One of the major airports of the world, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is a light-filled architectural wonder. It services the city of Shanghai, the largest city in China.
As with much of the work of architect Paul Andreu, it was created to make a nod to flying with incredible natural light streaming in from windows all around. I particularly love the roof, which is shaped like wings, and also the fact that this airport is so easily accessible from right down in the busy and fabulous Bund area of the city.
Getting to and from Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Remember that to drive in China (and even to rent a car) you need a travel agency to get you a special permission permit. Keep that in mind in case you had visions of driving around China from Pudong airport.
If you do end up renting a car, all the major car rental companies are right in the terminal buildings and you can follow the signs to find them. There is a giant parking garage right across from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Subway and fast train to the airport
The Maglev fast train is my top pick for getting from Shanghai to Pudong International Airport Station. It takes approximately 8 minutes and runs every 15 minutes during peak hours (before 19:02), switching to every 20 minutes in the evening, though you’ll pay slightly more than other options.
If you’re on a tight budget, Line 2 subway connects the airport to People’s Square for very little cost. The trade-off is time, so I’d still recommend the Maglev for most travelers.
Taking a bus to the airport
With the potential language barrier, I find the buses harder to navigate in China, but there are several airport buses all running from downtown to the airport, including Airport Lines 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, and the Pudong Hub Line. Travel times vary by route, with most taking around 60-80 minutes, though the Pudong Hub Line 1 takes just 30 minutes.
Taxi to the airport
There is excessive traffic all over Shanghai, so a taxi is great to be able to see the city on your way in, it can also take an hour or more. The airport has a big taxi stand as you walk out of the terminal. The Terminal 1 taxi pick-up point is outside Arrivals Gate 12, and the Terminal 2 pick-up point is outside Arrival Gate 25. Both are 24-hour services.
How to navigate Shanghai Pudong International Airport
PVG is big but manageable once you know the lay of the land. Here’s what you need to know about getting around.
Terminals
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has two terminals with different airline assignments. Terminal 1 handles both domestic and international flights, while Terminal 2 serves China Eastern, Air China, and Star Alliance member airlines such as Singapore Airlines.
Terminal 1 is a 3-story building with domestic arrivals on level 1, international arrivals on level 2, and departures on level 3. Terminal 2 is a satellite building nearby. You can walk between them in 10 minutes or take the free shuttle bus.
Wi-Fi at the airport
PVG offers free Wi-Fi under the network name “#AirportPVG-Free-WiFi”, but you’ll need a mobile phone number to get the access code via SMS on your device. Without one, you can scan your passport or ID at a self-service kiosk to print an access code.
These machines are available in both domestic and international departure areas (such as near Gates 8, 18, and 20) as well as in international arrivals (near Gate 19 and border inspection). Keep in mind the Wi-Fi here isn’t secure, so avoid sensitive transactions.
Banking and postage
As a major international airport, PVG has all your banking needs covered, including ATMs throughout the terminals and currency exchanges. Post office services are also available on the premises.
Info and help
There is a great English-speaking info desk at Terminal 2 in the arrivals hall, and another in Terminal 1 opposite Gate 8. For most needs, this is the first place I would go. If your need is medical, go to Terminal 1 next to departure Gate 1 or, in Terminal 2, the arrival hall of building B.
Medical issues are harder here because of a potential language barrier, but I have used this very facility and I was properly helped in English.
Luggage storage
I love airports that can store my luggage as I go explore a country. This is especially helpful in China, where I am constantly climbing on small flights to the western region or heading to Mongolia.
At PVG you can securely store your luggage for 2 months and they just require your boarding pass and passport to reserve, along with a small fee. There are a few of these facilities around the airport, including in the Terminal 1 departures hall between Gates 4 and 5. There’s another in Terminal 2 near the exit of the arrivals hall.
Business center
My favorite amenity at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is an oldschool one. There is a business center, complete with faxes, copy machines, and telephones. It feels like a blast from the past and is buzzing with businesspeople in suits with attaché cases.
I have had some fabulous conversations here, so pop in at the Terminal 1 arrivals area or Terminal 2 departures counter on island B.
Dining and shopping at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Because this is a giant airport, the dining scene is totally overwhelming. But in a good way – so many choices. I’m usually coming to the airport after eating all of my favorite foods in Shanghai so I’m not often hungry, but it has everything you might desire.
The airport has all the American chains, like Burger King and Starbucks alongside Chinese favorites like Chatime, Chez Choux, Yonghe King and more. These are all open 24 hours, every day.
There are also a few very cool restaurants I love like Hui Lau Shan, near boarding Gate D71, where you can have some fabulous Hong Kong desserts, like the custard flan tart I usually take home for my husband.
They really take dutyfree very seriously here, so you can check out the selection at both terminals. There are also fantastic Family Mart convenience stores that sell everything from Chinese toothpaste to local chocolate. I love looking at all the brands and snacks I’ve never seen before.
Premium amenities and lounges
As a frequent Shanghai traveler, I spend most of my lounge time at the VIP Lounge 170. It has everything I need to work and maybe even take a nap. It’s in Satellite Terminal 2 (S2), accessible from Terminal 2 via MRT, on Level 4 near Gate 170 in the International Departures area. It’s not quite like the newer airport lounges, but it’s solid and gets the job done.
There’s nothing I love more than treating myself to a pedicure while in transit. In Terminal 2 there is a little place called Yongqi that is open every day and worth spending time in. It’s on the third floor and easy to find.
Unique features and special services
Visa on arrival
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the entry points for China’s visa-free transit policies, which allow eligible international travelers from certain countries up to 144 hours of visa-free entry (be sure to check the latest rules with China’s National Immigration Administration as these can change). This means you can use a long layover to head out on the Maglev and see a bit of Shanghai. You can even pop into the Shanghai Museum with just a couple of spare hours.
Photo booths
Besides hunting around for the great art throughout the terminals, there’s another fun way to occupy your time. There’s a photo booth that’s probably for passport photos, but you can also make funny faces and grab a fun picture with a friend. You can find it in the departure hall of Terminal 2. Just remember you’ll probably need cash for this activity.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
