A 2026 Guide to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), one of the top ten largest airports in the world and the undisputed gateway to China’s financial capital, is considered a monument to modern aviation. 

Handling tens of millions of passengers annually and ranking among the world’s busiest cargo airports, PVG plays a vital role as a junction between East and West. 

As Shanghai Pudong International continues to expand its aviation infrastructure, the airport’s terminals, processing systems, and passenger experience continue to evolve for modern needs.

Whether you’re arriving for business in Lujiazui, beginning your Shanghai holiday, or simply transiting through, this guide covers everything you need to navigate Shanghai’s Pudong Airport with ease.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport at a Glance

• Location: Pudong New Area, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Shanghai city center.

• Terminals: Two main terminals (T1 and T2) connect to the immense Satellite Hall (S1 and S2) through an automated people mover.

• Transport: Maglev (high-speed train), Metro Line 2, airport buses, and chauffeur services.

• Parking: P1, P2 (Short-term/Daily), P4 (Long-term/Economy).

• Lounges: China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge (No. 77), Air China Lounge, Cathay Pacific Lounge, Emirates Lounge.

• Shops: Sunrise Duty-Free, Shanghai Tang, ICICLE, Chow Tai Fook, various luxury boutiques.

• Restaurants: Hope Kawee, Ajisen Ramen, Starbucks, Yang’s Dumplings, various international and Shanghainese cuisine.

• Nearby hotels: Da Zhong Airport Hotel (on-site), Hyatt Regency Shanghai Pudong Airport, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham.

• Amenities: 144-hour visa-free transit counters, stations, art galleries, and sleeping pods.

Where is Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

PVG is located in the eastern Pudong district, well outside the city center, making transport planning a crucial part of any journey.

Address: 6000 Yingbin Blvd, Pudong, Shanghai, China

Phone: +86 21 96990

How to get to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Maglev Train

The Shanghai Maglev Train is the most iconic way to reach the airport. Running between Longyang Road Metro Station and PVG, it cruises at about 300 km/h, can reach up to 430 km/h, and generally completes the journey in about 8 minutes.

• Fare: Approximately 50 RMB one way

• Discount: Reduced fares are often available for passengers with same-day flight tickets

While incredibly fast, the Maglev only connects to Longyang Road, meaning most travelers will still need a metro, taxi, or car transfer to reach their final destination.

Metro Line 2 (Green Line)

For a more economical option, Metro Line 2 connects the Shanghai airport directly with major Shanghai locations like the People’s Square, Nanjing Road, and Jing’an Temple.

• Travel time: Approximately 60 to 90 minutes to central Shanghai

• Fare: Typically between 3 and 9 RMB ($0.43 - $1.29 US), depending on distance

Some services require passengers to change trains at Guanglan Road to continue to or from the airport.

Airport Bus

Dedicated airport bus routes connect PVG with major transport hubs, including Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, and key city districts.

• Fare: Generally between 15 and 30 RMB ($2.15 - $4.30 US)

• Note: Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions

Blacklane For the most reliable and comfortable option, many travelers choose a professional chauffeur service such as Blacklane. 

Door-to-door transport eliminates public transit transfers, language barriers, and unpredictable travel times, making it ideal for business travelers or those arriving after long-haul flights.

Shanghai Airport parking

PVG offers extensive parking facilities equipped with license-plate recognition and mobile payment systems. 

Short-Term and Daily Parking (P1 & P2)

• Location: Directly opposite Terminal 1 (P1) and Terminal 2 (P2)

• Best for: Short stays and business trips

• Features: Covered parking with direct walkway access to terminals

Long-Term / Economy Parking (P4)

• Best for: Extended trips

• Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle service operates 24/7 between P4 and terminals

• Rates: Significantly lower than short-term garages

Valet Parking

Valet services are available at the departure levels of both terminals, allowing for quick vehicle drop-off before check-in.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport terminal overview

Shanghai airport is designed with an "H" shaped layout, with the satellite concourse positioned between the two main terminals. 

• Terminal 1 (T1): This terminal mainly serves China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and select international carriers. It was recently renovated to improve passenger flow and facilities.

• Terminal 2 (T2): This newer and larger terminal is home to Star Alliance and Oneworld airlines, along with major international carriers.

• Satellite Hall (S1 and S2): The H-shaped Satellite Hall is one of the world's largest single-building satellite terminals, connecting to T1 and T2 through an automated people mover. It handles a large share of international departures and arrivals and features premium retail, dining, and expanded seating areas

Airlines flying out of Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East, with over 80 airlines operating at the airport.

These include:

• China Eastern Airlines (hub carrier)

• Air China

• Delta Air Lines

• United Airlines

• Lufthansa

• Singapore Airlines

• Emirates

• Cathay Pacific

• British Airways

• ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Lounges at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

To escape the bustling crowds of the terminal, travelers can retreat to one of Pudong’s range of airline and pay-per-use lounges across terminals and the satellite concourse.

Whether you’re looking to freshen up between long-haul flights or find a quiet space to finalize work, these lounges provide a relaxing and sophisticated transit experience.

These include: 

• China Eastern No. 77 VIP Lounge: Located in S1, this is a flagship SkyTeam lounge featuring a noodle bar, showers, and terrace views.

• Air China Business Class Lounge: Located in T2 and S2, offering traditional Chinese tea service and extensive buffet options.

• Cathay Pacific Lounge: Renowned for its "Noodle Bar" and high-end design, located in T2.

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Available to all passengers for a fee, located in both T1 and T2.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport restaurants

No Shanghai guide would be complete without highlighting the city’s world-renowned culinary heritage. Savor authentic regional flavors before your departure with the globally acclaimed Din Tai Fung in Terminal 1, a must-visit for its Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), a staple of the region that has earned the restaurant international prestige. 

For those seeking a more comprehensive taste of the city’s history, the Old Shanghai Restaurant, also located in Terminal 1, offers a refined setting to savor traditional Shanghainese dishes. 

From rich braised pork to delicate seasonal specialties, there are many fine establishments at Shanghai airport to ensure that your final meal in the city is as memorable as your stay.

• Yang’s Dumplings: A local favorite for Shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), located in the T2 public area.

• Hope Kaweh: Excellent for Southeast Asian cuisine and high-quality coffee.

• Ajisen Ramen: Reliable and quick Japanese ramen, found in both terminals.

• Tai Hing Restaurant: A great selection of Hong Kong style BBQ

• Starbucks Reserve: Multiple locations, including a high-end Reserve outlet in T2.

Shopping at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Widely regarded as a global leader in travel retail, Shanghai Pudong is home to the Sunrise Duty Free, famous for offering some of the most competitive prices in the world on premium cosmetics and fragrances.

Beyond duty-free essentials, the airport features flagship-style boutiques from iconic houses like Hermès and Louis Vuitton, alongside local powerhouses like Shanghai Tang and ICICLE that showcase modern Chinese design.

• Sunrise Duty-Free: Renowned for competitive pricing on perfumes, cosmetics, and tobacco

• Luxury boutiques: Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès operate large airport stores

• Local brands: Shanghai Tang, ICICLE, and Chow Tai Fook showcase modern Chinese design and craftsmanship

• Exclusive pop-ups: Keep an eye out for 2026-exclusive temporary stores, such as the Pokémon Center pop-up near Gate D73 and the Palace Museum gift station, which offer limited-edition collectibles.

Note on Customs’ alcohol allowance: When browsing Shanghai Pudong’s duty-free, remember that adult passengers are typically allowed to bring in up to 1.5 liters of alcohol (above 12% ABV) and 400 cigarettes duty-free. 

Be sure to keep any of these purchases in sealed Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs) with the receipt visible.

Hotels near Shanghai Pudong International Airport

For late arrivals or early departures, staying at the airport saves significant travel time from the city.

• Da Zhong Airport Hotel: The most convenient option, located directly between T1 and T2 above the Maglev/Metro station.

• Hyatt Regency Shanghai Pudong Airport: A luxury option opened in recent years, offering premium rooms and a short shuttle ride to the terminal.

• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham: A reliable mid-range choice with frequent complimentary shuttle service.

Amenities at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

• Digital Currency (e-CNY): Many merchants now accept China’s digital currency, with kiosks available to help foreigners set up temporary wallets.

• Wi-Fi Kiosks: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available, though it requires a Chinese phone number or a passport scan at a kiosk to receive a code.

• Arts and culture: The art wall in the Satellite Hall features rotating exhibitions from local museums. Be sure to visit the indoor garden and the aviation museum!

Transit Policies

PVG offers 144-hour visa-free transit for eligible passengers, though China has been rolling out a 240-hour policy in some cases. Shanghai airport has dedicated counters for eligible travelers to process their stay permits without a prior visa.

Visa policies should always be checked for the current validity period, eligible nationalities, and disembarkation conditions.

The best way to get to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Navigating a megacity like Shanghai can be challenging, especially after a long flight or when traveling on a tight schedule. While the Maglev and Metro are efficient, they often require additional transfers and walking, and that’s not to mention language barrier challenges.

For a truly seamless experience, booking a professional Blacklane chauffeur service offers door-to-door comfort and reliability. Your driver meets you at arrivals with a personalized sign, assists with luggage, and ensures a smooth journey through Shanghai traffic, allowing you to relax from terminal to destination.

Book Now