Ruth Haines
Shanghai is one of the main arrival and departure cities for China, with direct flights to over 60 cities worldwide. It is a popular layover city, and if you have a long layover in Shanghai, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport. The answer depends on the length of your layover and your nationality. If you have less than a 6-hour layover, it is not recommended to leave the airport, as you will not have much time for sightseeing. However, if you have a layover of 6 hours or more, you are recommended to leave the airport and explore Shanghai. Shanghai offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, which allows travellers from 53 eligible countries to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 144 hours. To leave the airport, you will need to go through immigration and get the TWOV stamp in your passport. You can then take the maglev train, which travels at a speed of 430 km per hour, to the city centre in just 7-8 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 6 hours |
| Transport from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city | Maglev train, metro, taxi, or private transfer |
| Time taken to reach the city from the airport | 1 hour, 1.5-2 hours during rush hours |
| Transport cost to the city | 50 yuan for a single trip, 80 yuan for a round trip |
| Visa requirements | 144-hour visa-free transit for eligible citizens of 53 countries |
| Areas allowed to visit | Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other 144h entry/exit ports |
| Things to do during a layover | Visit the Bund, Nanjing Road, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, People's Square, etc. |
| Currency | Chinese currency (RMB or Yuan) |
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What You'll Learn
- Shanghai's 144-hour visa-free policy applies to citizens of 53 countries
- The city is accessible via the world's fastest train
- You need at least a 6-hour layover to leave the airport
- International credit cards are not widely accepted in China
- It's recommended to stay at the airport if your layover is at night
Shanghai's 144-hour visa-free policy applies to citizens of 53 countries
Shanghai is one of China's 'layover cities', with one of the country's most important airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This makes Shanghai a common gateway city for visitors to China.
Shanghai offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, which allows eligible travellers to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 144 hours (6 days). This policy has been extended to 240 hours (10 days) as of December 17, 2024. This policy applies to citizens of 53 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe. Eligible citizens can leave the airport and enter Shanghai, providing they have a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country or region within 144 or 240 hours, depending on the current policy.
It is important to note that this policy does not cover all of China. It only applies to specific cities or regions, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region and the Yangtze River Delta, which includes Shanghai, Jiangsu province, and Zhejiang province. Travellers are not allowed to leave the specified region during their stay.
If you have a long layover in Shanghai, it is recommended to take a train from the airport to Longyang Road Station, and from there, transfer to Metro Line 2 or 7 to reach central Shanghai. The journey takes around 40 minutes to an hour. A single trip costs 50 yuan, and a round trip costs 80 yuan.
With a layover of 6 hours or less, it is not recommended to leave the airport, as the time spent travelling to and from the airport, as well as completing boarding procedures, would leave very little time for sightseeing. However, with a longer layover, there are many attractions to visit in Shanghai, including the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, and the Huangpu River.
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The city is accessible via the world's fastest train
Shanghai is one of China's layover cities, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport serving as one of the country's main arrival/departure points. The airport offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, allowing travellers to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. Citizens from 53 countries are eligible for this policy, including Schengen Agreement countries, several European countries, some American and Asian countries, and Australia and New Zealand.
If your layover in Shanghai is less than 6 hours, it is not recommended to leave the airport. However, if you have a longer layover, you can take a high-speed train into the city. The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Shanghai Transrapid, is the world's fastest commercial train, with peak speeds of 431 km/h (268 mph). The train connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station in under 7.5 minutes, from where you can transfer to Metro Line 2 or 7 to reach central Shanghai.
The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway also offers the world's fastest operating conventional train services, with the CRH express service reaching a top speed of 350 km/h (220 mph). This line also holds the record for the fastest non-maglev train in China, with a CRH380BL train reaching 487.3 km/h (302.8 mph) during a testing run.
With a long layover in Shanghai, you can explore various attractions in the city, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, and the Huangpu River. However, it is important to plan your time efficiently, considering the travel time between the airport and the city, as well as boarding procedures.
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You need at least a 6-hour layover to leave the airport
Shanghai is one of China's main arrival and departure cities, and it is a popular layover city, with direct flights to over 60 cities worldwide. If you have a layover of at least 6 hours in Shanghai, you can leave the airport and explore the city. However, if your layover is less than 6 hours, it is not recommended to leave the airport, as you will have very little time for sightseeing.
Shanghai municipality offers the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, which allows travellers to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. Citizens from 53 countries/regions, including 24 Schengen Agreement Countries, 15 other European countries, 6 American countries, 6 Asian countries, and Australia and New Zealand, are eligible for this visa-free policy. To take advantage of this policy, eligible passengers need to apply for the visa-free transit and have a valid passport and departing air ticket to a third country or region.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have some Chinese currency, as international credit cards are not widely accepted in China. Second, be prepared for the travel time between the airport and the city centre, which can take about one hour by train or taxi. The train is a more affordable option, costing 50 yuan for a single trip and 80 yuan for a round trip, while a one-way trip to the city centre by taxi will cost around 180 to 200 yuan.
With a 6-hour layover, you will have about 2 hours for sightseeing. Some popular attractions in Shanghai include the Bund, Nanjing Road, People's Square, Yuyuan Garden, and the Huangpu River. If you have a longer layover, you may be able to explore more of the city or even take a day tour.
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International credit cards are not widely accepted in China
If you have a long layover in Shanghai, you may be able to leave the airport and visit the city. The length of your layover and the time of day will be key factors in deciding whether to venture out. If your layover is less than 6 hours, it is not recommended to leave the airport. This is because you need to set aside 2-3 hours for travelling to and from the airport, as well as 2 hours for boarding procedures.
If you have an 8-hour layover during the day, you may want to consider a half-day city tour. You'll have around 3-4 hours for sightseeing. The Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, and Xintiandi are some of the top attractions in the city. If you have a 12-hour layover during the day, you can opt for a full-day tour and visit additional attractions.
Shanghai is one of China's "layover cities", offering a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy. This allows eligible citizens from 53 countries/regions to stay in Shanghai for up to 144 hours without a visa. To take advantage of this policy, you need to apply for the visa-free transit upon arrival at Shanghai Airport, and you must have a valid passport and a departing air ticket to a third country or region. It's important to note that during your stay, you are not allowed to leave the specified greater Shanghai area, which includes nearby cities like Hangzhou.
Now, regarding your query about international credit cards, it is important to note that while China has made efforts to increase the acceptance of foreign cards and cash, you may still encounter challenges when using international credit cards in the country. Here are some key points to consider:
- Mobile Payment Systems: China predominantly uses mobile payment systems such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These apps have become the norm for payments and are widely accepted across the country. You can set up these apps before your trip and link your foreign credit cards to make payments.
- Card Networks: Major international payment processing networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay are now widely accepted throughout mainland China. You may encounter varying levels of acceptance depending on the merchant, with some bigger malls, foreign restaurants, and hotels being more likely to accept these card networks.
- Cash: While it is not advisable to rely solely on cash, it is always a good idea to carry some local currency as a backup. By law, shops are required to accept cash, so it can be a useful alternative if your card or mobile payment methods encounter issues.
- Alternative Cards: If you plan to stay for an extended period or make frequent trips to China, consider getting a local UnionPay card. This is the most widely used card issuer in China, and you can obtain one by opening a local bank account. Additionally, you can explore options like prepaid Visa or Mastercard, which may be more readily accepted.
- Transaction Fees and Charges: Be mindful of foreign transaction fees and other charges associated with using your international credit cards in China. These fees can add up, so it may be worth considering cards specifically designed for travel that waive these fees.
In summary, while international credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in China, it is always a good idea to have multiple options available, including mobile payment systems, cash, and cards from major networks like Visa and Mastercard. By being prepared and understanding the local payment landscape, you can ensure a smoother travel experience during your long layover in Shanghai.
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It's recommended to stay at the airport if your layover is at night
If you have a long layover in Shanghai, it is recommended to stay at the airport if your layover is at night. This is because there is limited public transportation available, and many attractions may be closed.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers various amenities to keep you occupied during your stay. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges. You can surf the internet, try local snacks, purchase souvenirs, or simply rest in one of the airport lounges.
If you do choose to venture out, it's important to consider the time required for transportation and boarding procedures. A round trip between the airport and the Shanghai urban area can take about two hours, leaving you with less time to explore the city. Additionally, you may need to set aside a few hours for boarding procedures, depending on your specific situation.
To make your overnight stay at the airport more comfortable, consider the following tips:
- Look for airport lounges or sleeping pods that you can rent for a few hours or the night. Some airports offer nap seats with covers, while larger pods may include a bed, workspace, private bathroom, and TV.
- Keep essential items like snacks, water, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a travel-size bottle of moisturizer or lotion with you.
- Fully charge your electronic devices, and keep an eye out for power sources to recharge if needed.
- Pack a wrap or a lightweight item that can double as a blanket or a pillow.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Shanghai airport on a long layover. If your layover is less than 6 hours, it is not recommended as you will only have 2-3 hours for sightseeing. If your layover is at night, it is also recommended that you stay at the airport or a hotel nearby.
The maglev train from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station takes 7-8 minutes. From there, you can transfer to Metro Line 2 or 7 to central Shanghai, which takes an additional 20 minutes. The whole journey takes about 1 hour.
Shanghai complies with the 144-hour visa-free policy. Travellers from 53 eligible countries can visit Shanghai for up to 144 hours without a visa. If you are staying longer than 24 hours, you will need to apply for a visa.
Some popular attractions in Shanghai include the Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road, and People's Square.
