Airport Overview
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is Shanghai's western airport, located approximately 13 km from People's Square in central Shanghai. It is one of two major airports serving Shanghai — the other being Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) — and focuses primarily on domestic routes with some short-haul international connections to nearby cities in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Hongqiao is one of China's busiest domestic hubs, handling around 40–45 million passengers annually.
The airport is integrated within the larger Hongqiao Transportation Hub, which combines the airport with the Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station — one of the busiest high-speed rail hubs in China — as well as a metro interchange and long-distance bus terminal. This makes SHA a major gateway for travelers connecting between air and China's high-speed rail network.
Terminals
Terminal 1 (T1) is the original terminal, now handling some domestic and Japan/South Korea flights primarily for Spring Airlines and other carriers. T1 is older and more compact than T2 but still functional with reasonable dining and retail options.
Terminal 2 (T2) opened in 2010 and is the primary terminal at SHA, handling the majority of domestic flights for China Eastern Airlines (its main hub carrier), China Southern, Air China, and most other carriers. T2 is directly connected to the Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station via an enclosed elevated walkway.
WiFi Availability
Free WiFi is available throughout SHA under the network "SHAIRPORT-WiFi" or "SHA-Free-WiFi." As at other Chinese airports, authentication typically requires a Chinese mobile number for SMS OTP verification. International travelers can try the WeChat login option or ask at information desks. Speeds are generally moderate. Paid premium WiFi is available from China Telecom and China Unicom service points in both terminals. SIM cards for domestic data are available at telecom counters in arrivals.
Transport to City Center
Shanghai Metro (Lines 2 and 10)
Metro Line 2 connects both T1 and T2 to the city center, reaching People's Square in approximately 40 minutes for CNY 6. This is the most cost-effective city transport option. Metro Line 10 connects SHA to the French Concession and Pudong areas. The metro station is below T2. Trains run from approximately 05:30 to 23:00.
Bus Services
Multiple airport shuttle bus lines serve hotels and transport hubs across Shanghai. Routes cover areas including Pudong, Lujiazui, and major hotels in Jing'an and Xuhui districts. Fares range from CNY 25–40. Journey times vary but are typically 45–90 minutes depending on destination and traffic.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis are available from designated ranks outside both terminals. The fare to downtown Shanghai (People's Square area) is approximately CNY 70–100 and takes 20–40 minutes. DiDi is the dominant rideshare platform; designated pick-up zones are marked. Traffic on the elevated highways can cause delays during morning and evening rush hours.
Airport Lounges
China Eastern MU Sky Club Lounge (T2, Domestic) — The primary lounge for China Eastern business class and SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus members. Features extensive hot buffet, congee, noodle stations, showers, and shower suites. One of the better domestic airport lounges in China.
China Eastern First Class Lounge (T2) — Exclusive first class lounge with premium dining, a la carte service, private suites, and a more curated experience for CZ and SkyTeam partners.
Air China VIP Lounge (T2) — Serves Air China business passengers and Star Alliance Gold members with hot food, drinks, and comfortable seating.
Spring Airlines Business Lounge (T1) — Lounge for Spring Airlines' paid business class passengers at T1, offering light refreshments and Wi-Fi.
No. 9 Lounge (T2) — An independently operated lounge accepting Priority Pass and pay-per-use entry, serving domestic travelers with hot dishes and beverages.
Hotels Near the Airport
Wanda Reign Shanghai (Hongqiao) — A luxury hotel approximately 10 minutes from T2 in the Hongqiao business district, offering lavish suites, a spa, and fine dining with excellent transport links.
Marriott Courtyard Shanghai Hongqiao — A comfortable mid-range business hotel a short drive from SHA, offering a pool, meeting rooms, and multiple dining options.
Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao — A well-regarded AccorHotels property near the airport with free shuttle service, featuring a pool, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao — A modern Hilton property approximately 5 minutes from T2, popular with business travelers for its meeting facilities and reliable connectivity.
Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao — An IHG property offering comfortable rooms at mid-range prices with a free airport shuttle and 24-hour dining.
Food and Restaurants
Crystal Jade (T2, Airside) — A well-known Singaporean-Chinese restaurant chain serving excellent Cantonese dim sum, roast meats, and Shanghainese classics in a bright dining room.
Shanghai Dumpling Kitchen (T2) — Specializes in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and sheng jian bao (pan-fried dumplings) — quintessential Shanghai street food in airport form.
McDonald's (T1 and T2) — Several locations throughout both terminals, popular for quick, familiar meals at any hour.
Starbucks (T2) — Multiple outlets serving the standard menu plus seasonal China-exclusive beverages.
Wonton House (T2, Domestic) — Authentic Shanghai-style wonton noodle soup and braised pork over rice — simple, satisfying Chinese comfort food.
Beard Papa's (T2) — Japanese cream puff chain popular across Asia, serving fresh pastry shells filled to order with vanilla custard or seasonal flavors.
Travel Tips
- If traveling onward to cities in the Yangtze River Delta (Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou), taking a high-speed train from Hongqiao HSR station inside the airport complex is often faster and more comfortable than flying.
- SHA primarily serves domestic routes — for international long-haul flights, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is the main international airport. Do not confuse the two.
- Metro Line 2 connects SHA to both central Shanghai and, if you continue east, Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) — useful for inter-airport transfers, though the journey takes about 80 minutes.
- The airport and HSR station complex is very large — allow 20–30 minutes to walk between the metro platforms and your departure gate.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential for payment in China; most shops and restaurants do not readily accept foreign cards. Set up a payment method linked to your Chinese contacts before traveling.
- A VPN is necessary to access Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps. Ensure it is installed and tested before entering China.
- Shanghai has a 144-hour (6-day) transit visa-free policy for citizens of 53 countries, allowing exploration of Shanghai and nearby cities without a full Chinese visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SHA (Hongqiao) and PVG (Pudong) airports?
SHA (Hongqiao) is closer to central Shanghai (13 km) and primarily handles domestic flights with some short-haul international routes. PVG (Pudong) is farther east (45 km) but handles all major long-haul international flights. For international arrivals from Europe, North America, or the Middle East, you will almost certainly land at PVG. For domestic connections within China, SHA is often more convenient.
Can I take the high-speed train from Hongqiao Airport?
Yes. Hongqiao Railway Station is directly connected to T2 via an enclosed walkway. High-speed trains depart frequently to Nanjing (1h), Suzhou (25 min), Hangzhou (45 min via Xiaoshan or Hangzhou East), and Beijing (5.5h). This is one of the most convenient air-rail connections in China.
How long does it take to get from SHA to central Shanghai?
By Metro Line 2, the journey to People's Square takes approximately 40 minutes for CNY 6. By taxi or DiDi, the journey takes 20–40 minutes and costs CNY 70–100, but can be significantly longer during peak traffic hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00).
How do I transfer from SHA to PVG airport?
The most practical option is Metro Line 2, which runs between both airports in approximately 80–90 minutes for CNY 6–7. Airport shuttle buses also operate between SHA and PVG for CNY 30. By taxi or DiDi, the journey takes 50–90 minutes depending on traffic. Allow at least 3 hours for a confirmed connection between the two airports.