Shanghai Pudong International Airport Guide (PVG) – Shanghai

Airport Overview

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is China's busiest airport and one of the world's busiest international aviation hubs, handling approximately 76 million passengers annually before the pandemic and consistently ranking as China's top international gateway. Located approximately 30 km east of Shanghai's city center in the Pudong New Area, the airport serves as the primary hub for China Eastern Airlines (SkyTeam) and a major hub for Shanghai Airlines, with comprehensive connections throughout Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. PVG is particularly significant for cargo, handling the world's second or third largest cargo volume. The airport is also notable for hosting the world's first commercial Maglev (magnetic levitation) train service, connecting the terminal to the city at 431 km/h.

Terminals

Shanghai Pudong Airport has two main terminal buildings:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handles international flights for China Eastern Airlines and SkyTeam partners including Air France, KLM, Delta, Korean Air, and other foreign carriers. The original terminal opened in 1999. Features comprehensive shopping and dining with Pudong area views.
• Terminal 2 (T2): A newer, larger terminal handling China Eastern domestic routes, other domestic Chinese carriers, and some international airlines. Also handles cargo transfer operations. Connected to T1 via the free Airport Shuttle Bus (approximately 20 minutes).

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout Pudong Airport under the network "PVG Free WiFi". A Chinese mobile number is typically required for full free access via SMS verification. International visitors can use the paid WiFi zone (available via credit card) or purchase a Chinese SIM card at the airport. As with all Chinese airports, VPN use is recommended (pre-downloaded) to access blocked Western services including Google, WhatsApp, and social media platforms. Download your VPN app before entering China.

Transport to City Center

Maglev Train (Shanghai Maglev)

The world's first operational high-speed Maglev connects PVG to Longyang Road station in Pudong in just 7–8 minutes at a top speed of 431 km/h, making it one of the most thrilling airport-to-city connections on earth. Fares are 50 CNY (single) or 40 CNY (with same-day flight ticket). Trains run every 15–20 minutes from approximately 07:00 to 21:30. From Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 for onward connections to Nanjing Road (city center), People's Square, and Hongqiao Airport/Station.

Metro Line 2

Metro Line 2 connects directly from both PVG terminals to central Shanghai (People's Square, Nanjing Road) and continues to Hongqiao Airport and Railway Station. The journey from the airport to People's Square takes approximately 60–70 minutes with multiple stops. Fares are 7–8 CNY (approximately €1). The metro runs from approximately 05:45 to 23:00. It is the most economical transport option for travelers on a budget.

Taxi and Rideshare

Metered taxis depart from designated taxi ranks outside arrivals at both terminals. Fares to central Shanghai (the Bund, People's Square) are approximately 130–180 CNY (€15–20) plus expressway tolls of 20–30 CNY. Journey time is 45–75 minutes depending on traffic. DiDi is the recommended rideshare app for China and is widely available at PVG.

Airport Lounges

• China Eastern First Class Lounge (Terminal 1 Airside): The flagship lounge for China Eastern First Class and SkyTeam Elite Plus members, featuring Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine, dim sum cart service, premium baijiu and international wines, and spa shower suites with premium amenities.
• China Eastern Business Lounge (Terminal 1 and T2): Multiple lounge locations for Business Class and SkyTeam Elite members, with extensive Chinese-international buffets and premium bar service.
• Air France/KLM Lounge (Terminal 1): For SkyTeam Business Class passengers on Air France and KLM flights, with European-Chinese fusion refreshments and comfortable seating.
• Dragon Lounge (Priority Pass, Terminal 1): An independent lounge accessible with Priority Pass near the T1 departure gates, offering Chinese dim sum, hot dishes, noodle stations, and premium Chinese tea service.
• Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge (Terminal 1): For Asiana Business Class and Star Alliance Gold members on Asiana flights, with Korean and international cuisine options.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Ramada by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport: A 4-star hotel directly adjacent to the terminal buildings with covered walkway access. Offers 458 rooms, an indoor pool, and multiple dining options — the most convenient on-site accommodation.
• Novotel Shanghai Clover: Located 3 km from the airport in the Pudong free trade zone, offering reliable 4-star facilities with shuttle service.
• Holiday Inn Express Pudong Airport: A comfortable mid-range option 5 km from PVG with complimentary shuttle and breakfast included in select rates.
• Hilton Shanghai Pudong Airport: A full-service 5-star hotel 4 km from the terminals with extensive conference facilities and Shanghainese restaurant, popular with business travelers.
• Shanghai Pudong Airport Marriott Hotel: Located within the airport commercial zone with a free shuttle, offering contemporary rooms and a spa — ideal for long layovers or pre-flight relaxation.

Food and Restaurants

• Din Tai Fung (Terminal 2 Airside): The world-renowned Taiwanese dim sum brand famous for its perfect xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) — an absolute must for food lovers departing from PVG.
• Shanghai Gong Delin Vegetarian (T1 Airside): A historic Shanghai institution founded in 1922, serving exquisite Buddhist vegetarian cuisine including mock meats and traditional Shanghainese dishes.
• Starbucks (Multiple Locations): Available in both terminals with China-exclusive beverages including cold brew variations and seasonal Lunar New Year specials.
• Papa John's and Subway: Western fast food options available for familiar comfort food pre-flight.
• Sheng Yong Xing (Crab Restaurants): During hairy crab season (September–November), several airside restaurants serve the celebrated Shanghai dazha crab — a legendary local delicacy.
• Bread Talk Bakery: A Southeast Asian bakery chain serving freshly baked bread, pineapple buns, and floss buns — popular throughout Asian airports.

Travel Tips

• Ride the Maglev at least once — it's a genuinely thrilling 7-minute experience at 431 km/h and one of the world's most remarkable airport transport links. Take photos of the speedometer display in the carriage.
• Download a VPN (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill) before arriving in China to access Google Maps, WhatsApp, and other blocked services during your stay.
• China Eastern handles a huge proportion of PVG traffic — their SkyTeam partnerships mean excellent connections for Air France/KLM and Delta passengers transiting through Shanghai.
• Shanghai's 144-hour transit visa exemption allows eligible nationalities to explore the city during long layovers without obtaining a standard Chinese visa — check eligibility before your trip.
• Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are Shanghai's signature dish — the Din Tai Fung airside branch and other soup dumpling restaurants at PVG offer authentic versions comparable to the city's best restaurants.
• WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential payment apps in China — international visitors can link foreign credit cards to WeChat Pay's international version for cashless payments throughout Shanghai.
• Shanghai's Bund waterfront, Yu Garden, and French Concession are ideal for a 144-hour visa-free layover — all are 50–70 minutes from PVG via Maglev and Metro.