Pudong or Hongqiao: Which Shanghai Airport Is Better?

Written and updated by Ruqin
October 8, 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

If your destination is the Bund, People’s Square or East Nanjing Road, don’t automatically take the Airport Link Line. It travels across southern Shanghai and does not stop in the central sightseeing districts.

Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station Map Subway & Airport Link Line

Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport is usually a more straightforward public-transport choice for these areas.

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.

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.

Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station by Airport Link Line

If you’re arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and continuing your journey by high-speed train, the Airport Link Line (市域机场线) is one of the most convenient ways to reach Hongqiao.

Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station transport map showing the Airport Link Line, seven stations, fare, travel time and railway station walking connection.

Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station Map

The train connects Pudong Airport with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 in approximately 40 minutes. The full journey costs ¥26, and trains normally run every 15 minutes.

There is one important detail to understand before you travel: the Airport Link Line does not stop directly at Hongqiao Railway Station.

Step 1: Find the Airport Link Line at Pudong Airport

After collecting your luggage, follow the signs for Airport Link Line (市域机场线) or suburban railway.

Do not confuse it with Metro Line 2 or the Maglev. All three are rail services, but they follow different routes.

Board the Airport Link train toward Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 (虹桥2号航站楼).

Step 2: Travel to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2

The Airport Link Line has seven stations:

Station	Chinese Name
Pudong Airport T1 & T2	浦东1号2号航站楼
Shanghai International Resort	上海国际旅游度假区
East Kangqiao	康桥东
South Sanlin	三林南
Jinghong Road	景洪路
Zhongchun Road	中春路
Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2	虹桥2号航站楼

You can stay on the same train for the entire journey.

Step 3: Walk to Hongqiao Railway Station

After arriving at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, follow the indoor signs toward Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站).

Allow approximately 10–15 minutes for the connection, although the actual time depends on your arrival platform, luggage and walking speed.

Once you reach the railway station, find your departure information and complete the railway security checks.

Do not leave this transfer until the last minute. Hongqiao Railway Station is large, and boarding gates close before train departure.

Step 4: Check the Operating Hours

Following the timetable adjustment effective April 1, 2026:

Direction	First Train	Last Train
Hongqiao Terminal 2 → Pudong Airport	05:45	22:00
Pudong Airport → Hongqiao Terminal 2	06:00	22:15

Trains generally operate at 15-minute intervals. Check the departure information again on your travel day.

Ruqin’s Practical Tip

If your destination is the Bund, People’s Square or East Nanjing Road, don’t automatically take the Airport Link Line.

It travels across southern Shanghai and does not stop in the central sightseeing districts. Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport is usually a more straightforward public-transport choice for these areas.

The Airport Link Line is particularly useful when you’re transferring between Shanghai’s two airports or connecting with a high-speed train at Hongqiao.

Also, check the station name on your railway ticket. Shanghai Railway Station (上海站) and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) are different places.

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.