Airport · PVG
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai (Pudong), China
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IATA
PVG
ICAO
ZSPD
Continent
Asia
Country
China
Transport
Getting To & From Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is located roughly 30 kilometers east of downtown Shanghai. Travelers can choose from several transit modes: the high-speed Maglev train, which connects the airport to Longyang Road Station in roughly 8 minutes (single fare about CNY 50, roughly US$7); Metro Line 2, which offers an economical link to the city center taking about an hour; the Airport Link Line, a commuter rail line that also links Pudong with Hongqiao Airport in about 40 minutes; licensed airport taxis available outside designated terminal gates (costing approximately 150–250 CNY, about US$21 to US$35, depending on destination; the official guide gives about CNY 180 to People's Square, with a 45-to-90-minute travel time); and various local or long-distance airport shuttle buses.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
PVG operates via two primary passenger terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), complemented by satellite concourses S1 and S2. Terminal 1 handles a mix of domestic and select international or budget operations, while Terminal 2 heavily accommodates international flights, SkyTeam carriers, and Air China. Passengers can transfer between T1 and T2 either by walking through the inter-terminal corridor on Level 2F (taking about 10 minutes) or by utilizing the free terminal shuttle bus operating frequently between the two buildings.
Hours of Operation
Shanghai Pudong International Airport operates 24 hours daily, though specific airline check-in counters and domestic retail services scale down overnight.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Power Bank Regulations: Chinese aviation authorities strictly enforce safety rules regarding lithium batteries. Power banks must be carried in hand luggage and are strictly forbidden in checked baggage.
- Connectivity: Free airport Wi-Fi requires a Chinese mobile number for SMS verification, though dedicated passcode printing kiosks are available post-security for international travelers. Keep in mind local internet restrictions apply.
- Inter-Airport Transfers: If your journey requires a transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), budget a minimum of 4 to 5 hours, as the two facilities sit on opposite sides of the massive metropolitan area.
- Check-in Deadlines: International check-in desks typically close strictly 60 minutes before scheduled departure. Arrive at least 3 hours ahead for international flights due to thorough security and exit screening procedures.
Comfort
Lounges
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) features several alliance- and independent-access lounges distributed across Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the central Satellite Concourse (S1/S2). For Priority Pass and multi-program cardholders, key options include VIP Lounge 39 in Terminal 1, VIP Lounge 69 in Terminal 2, and VIP Lounge 135 located within Satellite Terminal 1. Airline-specific spaces are heavily anchored by home carrier China Eastern Airlines, which operates major hubs including the China Eastern No. 36 Lounge in Terminal 1 (primarily for SkyTeam elites) and the expansive China Eastern No. 77 Lounge in Terminal 2. Note that overnight transit options directly inside Terminal 1 are limited; travelers stuck landside overnight with T1 lounge access often need to walk across to Terminal 2 or use daytime satellite facilities.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
The airport provides free terminal-wide wireless internet access via the open network SSID #AIRPORTPVG-FREE-WIFI (or Airport-Pvg-Free-WiFi). Connecting requires authentication via an SMS verification code sent to global mobile numbers (supported across more than 220 countries) or by scanning your passport at dedicated self-service Wi-Fi ticket kiosks located near information desks. Travelers should keep in mind that mainland China’s strict internet firewall applies to the airport network, meaning services like Google, YouTube, and Western social media require an active VPN. Power charging availability is reasonably comprehensive, with standard two/three-hole electrical outlets alongside USB charging ports integrated into gate seating banks and food court counters throughout T1, T2, and the satellite concourses.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Dining options at PVG span a mix of international fast-food chains, local Shanghainese quick-service spots, and casual Asian eateries, though selections can feel sparse depending on your specific concourse. Standard staples like Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald's are widely available across both main terminals and satellite halls. For travelers seeking sit-down or regional choices before security or in main public zones, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 house outlets such as Tai Hing and Tsui Wah for Hong Kong-style comfort dishes and Cantonese noodles, alongside specialized local noodle counters. Newer additions include localized cafe outlets like O'mills, though many international travelers note that fast-food mainstays or pre-security food courts remain the most reliable bets for a quick meal.
Driving In
Parking
PVG operates two multi-storey short-to-medium-term structures—P1 (serving Terminal 1) and P2 (serving Terminal 2)—situated directly in the central transport hub between the two main terminal buildings. For longer stays, the airport utilizes the remote P4 Long-Term Parking Garage, which is linked to the terminals via a 24-hour free shuttle bus service. The first 20 minutes are free in P1, P2 and P4. Rates change and sources disagree on the hourly and daily caps, so check the airport's parking page for current prices.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
Accommodation options directly connected to or immediately surrounding the airport vary from multi-day transit hubs to major international brands. The Dazhong Airport Hotel is physically located right on-site between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, making it the most convenient choice within walking distance of check-in counters. Within a short shuttle ride or extended walk along Yingbin Avenue are upper-scale options like the Hyatt Regency Shanghai Pudong Airport and the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport, the latter of which frequently accommodates park-and-fly drivers. Additional nearby mid-scale choices offering scheduled airport shuttle transfers include the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport and the Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport.
Sources: Shanghai Airport Authority Official Portal, Wikivoyage Shanghai Pudong International Airport Guide, Priority Pass PVG Lounges, Shanghai Airport Group Official Site, China Airline Travel PVG Guides