Jazmin Li
Shanghai is one of China's layover cities, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport being one of the country's most important airports. The airport offers various amenities and services to keep passengers entertained during layovers, such as free Wi-Fi, restaurants, shops, lounges, children's play areas, and business facilities. Additionally, Shanghai has several visa-free policies, including 24-hour, 144-hour, 240-hour, and 30-day visa-free transit options. Depending on the length of the layover and visa eligibility, passengers may be able to leave the airport and explore nearby attractions, such as Nanjing Road and The Bund. However, it is important to consider the time required for travel to and from the airport, as well as boarding procedures, when planning a quick trip into the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying overnight in Shanghai Airport | Allowed by airport staff, but not very comfortable due to cold temperatures and noise. |
| Facilities | Free 5G Wi-Fi, restaurants, shops, airport lounges, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels. |
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Recommended only if you have at least 8 hours before your next flight. |
| Visa requirements | Citizens of 53 countries/regions can enjoy a visa-free policy for up to 144 hours. |
| Transportation to the city | Shanghai Maglev, metro, taxi, or private transfer. |
| Things to do during a layover | Visit The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Chocolate Happy Land, Yuyuan Bazaar, Huangpu River Cruise. |
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What You'll Learn
- Shanghai airport facilities: free WiFi, restaurants, shops, airport lounges, and more
- Nearby hotels: some within a 10-minute drive, others within the airport
- Visa requirements: citizens of 53 countries can enjoy a visa-free policy for up to 144 hours
- Transport options: high-speed Maglev train, metro, bus, or taxi
- Things to do in Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and more
Shanghai airport facilities: free WiFi, restaurants, shops, airport lounges, and more
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a modern, well-equipped airport with a variety of amenities and services. The airport is located about 30 kilometres from downtown Shanghai, and it is easily accessible by the Shanghai Maglev, metro, taxi, or private transfer. If you're planning to stay inside the airport, there are plenty of facilities to keep you comfortable and entertained. Here's an overview of what you can expect:
Free WiFi
Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers free 5G Wi-Fi throughout the airport. This means you can stay connected and surf the internet during your layover.
Restaurants and Eateries
The airport has a wide range of dining options, including local and international chains. You'll find multiple outlets of popular restaurants such as Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh. There are also cafes, Western options, and 24-hour establishments like Starbucks and Burger King.
Shops
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has a dedicated shopping area with a variety of shops. You can browse through convenience stores, international boutiques, and duty-free shops offering discounts on Chinese goods, alcohol, and makeup. If you're looking for souvenirs, Qitai Tea Shop is a great option for ready-to-travel items.
Airport Lounges
The airport features several VIP airport lounges, some of which provide basic business facilities. These lounges offer a quieter atmosphere, comfortable seating, and additional amenities like unlimited food and drinks, newspapers, magazines, and even shower facilities. You can pre-book a pass online or use a lounge membership program to gain entry.
Other Facilities
Shanghai Pudong International Airport also offers essential services such as banks, ATMs, information desks, ticketing counters, and post offices. There are medical rooms and facilities strategically located throughout the airport, as well as luggage storage options in both terminals. If you need to take care of business, there is a small business centre located between International and Domestic Arrivals, offering overseas telephone calls, fax machines, and internet access.
Overall, Shanghai Pudong International Airport provides a comprehensive range of facilities to cater to the needs of travellers during their time inside the airport.
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Nearby hotels: some within a 10-minute drive, others within the airport
If you're looking for a place to stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport, there are several hotels within a short drive or shuttle ride from the airport.
The New Knight Royal Hotel is a 15-minute drive or 20-minute taxi ride from Pudong International Airport. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport in the mornings between 4 am and 12:10 pm.
The Royal International Hotel Shanghai is another option, located just a 15-minute drive from Pudong International Airport. The hotel offers a variety of modern rooms with free wired internet.
If you're looking for a hotel even closer to the airport, the Junlai Hotel Pudong Airport Shanghai is located within Shanghai's Pudong District and offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, and free WiFi.
For those on a tighter budget, the Maixinge Boutique Hotel Chuansha Branch is a great option. It is located just a 5-minute stroll from Chuansha Subway Station (Line 2) and offers well-equipped guest rooms with free private parking and free WiFi.
It is recommended to stay at the airport if your layover in Shanghai is less than 6 hours or occurs at night. If you have a longer layover during the day, you can explore Shanghai and stay in a hotel downtown.
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Visa requirements: citizens of 53 countries can enjoy a visa-free policy for up to 144 hours
Shanghai has two major ports of entry for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Citizens from 53 countries can enjoy a visa-free policy for up to 144 hours, which has been extended to 240 hours (10 days) as of December 17, 2024.
To be eligible for the visa-free transit policy, you must hold a passport from one of the 53 countries, which include:
- 24 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- 15 other European countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania.
- 6 American countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.
- 6 Asian countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
- 2 other countries: Australia and New Zealand.
In addition to having a valid passport from one of the eligible countries, there are several other requirements that must be met to obtain the visa exemption. Firstly, you must present a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country or region within 240 hours of your arrival. This ticket must be purchased before entering China. Secondly, you must fill out a landing card for foreigners in transit upon your arrival in China and may be required to answer additional questions at immigration control. It is also important to note that you must enter and exit China from eligible ports and stay within the allowed cities and regions, which include Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and 23 other provinces.
To apply for the visa-free transit, you can inform the airline company when boarding that you will be applying for the visa-free transit in Shanghai. After landing, you should proceed to the waiting area and fill out an Arrival Card (blue version). Once completed, submit the Arrival Card at the specialized 240-Hour Visa-free desk and obtain a Temporary Entry Permit stamped on your passport. Remember to inform the officer if you do not want to use a China Visa that you already have. Finally, claim your luggage and proceed through customs and immigration inspections before beginning your layover tour in Shanghai.
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Transport options: high-speed Maglev train, metro, bus, or taxi
Shanghai has two major airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both airports offer a range of transport options for travellers to get into the city.
High-speed Maglev train
The Shanghai Maglev train is one of the fastest trains in the world, reaching speeds of up to 430kph. It takes just 7-8 minutes to travel from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station, where you can transfer to Metro Line 2 or 7 to central Shanghai. The train operates from 07:00–21:30 and costs 50 yuan for a single trip and 80 yuan for a round trip.
Metro
Both Pudong and Hongqiao airports are served by the Shanghai Metro. From Pudong Airport, you can take Metro Line 2 to key locations in downtown Shanghai, including Lujiazui, People's Square, and the Hongqiao transportation hub. The journey to central Shanghai typically takes about 59 minutes and costs approximately 7 CNY. The first train departs at 6:00 AM, and trains run until 10/11pm.
Hongqiao Airport is served by Metro Lines 10 and 2. From Terminal 1, you can take Line 10, and from Terminal 2, you can take Line 2 or 10. Trains run every 6-12 minutes between 5:35 and 22:50, and it takes about 35 minutes to reach People's Square.
Bus
There are several bus options available from both airports. Shuttle buses from Hongqiao Airport offer an affordable alternative to taxis and private transfers, with fares ranging from 2 to 6 RMB. The buses cover various routes, including a direct line to Shanghai Railway Station, and operate from early morning to late evening, departing every 15-30 minutes.
From Pudong International Airport, there are 10 airport bus lines to the city centre, costing 20-30 yuan, with journeys taking up to 1.5 hours. If you arrive late at night, the Night Bus is a recommended option, offering a cheaper alternative to taxis.
Taxi
Taxis are available at both airports and offer a direct and comfortable way to travel to the city centre. A taxi from Pudong International Airport to downtown will cost between 150 and 190 RMB and take approximately 45 minutes, while a taxi to People's Square will cost around 180 yuan and take about 50 minutes. Taxis are more expensive than other public transport options, and it's important to have your destination written in Chinese, as not all drivers speak English.
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Things to do in Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and more
Shanghai, the largest city in China, is a bustling economic and cultural hub with a plethora of attractions for visitors. While a 6-hour layover in Shanghai may be too short to explore the city, those with 8 to 24 hours can embark on a half-day or full-day tour. Here are some exciting things to do and places to visit in Shanghai, focusing on The Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road.
The Bund
The Bund, located along the Huangpu River, is a 1.5-kilometre stretch of colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. This iconic scenic spot boasts 52 classical buildings showcasing various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. Visitors can enjoy the contrasting views, dine at the restaurants, and capture stunning photographs. A Huangpu River cruise is a romantic way to experience The Bund, especially at night when the neon lights reflect off the water.
Yu Garden
Yu Garden, or Yuyuan Garden, is a classical Chinese garden built over 400 years ago. It features pavilions, rockeries, and ponds in the typical architectural style of South China gardens. The garden is located near The Bund and is known for its tranquil and beautiful environment. Visitors can explore the 40 points of interest within the garden, stroll along the Nine Turns Bridge, and shop at the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs and street food.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is a bustling shopping district stretching about 1,200 meters. It is lined with various shops, malls, and classic restaurants serving authentic local dishes. Visitors can explore the famous shopping street, indulge in some retail therapy, and enjoy delicious snacks in Shanghai's biggest food hall. Nanjing Road ends at The Bund, making it convenient to visit both attractions together.
Other Attractions
Shanghai offers a range of other attractions to explore, depending on your time and interests. These include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Old Street, People's Square, Yuyuan Bazaar, a Huangpu River Cruise, Shanghai Disneyland, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, and the historic Longhua Temple.
With efficient transportation options like the Shanghai Maglev, metro, and taxis, visitors can easily navigate Shanghai during their layover. It is important to plan your itinerary in advance and be mindful of the time required for airport procedures and transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay inside Shanghai Airport if you have a long layover. The airport staff do not seem to mind overnight campers, and there are plenty of benches to sleep on. However, the airport is reportedly not very comfortable, with travellers reporting that it can be cold and noisy.
Shanghai Pudong Airport provides complete facilities, including free 5G Wi-Fi, restaurants, shops, and lounges. There are also duty-free areas where you can purchase Chinese goods and discounts on alcohol and makeup.
Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover in Shanghai if you have at least 8 hours before your next flight. Citizens from 53 countries/regions are eligible for a 144-hour visa-free transit, which allows you to visit the city during your layover. However, it is important to plan your time well, as you will need to set aside time for transportation and boarding procedures.
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