures & Post-immigration Arrivals (24/7).
Terminal 2
- SPDB Bank: Check-in Area D (9 AM–5 PM).
- Tongjilong: Domestic Security 2 (6:30 AM–12 AM).
- United: Gate D62 (6 AM–12 AM); Arrivals Luggage Claim 30 (6 AM–End of flights).
- Ctrip: Public Departures Gate 25 (24/7).
6. Connecting Flights & Gate Closing Times
Int'l to Domestic:
- Clear Immigration.
- Collect bags and clear Customs.
- Re-check bags at domestic counter (unless through-checked).
- Clear Domestic Security - > Go to Gate.
Domestic to Int'l:
- Bag transfer (check if automatic). If not, collect and re-check at int'l counter.
- Int'l Check-in - > Immigration - > Security - > Gate.
Domestic Gate Closing Times: 40–45 mins before takeoff.
International Gate Closing Times: 60 mins before takeoff.
FAQ
Is it possible to exit the terminal while waiting for a connecting flight?
Correct - when continuing onward to another destination beyond China. The city allows stays up to six days without a visa. Requests must be submitted upon arrival at border checkpoints.
Do children require tickets?
Children who are below 1.3m take subway/bus without any fee in company of an adult.
Will I manage without speaking Chinese?
Indeed. At PVG, along with the Maglev and subway stops, signs plus public notices appear in two languages. Information in English comes across clearly - easy to understand without worry.
