Words by Ruqin · September 11, 2026
Shanghai has two major airports: Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. First-time visitors often book a flight without noticing which airport it uses.
The simple answer is: Pudong is Shanghai’s main international gateway, while Hongqiao is closer and more convenient for central Shanghai. Your airline and route may decide the airport for you, but the difference matters when planning your arrival, hotel and onward journey.
Pudong International Airport: Best for International Flights
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, commonly shown as PVG, lies east of central Shanghai. Most long-distance international flights use Pudong.
Pudong International Airport
If you are flying directly from Europe, North America, Australia or another distant international destination, you will probably arrive here.
Pudong is a large airport. Allow time for immigration, luggage collection and the walk through the terminal. Do not arrange a tight train connection immediately after an international arrival.
Getting from Pudong Airport to Central Shanghai
You have several main choices.
Signs for Line 2, Maglev and the Airport Link Line and more
Metro Line 2
Line 2 connects Pudong Airport with Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road, People’s Square, Jing’an Temple and Hongqiao.
It is inexpensive and avoids road traffic. However, it is a long journey, and carrying large suitcases during busy periods can be tiring.
Maglev and Metro
The Maglev runs between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road. At Longyang Road, you can transfer to the metro or take a taxi.
The train itself is fast, but it does not carry you directly to the Bund, People’s Square or most hotels. Include the transfer when comparing total travel time.
Airport Link Line
Shanghai’s Airport Link Line connects the Pudong and Hongqiao transport hubs in about 40 minutes. It is especially useful for passengers transferring between the two airports or between Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station.
Do not confuse this journey with a direct ride to your downtown hotel. Depending on where you are staying, another metro or taxi connection may still be necessary.
Taxi or App-Based Car
A taxi provides the simplest door-to-door journey, especially after a long flight or when several people travel together.
Use the official taxi queue. Avoid drivers approaching passengers inside the arrivals area.
Traffic can change the journey considerably. Keep extra time for weekday rush hours and bad weather.
Hongqiao International Airport: Closer to the City
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, shown as SHA, lies west of central Shanghai. It mainly handles domestic flights and some regional international services.
Hongqiao International Airport
For many visitors, Hongqiao feels easier. It is closer to areas such as Jing’an, Xujiahui and the former French Concession.
Hongqiao is also part of a major transport hub containing Hongqiao Railway Station. This makes it convenient if you are continuing to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing or another city by high-speed train.
Check the Terminal at Hongqiao
Hongqiao has two terminals, and they do not serve exactly the same routes.
Hongqiao Terminal 2 departure hall
Terminal 2 connects particularly well with Hongqiao Railway Station. Metro Lines 2 and 10 serve the Hongqiao hub, although passengers should confirm the correct terminal and station before traveling.
15-minute walk from Hongqiao Airport T2 to Hongqiao Railway Station
Do not simply tell a taxi driver “Hongqiao Airport.” Show the flight number and terminal.
Which Airport Is Better for Your Hotel?
Your accommodation location can make one airport much easier than the other.
| Hotel area | Usually more convenient |
|---|---|
| The Bund and East Nanjing Road | Either airport; Hongqiao is normally closer |
| People’s Square | Hongqiao for distance; Pudong for more international flights |
| Jing’an Temple | Hongqiao |
| Xujiahui or former French Concession | Hongqiao |
| Lujiazui | Pudong |
| Shanghai Disneyland area | Pudong |
| Hotel near Hongqiao Railway Station | Hongqiao |
This is a general comparison. Your arrival time and transport choice may matter more than distance.
Transferring Between Pudong and Hongqiao
Some travelers arrive at Pudong and depart from Hongqiao on a domestic flight or high-speed train.
The airports are on opposite sides of Shanghai. Never treat this as a short transfer.
Shanghai Airport Transportation Map
The Airport Link Line has made the cross-city journey much easier, but you still need time to leave your arriving flight, collect luggage, find the station and complete check-in or railway security at the other end.
For a separate domestic flight, I would leave a generous buffer. For an international-to-domestic transfer on separate tickets, several hours may be necessary.
What About Hongqiao Railway Station?
Hongqiao Railway Station sits beside the airport hub, but it remains a very large railway station.
Even after reaching the complex, you need time to locate the correct entrance, pass security and walk to the departure gate. Foreign travelers should carry the original passport used to buy the train ticket.
Do not plan to step off a flight and board a train 30 minutes later.
Late-Night Arrivals
Before choosing your transport, check the arrival time.
Metro, Maglev and Airport Link Line services do not run throughout the night. A delayed flight may arrive after your preferred train has stopped operating.
For a late arrival, an official taxi is often the most dependable option. Save your hotel’s Chinese name and address on your phone.
Ruqin’s Practical Advice
Choose Hongqiao when you have a genuine choice and convenience is your priority. It is closer to much of central Shanghai and connects naturally with the high-speed railway network.
However, most long-distance international travelers will use Pudong. That is not a disadvantage if you plan the final part of the journey properly. Check the airport code—PVG or SHA—before booking a hotel transfer, train ticket or connecting flight.
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