Airports in Shanghai -Pudong International Airport & Hongqiao Airport

Shanghai, strategically situated at the estuary of the Yangtze River, is a key transportation hub in Eastern China. The city is home to two international airports – Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Both airports are well-connected with a multitude of global destinations, serving millions of international travelers each year.

Thanks to its robust international flight connectivity, Shanghai serves as an excellent gateway for those planning to explore China. It could conveniently serve as the starting point of your China tour, allowing you to venture deeper into the country’s interior regions after experiencing the urban appeal of Shanghai. Likewise, it could also be the concluding point of your tour, offering easy access to international flights after your exploration of China’s diverse attractions.

If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, resources on ‘Places to visit in shanghai‘ will provide helpful information about the top things to do and see in the city.  Or just join one of our Shanghai tours.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Located about 30 km (or 19 miles) east of the city center, is the primary international hub serving Shanghai. It serves as the main hub for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, and it’s also a significant international hub for Air China. The airport, consisting of a primary terminal building and two terminal concourses, connected by two passageways, allows passengers smooth and easy access. Pudong Airport offers an array of facilities and services including shopping areas, a variety of restaurants, an hourly hotel, restrooms, a clinic, car parking, ticketing services, information desks, lost and found services, banking facilities, airport police, and baggage claim and inquiry services.

You can reach Pudong International Airport from Shanghai’s city center through several means:

1. Airport Shuttle Bus: Multiple lines connect different parts of Shanghai with the airport, with an average journey time of about 1-2 hours depending on traffic.
2. Maglev Train: This is the fastest means of transport to the airport, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h and getting you to the airport in under 8 minutes. The train operates from Longyang Road station, which is connected to the Shanghai Metro.
3. Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but the journey can take 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
4. Subway: Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro goes directly to the airport.

Here are some other tips to help you navigate through Shanghai Pudong International Airport:

1. Taxi: The taxi stand can be found outside Gate 18, which is easily accessible when you exit through Gates 12 – 18.
2. Information: There are two information counters – one located between Gates 3 and 4 in the Domestic Departures area, and the other between Gates 11 and 12 in the International Departures area.
3. Restrooms: Restrooms are conveniently situated in both the Domestic and International Departure areas.
4. Restaurants: Notable restaurants at the airport include the Canglang Ting Restaurant and the Hong Fangzi Western Food Restaurant.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Located near the Hongqiao town in Changning District, is only 13 km (or 8 miles) west of downtown, making it significantly closer to the city center than Pudong International Airport. Hongqiao Airport primarily serves domestic flights but also offers a few international or cross-border routes, including direct flights to central Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, central Taipei’s Songshan Airport, central Seoul’s Gimpo Airport, as well as Hong Kong and Macau. Generally, Hongqiao Airport experiences less congestion than Pudong Airport.

Here are the ways to get to Hongqiao Airport from downtown:

1. Airport Shuttle Bus: There are direct shuttle buses from various points in the city, with the journey taking about an hour.
2. Taxi: A taxi ride from the city center to Hongqiao Airport usually takes around 30 minutes.
3. Subway: The airport is served by Lines 2 and 10 of the Shanghai Metro, providing easy and cheap access.

Given the high volume of traffic at Shanghai’s airports, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with their airline codes to prevent any potential confusion. The IATA code for Shanghai Pudong International Airport is PVG, and for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, it’s SHA.

Remember, the choice between Pudong and Hongqiao airports would generally depend on your destination or arrival city. It’s always recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight due to their size and potential for busy traffic. WindhorseTour can help you buy tickets when you booking a tour. Consider the Shanghai City Highlight & Outskirts 4 Day Tour for a comprehensive exploration of the city.

Other Related Tours:

• Shanghai /Suzhou with Tongli Water Town 5 Day Tour
• Shanghai/Mt. Huangshan Highlights 7 Day Tour
• Eastern China Explorer 12 Days