Shanghai Pudong International Airport, known as PVG, serves as China’s busiest international hub, handling over 80 million passengers annually. Located 30 kilometres east of Shanghai’s city centre, this major airport is a primary base for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Air China, connecting travellers to 250 domestic and international destinations. Its modern infrastructure, including two main terminals and two satellite concourses, ensures a well-equipped gateway for exploring Shanghai or connecting globally.
Accessing the airport is efficient, with multiple transport options catering to different preferences. The Shanghai Maglev Train, the world’s first commercial high-speed maglev, whisks passengers to Longyang Road Metro Station in eight minutes for CNY 50, with a 20% discount using a Shanghai Public Transport Card. From there, Metro Line 2 connects to the city centre in about 60 minutes for CNY 6. Airport shuttle buses, such as Line 1 to Hongqiao Airport, take 80 minutes for CNY 7, while other lines serve downtown and nearby cities like Suzhou.
Taxis from official stands outside Terminals 1 and 2 cost CNY 160-200 for a 45-minute ride to central Shanghai, though night fares from 23:00 to 05:00 are higher. Drivers benefit from the airport’s proximity to the Yingbin Expressway, with parking at CNY 10 per hour or CNY 80 daily. Booking transport in advance is recommended during peak hours to avoid traffic delays.
The airport’s layout includes Terminal 1 for domestic and some international flights, Terminal 2 for most international routes, and Satellite Concourses S1 and S2, opened in 2019, handling 38 million passengers annually across 90 gates. A 7.8-kilometre automated people mover connects S1 and S2 to the main terminals, with the East Line linking Terminal 2 to S2 and the West Line connecting Terminal 1 to S1. Landside shuttles run every 10 minutes from 06:00 to midnight, while airside walkways and trains ensure smooth navigation.
Security checks take 15-45 minutes, with strict protocols requiring electronics to be removed, so arriving three hours early for international flights or two for domestic is advised. Clear signage in Mandarin and English aids navigation, though the airport’s size can mean 15- to 20-minute walks to distant gates.
Delays can stem from high traffic volumes, especially in summer, or weather conditions like fog or typhoons affecting eastern China. Overcrowding at check-in or immigration during peak times may slow processes, and strict security for domestic flights, including power bank restrictions, can cause bottlenecks. On-time performance has improved, with a 62.7% punctuality rate reported in 2017, bolstered by the Airport Collaborative Decision Making system, though checking flight status via the flySEA app or airline websites is prudent. Passenger reviews note occasional staff shortages and gate changes as potential issues.
Dining options are diverse, with Terminal 2 hosting 24-hour eateries like McDonald’s and Family Mart convenience stores in both terminals. Terminal 1’s food court offers Chinese dishes, while Terminal 2 features Western options like Starbucks and Cantonese cuisine at Lei Garden. The PuLe GO WeChat mini-program enables food delivery within the terminal. Retail includes duty-free shops in Terminals 1 and 2 with luxury brands, cosmetics, and local souvenirs like Qitai Tea Shop products. International boutiques in the satellite concourses cater to high-end shoppers, though prices can be steep.
Facilities enhance comfort, with free Wi-Fi via the “Airport-Free-WiFi” network, requiring a Chinese phone number or kiosk-printed access code. Charging stations and USB outlets are plentiful airside, and 13 rest pods and 11 shower rooms in Terminals 1 and 2 cater to long layovers. Midnight stopover zones with reclining sofas and 24-hour amenities support overnight travellers, as the airport operates round-the-clock. Accessibility services include electric vehicles for disabled passengers, and children’s play areas are available in both terminals. Over 20 lounges, such as the No. 77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2, offer buffets and showers for CNY 200-350. Baggage storage, currency exchange, and medical clinics are accessible, with indoor gardens providing calm spaces. Nearby hotels like the Dazhong Airport Hotel offer convenient stays.
Connections are streamlined, with minimum connection times of 80 minutes for domestic-to-domestic and 100 minutes for international-to-international transfers in the same terminal, or 120-160 minutes between terminals. The international transit zone in Terminal 2 allows airside transfers without immigration, though international-to-domestic transfers require customs clearance, necessitating at least two hours. The automated people mover and frequent shuttles ease inter-terminal travel, but tight connections under 90 minutes can be risky if flights are delayed.
