Brief Introduction about Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of the major and popular and air portals to China. Completed in 1999 with now existing 4 take-off runways and 2 terminals, it serves as the key aviation hub for visiting Shanghai and transferring to other cities in China.

Under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy implemented in Shanghai, air travelers from US, UK and appointed 53 countries, can leave the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and other places in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces without applying for a Chinese Visa for up to 144 hours.

Flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

1.International Flights

Shanghai Pudong International Airport as a top major international airport has opened hundreds of airlines covering over 130 international cities (regions). You can depart from the following destinations to Shanghai Pudong International Airport conveniently:

Asia: Bali, Delhi, Dacca, Kuala Lumpur, Mandalay, Colombo, Phuket Island, Siem Reap, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Nogoya, Niigata, Okayama, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Kagoshima, Komatsu, Toyama, Sendai, Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, Daegu, Gwangju, Cheju, Singapore, Bangkok, Chiengmai, Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Bombay, New Delhi, Dubai, Helsinki, Djakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Manila, Doha, Istanbul;

Oceania: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland;

Europe: Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Prague, Zurich, London, Amsterdam, Munich, Moscow, Copenhagen, Vienna;

America: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, Vancouver, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Toronto, Montreal, Saipan;

Africa: Addis Ababa

Other regions: Hong Kong, Taipei, Macau, Kaohsiung.

Furthermore, there are many flights serving as the connection of Shanghai and other hot destinations such as, Singapore, Bangkok, London, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Rome, Hawaii, Moscow, Zurich, Hong Kong, Taipei, etc.

Also, people from other popular cities (regions) can take the flights that run once to several times a week to Shanghai, and these places includes Prague, Madrid, Boston, Bombay, etc.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Flights Shanghai Pudong International Airport Flights Map

2. Domestic Flights

Shanghai Pudong Airport has flights covering more than 60 domestic cities, including Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, Guiyang, Kunming, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Nanjing, Wuhan, Xiamen, Zhengzhou, Qingdao, Lijiang, Lanzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Urumqi, Sanya, Harbin, Yibin, Hohhot, Luzhou, Baoshan, Beihai, Changchun, Dalian, Chifeng, Diqing, Fuzhou, Haikou, Handan, Hefei, Huaian, Huangyan, Jinan, Lianyungang, Lincang, Longyan, Luxi, Mianyang, Jinzhou, Nanchang, Nanning, Jieyang, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, Simao, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Wuyishan, Xining, Xuzhou, Yantai, Yinchuan, Zhaotong, Zhuhai, Weihai, Tsitsihar, etc.

Advantages of Flying to/from Shanghai Pudong International Airport

1.If you want to fly to Shanghai from overseas cities, Pudong Airport offers more international flights than Hongqiao Airport.

2.Pudong International Airport is closer to Shanghai Disney Resort.

Flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport China Eastern Flight at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Location & Transfer

Shanghai Pudong Airport is located at the harbor belt in Shanghai Pudong New Area and is about 45 km to downtown area, which takes about 1 hour’s drive. There are various transportation ways you can take to transfer to downtown and tourists attractions in Shanghai, including the Maglev Train, metro, airport shuttle bus, taxi, city bus, Rapid Transit System, long-distance coach, etc.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Shanghai Pudong International Airport Location Map

By China Discovery’s Private Transfer (Most Recommended)

Travel with us, you can enjoy most time-saving and worry-free transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to you hotel in downtown and any sightseeing spot you want to visit. We will pick you up after arrival, and send you to the airport, escort you wall the way during your trip by a comfortable, clean, licensed private vehicle. You don’t need to worry about your luggage, communication problem and sense of direction. Just make use of our tour service to relax and enjoy a hassle-free Shanghai tour. Compared to public transportation costing more time and inconvenience, our private transfer is high recommended for you.

Check more about How to Transer from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Shanghai City Center >>

China Discovery' Worry-free Private Transfer China Discovery' Worry-free Private Transfer

By Shanghai Maglev Train

The Maglev Train is the fastest operational high speed train in the world with a top speed of 431 km/h. It runs between Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road in southeast suburb, cuts the 30-km travel to only 8 minutes. If you will get from/to Pudong Airport from downtown area, you can try the real flying speed, a superb modern technology that you have no chance to experience in other Chinese cities. (Ordinary One-way Ticket: RMB 50)

Longyang Road Station - Pudong International Airport Station: departs between 06:45-21:40

Pudong International Airport Station - Longyang Road Station: departs between 07:02-21:42

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Shanghai Maglev Train

By Shanghai Metro

Shanghai Metro Line 2 can take you to downtown from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and in the opposite direction. You can get on Line 2 at Shanghai Honqqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Terminal 2, Zhongshan Park Station, Jing’an Temple Station, West Nanjing Road Station, Lujiazui Station, Longyang Road Station.

▶ Read more about Shanghai Metro Lines

By Airport Shuttle Bus

You can take free shuttle bus (Mass Rapid Transit) to commute between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Besides, there are over 10 airport shuttle bus lines running between Pudong International Airport and downtown Shanghai from early morning to late night. If you take Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1, available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 during about 07:00-23:00, you can get to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station directly.

By Taxi

City Taxis can be easily found after walking out the Arrival Hall. You can take a taxi to transfer to where you want in Shanghai, which is more convenient and of course more costly than other ways. It is the best option when you land in Shanghai quite late and want to rest in a nearby hotel quickly.

By Long-distance Coach

If you are going to transfer to other nearby cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, Jiaxing (to see Wuzhen and Xitang water towns), Kunshan (to enjoy Zhouzhuang Water Town), Wuxi, etc., you can take the airport long-distance coach in Shanghai Pudong Airport. Check the destinations, departing time and hours we selected for you at below.

DestinationDeparting TimeEstimated Hours
HangzhouAbout every 1 hour (8:40-21:00)3 hours
SuzhouAbout every 30 mins to 1 hour (9:20-21:00)2.5 hours
WuxiAbout every 1.5 hours (08:30-21:05)3 hours
JiaxingAbout every 1.5 hours (10:20-20:20)2.5 hours
KunshanAbout every 1-1.5 hours (08:30-20:45)2 hours

Note: The above long-distance coach information about Shanghai Pudong International Airport is provided for your reference only. If you have any questions about the transportation in Pudong Airport, please contact our Travel Consultant!

Useful Shanghai Pudong International Airport Flight Travel Tips

1. Arrival Procedure

Domestic Arrivals

Gate Arrival – Domestic Arrival Access – Luggage Claim – Arrival Hall

International Arrivals

Gate Arrival – International Arrival Access – Inspection & Quarantine –Immigration – Luggage Claim – Customs – Arrival Hall

2. Departure Procedure

Domestic Departures

  • Check-in: find check-in counter via flight information display system or terminal guide sign;
  • Security-check: Please prepare your boarding pass, valid certificate for security check;
  • Boarding: after security check, you can go to the corresponding lounge in accordance with the boarding gate indicated in your boarding pass.

International Departures

  • Check-in: find check-in counter via flight information display system or terminal guide sign;
  • Inspection & Quarantine
  • Customs
  • Immigration Inspection
  • Security Check: Please prepare your boarding pass, valid certificate for security check;
  • Boarding: after security check, you can go to the corresponding lounge in accordance with the boarding gate indicated in your boarding pass.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal - Terminal 1 Departure Click to Enlarge the Terminal 1 Departure Process Diagram
Pudong Airport Terminal - Terminal 2 Departure Click to Enlarge the Terminal 2 Departure Process Diagram

3. Check-in Time

The check-in time of flight is usually closed 45 minutes before the departure time, and it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance for about 2 hours.

Note: To board on the flight smoothly, it is suggested make sure about the airline and terminal of your flight while booking and reach the airport in advance to get your flight ticket and check in.

4. Luggage Restriction

Domestic Flights

First Class passengers can have 2 pieces of carry-on luggage, and Business Class and Economy Class passengers with only 1 piece. Every piece of luggage shall be no more than 20*40*55 cm and the total weight shall be under 5 kg.

International Flights

Usually, every piece of carry-on luggage shall be no more than 20*40*55 cm and the total weight shall be under 7 kg.

Different airlines have slight differences in the regulation of baggage allowance, and there are also difference between the domestic flight and international flight. For more details, you can check the Baggage Allowance for Entry & Exit China and What to Pack for China Travel!

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai: March to May (in spring) & September to November (in autumn), because these periods offer beautiful nature scenery and comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

Top Attractions to Visit in Shanghai: The Bund, Lujiazui Skyscrapers, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road, Shanghai Disney Resort…

Best known as an international popular tourist destination, Shanghai perfectly preserves mixed culture of the western and eastern. The duration and theme of your Shanghai tour can be flexibly arranged based on your time and interests. Usually, tourists spend 2 days on sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund, Yu Garden, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, Wukang Road, Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park or visit Zhujiajiao Water Town in the suburb. Don't miss the Shanghai Maglev Train, wonderful nightlife and Shanghai Cuisine.

✔ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
✔ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
✔ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

Travel Shanghai with Hangzhou Suzhou, More Nearby Destinations

Convenient transportation makes it quite efficient and popular to make day trips from Shanghai to Hangzhou, Suzhou, and longer vacation in Huangshan Mountain, Nanjing, Mount Jiuhua and other places in surrounding areas. So you can visit West Lake and learn Chinese tea culture in Hangzhou, marvel at tasteful classical gardens and witness Chinese silk productive process. Splendid rocky mountains with exotic pine trees are highlights in Huangshan Mountain.

✔ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
✔ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train
✔ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train

Travel Shanghai with Beijing, Xian & More China Destinations

Beijing Xian Shanghai are golden triangle cities often visited together for a week holiday. You can use 3 days to visit the Great Wall and major iconic spots like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and leave 2 days for fulfilling your Terracotta Warriors tour in Xian. With more time, you can extend the trip from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Yunnan, Silk Road, Tibet and more phenomenal destinations to enrich your China discovery. (more top China tours from Shanghai >>)

✔ 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train
✔ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai)
✔ 7 Days Shanghai Suzhou Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train

Travel with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

Recommended Shanghai Tours

Top 3 Shanghai tours chosen by most customers to explore Shanghai in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip

Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

Entry from New Zealand
Why am I having insurmountable trouble with my 144 hour application?
2019-11-05 00:11
Hello Jack,
Did you mean you have difficulty in finishing the online application of Shanghai 144 Hour Visa Free Transit? If yes, don’t worry, you can directly apply at Pudong Airport on site after arrival. If not for this problem, please let us know, so we can give more advice!
Have a good day!
Best Regards,
change donations
are there coin change donation facilities in PVG#2?
2017-08-10 13:38
Dear Schoch,

Thanks for your message. I am sorry to tell you there are no coin change donation facilities in PVG. But you can try to change coins at the convenience stores in the airport.

Have a question? Get answers from our travel experts or guests

  • Your Question:
  • Your Name:
  • Your Email:
  • Submit