Shanghai Airport: Best Places To Sleep

where to sleep in shanghai airport

Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 54 million passengers in 2024. With such high traffic, finding a place to sleep during a layover can be challenging. The airport offers a range of options for travellers, from private sleep pods and hourly hotels to more basic seating areas. While the airport is open 24 hours and staff are generally tolerant of overnight campers, the lack of dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones can make it challenging to find a comfortable spot. Additionally, travellers should be aware of potential safety issues and scams, such as price gouging by hotel representatives and the sale of counterfeit goods.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Airport Address Shanghai, China
Sleeping Options Hourly hotel in Terminal 2, sleep pods, nearby offsite hotels, benches, and chairs
Airport Staff Attitude Tolerant of overnight campers, but safety issues have been reported
Food Options Limited food options available within the airport
Additional Amenities WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, and 24-hour food options

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Sleeping pods and hotels

Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 54 million passengers in 2024. The airport provides several options for travellers looking to rest, ranging from private sleep pods to more basic seating areas.

Sleeping Pods

Shanghai Pudong Airport offers private sleep pods in the form of hourly hotels, which offer essential amenities like beds and showers. These sleep pods are located in Terminal 2, near the F and G check-in islands on the dining floor. They provide both standard and suite rooms with flexible pricing options, available by the hour, half-day, or full day.

Hotels

For those seeking a more comfortable option, there are several hotels within walking distance of the airport and/or offering complimentary shuttle services. These include the T2 Max VIP Hourly Lounge, located inside the airport, and several nearby off-site hotels within a 10-minute drive.

It is important to note that travellers have reported scams at the airport, including hotel representatives price gouging unsuspecting travellers. It is recommended to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables when sleeping at the airport.

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Safety and security

Shanghai Pudong Airport is open 24 hours a day, and its staff and security are generally tolerant of overnight travellers trying to sleep there. However, sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone. It is advisable to know where the security office is and to look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest areas at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Travellers have mentioned that the airport is not particularly comfortable for sleeping. The landside section is reportedly less comfortable than the airside section, with only a few benches and a lack of restaurants or other amenities. The departure hall is not recommended as a sleeping spot as it is open to anyone who enters the airport.

If you are looking for a comfortable sleep, you may want to consider the following options:

  • Hourly hotels: Shanghai Pudong Airport has an hourly hotel in Terminal 2, near the F and G check-in islands on the dining floor. It offers standard and suite rooms with flexible pricing options. These sleep pods provide privacy, essential amenities like beds, showers, and toiletries, and 24/7 availability.
  • VIP Lounges: There are 66 VIP Lounges in Terminal 2, near Gates 65 and 69, that offer time-charging rest facilities in a quiet and comfortable environment.
  • Nearby hotels: There are several hotels within walking distance of the airport or a short drive away that provide complimentary shuttle services.

To enhance your comfort while sleeping at the airport, consider bringing an inflatable sleep mat or a sleeping bag liner. These can provide a versatile and cushioned sleeping surface, transforming hard, cold floors into a comfortable resting place.

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Sleeping in terminals

Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 54 million passengers in 2024. The airport has two main terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) and two satellite concourses (S1 and S2). While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, there are various options for travellers seeking a place to rest during layovers or overnight stays.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 houses an hourly hotel that offers compact, private rooms with essential amenities such as beds, showers, and toiletries. These rooms can be booked by the hour, half-day, or full day, providing flexibility for travellers. Additionally, the 66 VIP Lounges in Terminal 2, located near Gates 65 and 69, offer time-charging rest facilities in a quiet and comfortable environment.

Terminal 1

In Terminal 1, travellers can find the 37 VIP Lounge near Gate 18 on the 3rd floor of the International Departures Hall. This lounge provides a time-charging rest area for those seeking a quiet place to relax or nap.

Free Options

For those on a budget, there are some free alternatives available. The premium check-in counters and benches without armrests near gates D57-D60 in Terminal 2 offer relatively comfortable seating. However, these areas can often be crowded and noisy. Additionally, travellers can bring their own inflatable sleep mats or sleeping bags to transform hard, cold floors into more comfortable resting spots in quieter corners of the terminal.

Nearby Hotels

For travellers seeking a more comfortable and private sleeping experience, there are several hotels within walking distance of the airport or a short drive away. Some of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for added convenience. These off-site accommodations can provide a better night's rest, especially for those with early morning flights or long layovers.

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Nearby hotels with shuttles

If you're looking for a place to rest your head near Shanghai Airport, there are several hotels within walking distance that offer complimentary shuttle services. Here are some options for nearby hotels with shuttle services:

  • Heyitang Hotel Shanghai International Tourism Resort: Located 16km from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, this hotel offers a pleasant stay for both business and leisure travellers. It provides convenient transportation options, with Huinan Metro Station within walking distance. The hotel also offers parking on-site.
  • Maixinge Boutique Hotel: Situated in the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Area, this hotel is close to landmarks such as the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. They offer free airport pick-up and drop-off with a 24-hour advance reservation, as well as shuttle services to Disney in the morning and evening.
  • HIX Shanghai Pudong Airport: Conveniently located near the airport, this hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service at fixed times. The rooms are comfortable and include tea and coffee-making facilities.
  • Kerry Pudong: Known for its friendly and helpful staff, this hotel offers an extraordinary brunch/breakfast and a great microbrewery. It is a popular choice for travellers who appreciate a comfortable stay and good food.
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport/High-Speed Rail Station: Starting from December 27, 2024, you can take the Airport Link from this location to the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Hub Station, where a free shuttle service is available to the nearby hotel.

Remember to check the latest reviews and information, as some details may change over time.

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Inflatable mats

Bringing an inflatable mat allows you to create your own comfortable sleeping space, especially if you prefer sleeping on the floor. Look for spots near the check-in area or the gate, as these areas tend to have more free space. Inflatable mats can be quickly inflated to provide a soft surface, and they are lightweight and easy to carry in your luggage.

Additionally, consider bringing a travel pillow or blanket for extra comfort and warmth. The airport can get chilly, so an extra layer will come in handy. If you plan to sleep in a public area, it's a good idea to take precautions for your safety and the security of your valuables. Know where the security office is located, look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot, and ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.

While the airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers, it's always good to be cautious. Inflatable mats can provide a more comfortable and practical solution than sleeping on the airport benches or floors, helping you get a good night's rest during your layover or overnight stay at Shanghai Pudong Airport.

Frequently asked questions

Shanghai Pudong Airport offers several options for travellers needing rest during layovers. The most recommended choice is the hourly hotel in Terminal 2, located near the F and G check-in islands. These sleep pods offer privacy, essential amenities like beds, showers, and toiletries, and 24/7 availability.

Travellers can find suitable sleep spots at Shanghai Pudong Airport, ranging from private sleep pods to more basic public seating areas. The premium check-in counters and benches without armrests near gates D57-D60 in Terminal 2 offer relatively comfortable seating, though these areas can be crowded and noisy.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. There are safety issues in the terminal, especially when sleeping. It's a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.

Several nearby hotels are within a 10-minute drive and provide free airport shuttles. It is recommended to get a hotel close to the airport.

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