Shanghai Pu Dong Airport (PVG) Flights & Flight Status

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.

Location of PVG

Just about 19 miles east of the city right on the coastline, Pudong is located in the best place for an airport. It’s just far enough to make it easy to reach without being on top of the city.

Driving to 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

For me the best way to get from Shanghai to Pudong International Airport Station is to hop on the fast train, the Maglev, which takes less than 10 minutes for a slightly higher cost. It runs every 15 minutes. You can instead take the line 2 subway that connects the airport to People’s Square. It is very inexpensive but takes an hour.

Taking a bus to the airport

With the language barrier, I find the buses harder to navigate in China, but there are at least 10 airport buses all running from downtown to the airport. They all take over an hour to get to the airport, though, so I would recommend just hopping the Maglev instead.

Taxi to the airport

There is excessive traffic all over Shanghai, so a taxi is great to be able to see the city as you come in, but it can also take an hour. The airport has a big taxi stand as you walk out of the terminal. The Terminal 1 taxi station is located outside Gate 12 and the Terminal 2 taxi stop is located outside Gate 25. They are both 24-hour services.

Terminals

Shanghai Pudong International Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is for both domestic and international flights, while Terminal 2 serves Air China and Star Alliance airline members.

Terminal one is a 3-story giant terminal 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 from one to the other in 10 minutes or hop on the free shuttle bus.

Banking and postage at PVG

It’s a major airport so it has all the banking desires you may have. This includes ATMs everywhere, currency exchanges and also some major banks. There are four full-service banks in the terminals. There are also two full-service post offices on premises – one in the domestic departures hall and one in the domestic departures concourse.

Spa time

There is nothing I love more than to treat 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.

Best lounge in Shanghai Pudong International Airport

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 is in Terminal 2 at Gate 170 on the international departures side of the airport. It is not quite like the fabulous lounges they have at some newer airports, but it is really good.

Visa on arrival

Shanghai Pudong International Airport allows visa-free entry for international travelers from certain countries and regions (check online as these change). This means you can use a long layover to head out using the fast Maglev train and go see a little bit of Shanghai. You can even pop into the Shanghai Museum with just a couple of spare hours.

Wi-Fi at the airport

There is free Wi-Fi at PVG and it is unlimited. You need a Chinese phone number to get the access code on your device, though. Without one, you need to go find a machine to print out an access code in order to connect, and these are only airside (post-security). You will see signs for these. Remember that Wi-Fi here is not secure.

Eating and drinking at PVG

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, but also has all the best Chinese chains, 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.

Lockers for luggage

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 old school 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.

Things for purchase at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

They really take duty free very seriously here, so you can check out the selection at both terminals. There are fantastic Family Mart convenience stores that sell everything from Chinese toothpaste to Chinese chocolate. I love looking at all the brands and snacks I have never seen before.

Info and help at PVG

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. But 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.

Photo fun at PVG

Besides hunting around and seeing all the great art throughout the terminals, there is another fun thing you can occupy your time with. There is a photo booth that is probably for passport photos, but you can also make funny faces and enjoy a fun photo with a friend. Find it in the departure hall of Terminal 2. Just remember you need cash for this fun activity.