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You have two choices when flying into Shanghai: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). They sit 50 kilometers apart, and picking the wrong one can cost you an extra hour and ¥200 in taxi fare. Here is how to choose the right airport and the best way to reach your hotel without getting scammed.
Quick Answer
Which Shanghai airport should I fly into?
Direct answer: Choose Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic flights and short-haul international routes to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Choose Pudong (PVG) for all long-haul international flights. SHA is 13 kilometers from the city center; PVG is 45 kilometers away.
What is the fastest way from Pudong Airport to downtown?
Direct answer: Take the Maglev train to Longyang Road Station (8 minutes, ¥50), then transfer to Metro Line 2 for another 20-25 minutes to People's Square. Total time: about 35-40 minutes. Total cost: about ¥56-60.
What is the best way from Hongqiao Airport to the city center?
Direct answer: Take Metro Line 10. It runs directly to Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road East, and Xintiandi. The ride takes 20-35 minutes and costs ¥3-6. No traffic, no scams, no fuss.
How do I transfer between Pudong and Hongqiao airports?
Direct answer: Take the Airport Link Line (shiyu jichang xian). It runs directly between SHA T2 and PVG in 40-45 minutes for ¥26. This is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than any other option.
Quick Decision Table
| Option | Basic facts | Best for | Avoid if | Main advantage | Trade-off/risk | Queue/booking/detail | TripChina recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go: Hongqiao (SHA) | 13 km from city center; Metro Line 10 to tourist areas; handles domestic & short-haul international (Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) | Solo travelers, families, anyone with a choice; connecting to high-speed rail at Hongqiao Railway Station | You have a long-haul international flight (Europe, Americas, Australia, Middle East, Africa) | Closest to city; compact; Metro Line 10 is "tourist gold line" | T1 and T2 are separate; if you arrive at the wrong terminal, allow 30 min to transfer | Metro from SHA T2: walk to B1, 5 min; taxi queue outside Gates 3 or 4; Airport Link Line at B1 | Best overall choice if you can book it |
| Go: Pudong (PVG) | 45 km from city center; serves all long-haul international flights; Maglev train available | Long-haul international travelers; solo travelers wanting speed (Maglev); families/groups (taxi cost-effective per person) | You have a domestic flight or short-haul international; you arrive after 22:00 without a night bus plan | Only airport for long-haul routes; Maglev is unique 8-min ride at 431 km/h | Far from city; metro stops around 22:00; H Gates satellite concourse requires extra time | Maglev: ¥50 (¥40 with flight ticket), 06:45-21:40, every 15-20 min; taxi queue at PVG T2: elevator to 1F, Gate 26; night bus from 23:00 | Only worth it for long-haul international flights |
| Go only if: Transfer between PVG and SHA | Airport Link Line runs directly between SHA T2 and PVG in 40-45 min for ¥26 | Anyone needing to switch airports | You expect Airport Bus Line 1 or 9 (suspended Nov 15, 2025) | Fastest, cheapest, most reliable transfer option | Old bus options are gone; Metro Line 2 is slow (1 hr 40 min) and crowded; taxi costs ¥200+ and can take 1.5 hr | Airport Link Line at SHA T2: walk 200 m past metro security check at B1 | Take the Airport Link Line |
TripChina Verdict
Best overall choice: Hongqiao (SHA). It is closer to the city, connected to the high-speed rail station, and Metro Line 10 takes you directly to Shanghai's main tourist areas. Pudong (PVG) is only worth it for long-haul international flights. If you have a choice, book SHA.
From Hongqiao (SHA) to Your Hotel: The Easy Way
Hongqiao is the airport you want. It is compact, efficient, and connected to everything.
Metro Line 10 is your best friend. Locals call it the "tourist gold line" for good reason. It runs directly to Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road East, Xintiandi, and the Shanghai Library area. The ride from SHA T2 to Nanjing Road East takes about 30 minutes and costs around ¥5. No traffic, no surge pricing, no haggling.
To reach the metro from SHA T2: After you collect your luggage, take the escalator or elevator down to B1. Walk about 5 minutes following the metro signs. You will find the entrance to both Metro Line 10 and Line 2.
Taxi is the backup plan. A ride from SHA to People's Square costs ¥40-100 and takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. This is a reasonable option for groups of three or more, or if you have heavy luggage. Use the official taxi queue outside Gates 3 or 4 on the arrivals level. Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal.
If you are catching a high-speed train: SHA T2 connects directly to Hongqiao Railway Station. Walk about 500 meters (10 minutes) following the signs for the railway station. You can also take the free shuttle bus for ¥10 if you prefer not to walk.
One warning about SHA T1: Terminal 1 handles a small number of international flights, mainly Spring Airlines and Xiamen Air. T1 and T2 are separate buildings. If you arrive at the wrong terminal, take Metro Line 10 one stop (¥3) or the free shuttle bus. Allow at least 30 minutes for this transfer.
From Pudong (PVG) to Your Hotel: The Strategic Guide
Pudong is huge, far, and can be overwhelming. Your transport choice depends on your budget, arrival time, and how much luggage you carry.
Scenario A: Solo traveler, light luggage, want speed
Take the Maglev train. It reaches 431 kilometers per hour and covers the distance to Longyang Road Station in 8 minutes. The push-back feeling at full speed is like a jet fighter takeoff, Germans and Japanese tourists come to Shanghai just to ride it.
The standard fare is ¥50, or ¥40 if you show your flight ticket or use a Shanghai Public Transport Card. A VIP ticket costs ¥100 for a guaranteed seat. The Maglev runs from about 06:45 to 21:40, with trains every 15-20 minutes.
The catch: The Maglev ends at Longyang Road. You still need to transfer to Metro Line 2, 7, or 16 to reach the city center. From Longyang Road to People's Square on Line 2 takes another 20-25 minutes. Total time from PVG to People's Square: about 35-40 minutes. Total cost: about ¥56-60.
TripChina recommendation: Take the Maglev if you are a solo traveler with light luggage and want a unique experience. Skip it if you have heavy luggage or are traveling in a group, the transfer at Longyang Road is awkward with suitcases.
Scenario B: Budget traveler, heavy luggage, don't mind time
Take Metro Line 2. It runs directly from PVG to People's Square in 65-70 minutes and costs ¥6-10. This is the cheapest option and requires no transfers if you are heading to the city center.
The downside: Metro Line 2 is extremely crowded during peak hours (08:00-09:30 and 17:30-19:00). Navigating with luggage during these times is difficult. The last train from PVG departs around 22:00, do not go to the metro station after this time.
TripChina recommendation: Take Metro Line 2 if you are on a tight budget and arrive during off-peak hours. Avoid it during rush hour and after 21:30.
Scenario C: Group or family, want door-to-door
Take an official taxi or ride-hail. A taxi from PVG to People's Square costs ¥180-220 during the day and ¥230-280 at night. The ride takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. An additional toll of ¥10-20 may apply.
To find the official taxi queue at PVG T2: From the 2F arrivals exits, take the elevator down to 1F and exit through Gate 26. Do not accept rides from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal.
TripChina recommendation: Taxis are the best option for families and groups of three or more. The cost per person is reasonable, and you avoid the hassle of dragging luggage through the metro.
Scenario D: Late night arrival (after 22:00)
Take the overnight shuttle bus (shouhang yexiao xian). It runs from PVG to the city center from 23:00 until the last flight lands. The fare is ¥18-34, and the ride takes about 80 minutes.
Important: This bus is one-way only. You can only board at the airport. Subsequent stops are for alighting only.
Alternatively, use a ride-hail app like Didi. The cost will be higher than a daytime taxi, but it is still safer than accepting a ride from an unlicensed driver.
TripChina recommendation: The night bus is a lifesaver for late arrivals. If you miss it, use Didi. Do not accept rides from drivers who approach you in the arrival hall.
The Critical Transfer: PVG ↔ SHA
If you need to transfer between airports, the Airport Link Line is the clear winner. It runs directly between SHA T2 and PVG in 40-45 minutes and costs ¥26. The trains are clean, comfortable, and reliable.
How to find the Airport Link Line at SHA T2: From the B1 arrivals level, walk about 200 meters past the metro security check. Follow the signs for the Airport Link Line.
The old options are gone. Airport Bus Line 1 and Airport Bus Line 9 were permanently suspended on November 15, 2025 due to low ridership. Do not rely on them.
What about Metro Line 2? It connects both airports but takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. It is slow, crowded, and not worth the ¥8 fare.
What about taxis? A taxi between PVG and SHA costs over ¥200 and can take 1.5 hours or more in traffic. Avoid this option.
TripChina recommendation: Take the Airport Link Line. It is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable option for transferring between Shanghai's two airports.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Falling for the black car scam. Ignore anyone in the arrival hall shouting "Taxi? Cheap! " These are unlicensed drivers who will overcharge you 2-3 times or take you to a remote area. Only use the official taxi queue or a ride-hail app.
Confusing PVG and SHA. They are 50 kilometers apart. Always check your airport code before booking flights or arranging pickup.
Missing the last metro. Metro Line 2 from PVG stops around 22:00. If you arrive late, do not go to the metro station. Take the night bus or a taxi instead.
Using airport currency exchange counters. The rates are terrible and the fees are high. Use an ATM at the airport for the best exchange rate.
Arriving too late for your flight at PVG. The H Gates at the satellite concourse are extremely far from the main terminal. Even sprinters concede defeat. Leave at least 3 hours early for international flights from PVG.
Forgetting about SHA T2 gates T51-55. These gates are on a lower level and require a shuttle bus. If you have heavy luggage, check it in before heading to these gates.
Pro Tips & Hidden Gems
The SHA T2 employee canteen. On the 4th floor near Gate 10, you can eat a full meal for about ¥20. Just follow the airport staff and join the line. It feels like a fast-food counter, no pressure, no fuss.
The SHA T2 observation deck. Visit at dusk for dramatic views of the entire Hongqiao hub, planes, trains, and cars moving in parallel. It is a hidden gem that most travelers miss.
The PVG satellite hall. If you have time at PVG, take the shuttle train to the satellite concourse. It has panoramic windows perfect for plane spotting and a dynamic sculpture by a French artist.
Free airport bus for connecting flights. Passengers with a connecting flight on China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines between Hongqiao and Pudong can get a free ticket for Airport Bus Line 1. Visit the 318 service counter on the 3F departure level of SHA T2.
The PVG capsule hotel. In T2, you can rent a capsule for ¥35 per half hour, ¥65 per hour, or ¥299 for 6 hours plus 2 extra hours. It includes a bed and shower, better than sleeping on a bench.
Free showers at PVG. There are 24-hour free shower rooms with baby care facilities. The facilities are comparable to a hotel.
The 3-day metro pass. If you are staying in Shanghai for 3 or more days, buy a 3-day metro pass for ¥45. It gives you unlimited rides on all metro lines.
This article is part of the Shanghai Travel Guide Hub.
Explore all Shanghai travel guides here → Shanghai Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Shanghai airport is closer to the city center?
Hongqiao (SHA) is much closer. It is about 13-15 kilometers from People's Square, while Pudong (PVG) is about 45 kilometers away. A taxi from SHA takes 20-30 minutes; from PVG it takes 40-60 minutes.
How much is the Maglev train from Pudong Airport?
The standard fare is ¥50. You can get it for ¥40 if you show your flight ticket or use a Shanghai Public Transport Card. A VIP ticket costs ¥100 for a guaranteed seat. The ride takes 8 minutes to Longyang Road Station.
Is there a direct metro from Pudong Airport to People's Square?
Yes, Metro Line 2 runs directly from PVG to People's Square. The ride takes 65-70 minutes and costs ¥6-10. The last train from PVG departs around 22:00, so check the schedule if you arrive late.
What is the fastest way to transfer between Pudong and Hongqiao airports?
Take the Airport Link Line. It runs directly between SHA T2 and PVG in 40-45 minutes for ¥26. This is faster and cheaper than any other option. The old Airport Bus Line 1 and 9 were suspended in November 2025. Avoid taxis (over ¥200, up to 1.5 hours) and Metro Line 2 (1 hour 40 minutes, crowded).
Are there overnight buses from Shanghai airports?
Yes, the overnight shuttle bus (shouhang yexiao xian) runs from PVG to the city center from 23:00 until the last flight lands. The fare is ¥18-34. The bus is one-way only, you can only board at the airport. SHA does not have a dedicated overnight bus; use a taxi or Didi after metro hours.
I arrive at PVG after 22:00. What are my options if I miss the last metro?
If you arrive at PVG after 22:00, the metro has stopped running. Take the overnight shuttle bus (shouhang yexiao xian) from 23:00 until the last flight lands (¥18-34, about 80 minutes). Alternatively, use the ride-hail app Didi. Do not accept rides from unlicensed drivers who approach you in the arrival hall.
I have a connecting flight between PVG and SHA. How do I claim my free airport bus ticket?
Passengers with a connecting flight on China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines between Hongqiao and Pudong can get a free ticket for Airport Bus Line 1. Visit the 318 service counter on the 3F departure level of SHA T2. Note that Airport Bus Line 1 was permanently suspended on November 15, 2025, so this free ticket option may no longer be available. Instead, use the Airport Link Line (¥26, 40-45 minutes).
For more Shanghai travel tips, visit our Shanghai Travel Guide Hub.
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