Jazmin Li
Shanghai is a popular layover city, with direct flights to over 60 cities worldwide. If your layover in Shanghai is less than 6 hours, it is recommended that you stay at the airport. However, if you have a longer layover, you may want to exit the airport and explore the city. Shanghai municipality offers the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travellers, which allows you to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. Citizens from 53 countries/regions are eligible for this policy, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. To make the most of your time in Shanghai, it is recommended to store your luggage at the airport and use public transportation to get around.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 6 hours |
| Visa requirements | Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travelers from 53 countries for up to 144 hours |
| Travel time between airport and city | 1 hour |
| Transportation options | Maglev train, metro, taxi, private transfer services |
| Luggage storage | Five luggage deposit offices in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
| Recommended attractions for short layovers | The Bund, Nanjing Road, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi |
| Accommodations | Hotels near the airport or in downtown Shanghai |
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What You'll Learn
- Shanghai layovers under 6 hours: It is not recommended to leave the airport
- hour layover: You can explore Shanghai, but only for a couple of hours
- hour layover: You can take a half-day city tour
- hour layover: You can take a day tour and see more attractions
- hour visa-free policy: Citizens of 53 countries can visit Shanghai for up to 144 hours without a visa
Shanghai layovers under 6 hours: It is not recommended to leave the airport
Shanghai is one of China's "layover cities", with Shanghai Pudong International Airport being one of the country's most important airports. The airport is equipped with free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and duty-free shops, making it a convenient place to spend a short layover.
If your layover in Shanghai is less than 6 hours, it is not recommended to leave the airport. The time required to get from the airport to the city and back, as well as the boarding process, would significantly cut into your time for sightseeing. In fact, with a layover of this length, you would only have about 2 hours to explore the city.
However, if you have a longer layover, you may consider leaving the airport to visit some of Shanghai's top attractions. A layover of 8 to 12 hours would allow for a half-day city tour, while a longer layover of 12 to 24 hours could accommodate a full-day tour. The Bund, Nanjing Road, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, and Xintiandi are among the most popular places to visit during a short stay in Shanghai.
To make the most of your time, it is recommended to store your luggage at the airport and use public transportation to get around. Shanghai offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, allowing eligible travelers from 53 countries to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 144 hours. This policy enables you to explore the city without the hassle of obtaining a visa for short layovers.
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6-hour layover: You can explore Shanghai, but only for a couple of hours
If you have a 6-hour layover in Shanghai, you can leave the airport and explore the city, but you will only have a couple of hours for sightseeing. It takes about 1 hour to get to the urban area of Shanghai from the airport, and you should plan to get back to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight leaves to allow time for boarding procedures.
Shanghai offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, allowing citizens of 53-55 eligible countries to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 144 hours (6 days). These countries include most of Europe, several countries in Asia and the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. To be eligible, you must be travelling from one country to another via mainland China. You will need to apply for this visa-free transit on arrival at Shanghai airport, and you will need a valid passport and a departing air ticket to a third country or region.
If you decide to leave the airport, you can take the metro, the Maglev train, a bus, or a taxi to get to the inner city. The Maglev train is the fastest way to get into the city, travelling between Longyang Road and Shanghai Pudong International Airport in just 8 minutes. From Longyang Road, you can transfer to Metro Line 2 to get to the city centre. Metro Line 2 will also take you from Pudong Airport to downtown Shanghai, with stops at People's Square, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui.
If you only have a few hours in Shanghai, you may want to visit one or two small sites. Nanjing Road is Shanghai's premier pedestrian street for shopping and eating. The Bund is another must-see attraction, and it only takes about 20 minutes to walk the mile-long stretch. You could also take a cruise along the Huangpu River to see Shanghai's skyline.
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8-12 hour layover: You can take a half-day city tour
If you have an 8-12 hour layover in Shanghai, you can take a half-day city tour. However, it is important to note that you should only do this if your layover is during the day. If your layover falls at night, it is recommended that you stay at the airport or sleep in a nearby hotel.
Shanghai municipality offers the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travellers, which lets you visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. On arrival at Shanghai airport, eligible passengers need to apply for this visa-free transit, and a valid passport and departing air ticket to a third country or region will be checked. Citizens from 53 countries/regions are eligible to enjoy the visa-free policy, including 24 Schengen Agreement countries (e.g. Austria, Denmark, France, Germany), 15 other European countries (e.g. the UK, Russia, and Ireland), 6 American countries (e.g. the USA and Canada), 6 Asian countries (e.g. Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates), as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Assuming you have the correct visa, here is a sample itinerary for a half-day city tour:
- Nanjing Road: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport for around 70 minutes to East Nanjing Road Station. Walk eastwards for about 15 minutes to reach Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier pedestrian street for shopping and eating.
- The Bund: Walk for another 15 minutes to reach The Bund, a must-see landmark with colonial buildings and views of skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.
- Huangpu River Cruise: If time permits, you can take a cruise on the Huangpu River, the best way to see Shanghai's skyline.
- Yuyuan Garden: Take the metro to Yuyuan Garden Station, and stroll through this centuries-old garden in the southern Chinese style.
- Yuyuan Bazaar: Try local snacks and shop for souvenirs at the neighbouring Yuyuan Bazaar.
- Xintiandi: Take the metro to Xintiandi Station to discover world-famous fashion brands, creative shops, and restaurants in traditional Shikumen residences.
Remember to leave enough time to get back to the airport and board your next flight. It is recommended that you arrive at Pudong Airport 3.5 hours before your boarding time, and 3 hours before for Hongqiao Airport.
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12-24 hour layover: You can take a day tour and see more attractions
If you have a 12-24 hour layover in Shanghai, you can take a day tour and see more attractions. Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your time:
Planning and Preparation:
- It is recommended to leave your luggage at the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport has luggage storage facilities in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Exchange some local currency (RMB) at the airport. Currency exchange counters are available at the airport.
- If you need a visa, check if you are eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, which allows travellers to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days.
- Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your limited time.
Transportation:
- The Shanghai Maglev Train is the fastest way to get from the airport to the city centre, taking only 8 minutes to reach Longyang Road. From there, you can transfer to Metro Line 2.
- Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app to get around, but keep in mind that international credit cards are not widely accepted in Shanghai.
Attractions:
- The Bund: This is a must-see attraction in Shanghai, featuring colonial buildings, exotic architecture, the Huangpu River, and modern skyscrapers. You can stroll along the Bund, enjoy the views, and explore the nearby cafes and restaurants.
- Nanjing Road: Known as "the most bustling commercial street in China," Nanjing Road offers a mile-long stretch of unique architecture, shopping, and dining options.
- Yuyuan Garden: This is the only well-preserved classic garden in Shanghai, dating back over 400 years to the Ming Dynasty. It is a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
- Chenghuangmiao Old Street: Located near Yuyuan Garden, this popular scenic area offers a mix of sightseeing, dining, and shopping opportunities.
- Huangpu River Cruise: For a different perspective of Shanghai, take a cruise along the Huangpu River and admire the city's skyline.
- Shanghai Tower: As the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world, Shanghai Tower offers breathtaking views of the city from its 128th-floor observation deck.
- Zhujiajiao Water Town: If you want to escape the city, this ancient water town is just a 40-minute drive from Shanghai and offers a peaceful retreat with bridges, riverside walks, and rowing boats.
- Shanghai Disney Resort: If you are travelling with children, this unique Disney park combines classic attractions with Chinese elements, providing a fun-filled experience for the whole family.
Remember to consider travel time between attractions and leave enough time to return to the airport for your connecting flight. Enjoy your layover in Shanghai and make lasting memories!
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144-hour visa-free policy: Citizens of 53 countries can visit Shanghai for up to 144 hours without a visa
Shanghai is one of China's 'layover cities', with one of the country's most important airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The city offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travellers, allowing them to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 144 hours or 10 days, depending on the source. This policy has been extended to 240 hours for tourism, family visits, exchange visits, and business.
The 144-hour visa-free policy applies to citizens of 53 countries, including:
- 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
To be eligible for the visa-free policy, travellers must be going on to a third country or region after leaving China. They must also have a valid passport and a departing air ticket to the third country or region, which will be checked upon arrival. It is recommended to apply for the visa-free transit in advance and to have a hotel booking in case of an immigration check.
Travellers with a layover of less than 6 hours are advised to remain at the airport. With a layover of 6 to 8 hours, travellers can explore nearby attractions, such as the Bund or Nanjing Road, but the time available for sightseeing is limited. For layovers of 12 hours or more, travellers can visit additional attractions, such as Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, and the Huangpu River.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during your Shanghai layover. If you are a citizen of one of 53 eligible countries, you can visit Shanghai for up to 144 hours without a visa. However, if your layover is less than 6 hours, it is recommended that you stay at the airport.
To get a transit visa, go through immigration with your passport and visa (if needed) and then exit the airport. You can apply for the transit visa online.
If your layover is between 6 and 12 hours, you can take a half-day or one-day city tour. You can visit attractions such as the Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, and Nanjing Road. If your layover is longer, you can also visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, the Shanghai Museum, and the Jade Buddha Temple.
