Lois Larson
Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of two airports serving Shanghai, and it offers a range of amenities and facilities for travellers with layovers. Depending on the length of your layover, you may be able to leave the airport and explore Shanghai. A minimum layover of 6 hours is recommended for leaving the airport, as the journey to the city centre takes about an hour each way. If you have a long layover, you can visit nearby attractions such as Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, the Bund, and Nanjing Road. For an overnight layover, you can explore Shanghai's nightlife and take a cruise on the Huangpu River. However, if you have a shorter layover or prefer to stay near the airport, there are hotels, restaurants, and shops within the airport or a short distance away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should I leave the airport during a layover? | It is not recommended to leave the airport if your layover is less than 6 hours or if it is at night. |
| What to do if I have a long layover? | You can explore Shanghai's nightlife, enjoy the city's skyline at the Bund or from the top of a skyscraper, take a cruise on the Huangpu River, shop along Nanjing Road, watch an acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World, or relax in a bar at Xintiandi. |
| How to get to Shanghai from the airport? | The journey between the airport and Shanghai urban area takes about 1 hour by high-speed Maglev train, metro, or bus. A taxi may take longer due to heavy traffic. |
| How much time should I allocate for the trip? | It is recommended to set aside 2-3 hours for the trip to and from the airport, and 2 hours for boarding procedures. |
| Are there any visa requirements? | Citizens from 53 countries/regions, including Schengen Agreement countries, several European and American countries, Asian countries, and Australia and New Zealand, are eligible for the visa-free transit policy for up to 144 hours or 10 days. |
| Are there any recommended hotels near the airport? | There is an hourly rate hotel inside Terminal 2, and several other hotels within a few minutes' drive, including the JW Marriott, which has a pool. |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai Pudong Airport facilities
Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of two airports serving Shanghai. It is a sprawling and modern airport with a range of facilities and amenities for travellers with layovers.
The airport has five dozen eateries, including multiple outposts of popular chains like Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh, as well as cafes and Western options. There are also a few 24-hour Starbucks and Burger King outlets. Many travellers report expensive prices, even at fast-food kiosks, so it is recommended to be prepared. For those seeking a more comprehensive layover experience, several airport lounges are available for all travellers, including Economy Class flyers who can pay to enter. These lounges offer unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, newspapers, magazines, and a comfortable, quieter atmosphere, with some even providing shower facilities.
Shanghai Pudong Airport also features a dedicated shopping area in both terminals, with duty-free zones offering Chinese goods, alcohol, and makeup at discounted prices. Terminal 2 has a Qitai Tea Shop for souvenirs, and international boutiques for browsing. Additional services include a manicure and pedicure salon, mobile charging stations, luggage storage, and nearby airport hotels for longer layovers.
For those with longer layovers, such as 8 hours or more, it is recommended to explore Shanghai and its attractions. Public transit options include the high-speed Maglev train, metro, or bus, with travel times of up to 90 minutes one-way, or taxis which may encounter heavy traffic. Notable places to visit in Shanghai include Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, The Bund, People's Square, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Bazaar, and the Huangpu River Cruise. For those with young children, there are acrobatic shows, a nature preserve/zoo, Disney, parks, an aquarium, museums, and an observatory.
It is important to note that some travellers have reported being unable to leave the airport during their layover due to unforeseen circumstances, such as protests. Therefore, it is advisable to have a backup plan and ensure you have sufficient time to return to the airport before your next flight.
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Transport options to and from the airport
If you have a long layover at Shanghai Pudong Airport and want to leave the airport, there are several transport options to get you into the city.
Firstly, there is a free shuttle bus service that connects the airport's two main terminals, T1 and T2. The shuttle bus also connects the airport's satellite terminals, S1 and S2, to the main terminals. If you want to venture further, there are local bus lines that serve the airport, with Line 1 and Line 8 being the most frequent and convenient. The total journey time from the airport to downtown Shanghai is around 80 minutes, and the cost is an average of €3 (CNY 22) one-way. The bus network is fairly complicated, so be sure to double-check the bus number and route before embarking.
You can also take the metro, with Line 2 running from the airport to downtown Shanghai. There is a metro station at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; follow the signs for ground transportation and then walk to the platform with the sign for Line 2. The metro is a quick option if you are travelling during rush hour, but you will need to change trains at either Guanglan Rd or Longyang Rd station to get into the city centre. The total journey time is 65 minutes, and the cost is €1.50 (CNY 7) one-way.
Another option is to take the Maglev train, which is the world's first commercial maglev line. This train is faster than the metro by 20 minutes but is more expensive. The Maglev train also does not run directly to the city centre, terminating at Longyang Rd station, so you will need to change to Metro Line 2 to continue your journey.
Finally, you can take a taxi from the airport to the city centre. This is the most expensive option, costing around €24 (CNY 170) during the day and €26.50 (CNY 190) at night. Taxis can also be difficult to come by in Shanghai, with potential waiting times of 30 minutes or more. However, if you are travelling with a large group or a lot of luggage, it may be a good idea to rent a car with a driver and English-speaking tour guide through a travel agency.
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Visa requirements for leaving the airport
If you are a citizen of one of the 53 countries/regions eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, you may leave Shanghai Pudong Airport during your layover to visit the city. These countries include:
- 24 Schengen Agreement Countries (e.g. Austria, Denmark, France, Germany)
- 15 other European countries (e.g. Russia, the UK, Ireland)
- 6 American countries (e.g. the USA, Canada)
- 6 Asian countries (e.g. Korea, Japan, Singapore)
- Australia and New Zealand
On arrival at Shanghai Pudong Airport, eligible passengers need to apply for the visa-free transit, and a valid passport and departing air ticket to a third country or region will be checked.
If you are a national U.S. citizen transiting through Shanghai Pudong Airport and staying in Shanghai for less than 48 hours, a transit visa is not required. However, you will need a valid passport, a visa for your target country, and confirmed city-by-city airplane tickets.
It is important to note that a layover of less than 6 hours is generally considered too short to leave the airport, as you need to account for travel time to and from the airport, as well as boarding procedures. Additionally, if your layover is at night, it is recommended to stay at the airport or at a nearby hotel, as there is limited public transport and fewer attractions open.
If you have a longer layover of 8 hours or more during the daytime, you can explore Shanghai and visit popular attractions such as Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the Huangpu River Cruise. For an overnight layover, you can experience Shanghai's nightlife and enjoy the city's skyline from the Bund or a skyscraper.
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Recommended layover duration for leaving the airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of China's "layover cities", making it one of the main arrival/departure cities in the country. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges. However, the airport lacks world-class amenities, and some travellers have complained about the lack of comfortable seating and limited dining options.
If you are considering leaving the airport during your layover, it is important to consider the duration of your layover and the time of day. If your layover is less than 6 hours or occurs at night, it is recommended to stay at the airport. This is because you need to account for travel time to and from the airport, as well as boarding procedures. The journey between the airport and Shanghai's urban area takes about 1 hour via public transit, and up to 90 minutes by taxi, so it is recommended to have at least 8 hours before your next flight if you plan to leave the airport.
If you have a longer layover during the daytime, you can consider visiting some of Shanghai's attractions. Popular options include the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, People's Square, and Huangpu River Cruise. You can also explore areas outside of downtown Shanghai, such as Shanghai Disneyland Park or the ancient towns of Qibao and Fengjing.
It is important to note that Shanghai offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travellers from certain countries, allowing visa-free entry for up to 10 days. However, eligible passengers need to apply for this upon arrival at the airport.
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Attractions near Shanghai Pudong Airport
If you have a long layover at Shanghai Pudong Airport, you might want to leave the airport and explore the city. However, it is important to note that you should have at least an 8-hour layover to be able to do this, as it can take up to 90 minutes one-way to get to the city by public transit or taxi.
Shanghai is a fantastic city with lots of attractions to visit. Here are some places you can visit during your layover:
- Huangpu River : Take a cruise on the Huangpu River to see the city from a different perspective.
- Shanghai Disneyland : If you are travelling with children, this is a great option to keep them entertained.
- Shanghai Wild Animal Park : Located 8.2 miles from Pudong Airport, this park is home to a variety of animals and is a great option for families.
- Yuyuan Garden : A beautiful and serene garden located in the heart of Shanghai.
- The Bund : This popular tourist destination offers stunning views of the city and is home to many restaurants and bars.
- Oriental Pearl Tower : This iconic tower offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
- Shanghai World Financial Center : Another great option for breathtaking views of the city.
- Shanghai Museum : Learn about the history and culture of Shanghai at this renowned museum.
- Jade Buddha Temple : This Buddhist temple is a peaceful and serene place to visit and is located near the airport.
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Town : Explore the ancient town of Zhujiajiao, with its historic architecture and charming canals.
If you decide to stay at the airport, there are still plenty of things to do to keep yourself entertained. Pudong Airport has a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges. You can also take advantage of the free unlimited WiFi, although you will need a Chinese phone number to get the access code.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Pudong Airport during a layover. However, it is recommended that you have at least a 6-hour layover to be able to go out and come back in time for your next flight.
It takes about 1 hour to get to Shanghai's urban area from the airport. You can take the high-speed Maglev train, metro, bus, or taxi.
Shanghai has many attractions, including the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Huangpu River cruises, and Shanghai Disneyland.
Yes, there are several hotels located within a few minutes' drive from the airport, and one is within walking distance. There is also an hourly rate hotel inside Terminal 2.
If you have an overnight layover, you can explore Shanghai's nightlife. You can visit bars at Tianzifang or Xintiandi, or take a cruise on the Huangpu River to see the city's skyline.
