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Serving Terminal 1, this lounge features a business centre, comfortable seating, and a wide range of refreshments, including hot meals and snacks. Access is limited to premium passengers or through paid entry.
CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Futuristic Hub with Cultural Touch
Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves as a major gateway to one of China’s largest cities. Opened in 1999, it handles millions of passengers each year and connects travelers worldwide through numerous airlines. The airport features modern terminals with efficient security lines and clear signage for easy navigation. It includes duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges and transit options that support long layovers or quick connections. As a hub for both domestic and international flights, Pudong plays an important role in China’s economy and global travel routes.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Shanghai Pudong Airport Summary
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is an airport near Shanghai in China. It currently offers regular passenger service to 234 destinations operated by 78 airlines.
Top airlines
China Eastern Airlines
(MU)
1592 flights per week
Shanghai Airlines
(FM)
604 flights per week
Juneyao Airlines
(HO)
584 flights per week
Top destinations
Cheapest destinations
Best destinations
China – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary. |
| Chinese New Year (January/February) |
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations |
|---|---|
| National Day (1 October) |
National holiday with parades and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | DiDi, Uber |
| Other: | China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. |
Shanghai Pudong International Airport stands as a testament to modern aviation and hospitality, spanning vast terminals equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Its proximity to Shanghai’s city center, roughly 40 kilometers east and its efficient transport links – including the famed Maglev train – make it a gateway that’s both convenient and fascinating.
The airport indulges travelers with a blend of cultural exhibitions and modern amenities, such as the Aviation Museum located in Terminal 2, which offers a glimpse into the history of flight. The extensive duty-free and luxury shopping areas cater to diverse tastes, while numerous dining spots serve everything from authentic Shanghainese noodles to international cuisine to satisfy any palate.
Despite its grandeur, travelers should be mindful of the airport’s large size which can make terminal transfers time-consuming. Pre-security areas may also feel a bit crowded during peak times, so planning extra time for check-in and security is wise. Some services, such as free Wi-Fi, require a local phone number for access, which might be an inconvenience for international visitors.
Overall, Shanghai Pudong provides a comfortable and culturally rich environment, enhanced by spacious lounges like the No. 77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge, where travelers can rejuvenate before flights. Its blend of technology, culture and convenience makes it more than just an airport – it’s a preview of Shanghai itself.
Helpful tips for Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Arrive two hours early for international flights and allow extra time for security checks.
- Use the free Wi‑Fi network in the terminal; remember to enable data roaming if you need continuous connectivity abroad.
- Check the airport’s official app for real‑time gate changes, boarding announcements and baggage claim updates to avoid missed connections.
- Explore the Pudong International Airport’s art installations and cultural displays, which reflect Shanghai’s rapid modernization and offer unique photo opportunities.
Available airport lounges
China Eastern No. 101 Lounge
No. 77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge
Located in Terminal 2, this lounge offers an elegant 'East Meets West' design with Chinese and Western cuisine, live cooking stations, private shower rooms, and a nursing room for families. Booking in advance is recommended for access and it provides a serene atmosphere to relax or work.
Cathay Pacific Lounge
Located in Terminal 2, known for sleek modern design, noodle bar, workstations, and quiet comfortable seating. Available for eligible Cathay Pacific passengers and their guests.
No. 35 China Eastern Lounge
Situated in Terminal 1, offering buffet meals, beverages, and fast Wi-Fi. Suitable for business and leisure travellers with lounge access privileges.
VIP Lounges in Satellite Terminals
Various lounges provide privacy, shower facilities, refreshments and business amenities. Access may be granted via airline tickets, memberships, or pay-per-use.
Where to stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Nearby Pudong offers a range of hotel accommodations from luxury international chains to comfortable mid-range hotels catering to business and leisure travelers. Most offer shuttle services to and from the airport and staying here provides easy access to both the airport and Shanghai's financial district.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Shanghai JOYFUL YARD Hotel-Free shuttle bus to Pudong Airport and Disneyland
SHANGHAI-DECO Hotel-Free shuttle bus to Pudong Airport and Disneyland
Da Zhong Pudong Airport Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai Joyful Star Hotel-Free shuttle bus to Pudong Airport and Disneyland
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport
Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport By IHG
Shanghai Linxi Hotel-Free shuttle bus to Pudong Airport and Disneyland
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport By IHG
Vienna International Hotel Shanghai Pudong International Toursim Resort Airport
Jinjiang Inn Select Shanghai Pudong Airport
How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to popular destinations
To Shanghai City Center:
The fastest and most iconic way to reach downtown Shanghai from Pudong Airport is the Maglev train, which covers the distance to Longyang Road Metro Station in about 8 minutes at speeds exceeding 430 km/h. From Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 for a direct ride to the city centre. Alternatively, Metro Line 2 connects the airport directly to downtown with a journey time of around 60 minutes. Airport shuttle buses and taxis are also available, with taxis taking about 45 minutes depending on traffic and costing roughly CN¥150 – 200 (£16.79 – 22.39).
To Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
To transfer between Pudong and Hongqiao airports, travellers can take the dedicated airport shuttle bus or combine the Metro Line 2 with a transfer at Longyang Road station. The journey takes about 90-120 minutes depending on connection times and traffic. The shuttle bus offers comfort and luggage space for a reasonable price.
To Nearby Cities like Suzhou:
From Pudong Airport, travellers can access Suzhou and other nearby cities via high-speed trains departing from Shanghai Railway Station or Hongqiao Railway Station reachable by Metro Line 2 or taxi. Planning for onward connections is recommended with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the destination.
Top destinations from Shanghai Pudong Airport
Destination
Duration/Price
Weekdays
Airlines
Info
HKG
Hong Kong
2 h 50 min.
£90 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+5
SHE
Shenyang
2 h 28 min.
£80 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+6
CGQ
Changchun Longjia International Airport
2 h 43 min.
£100 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+5
CKG
Chongqing
2 h 58 min.
£90 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+9
CAN
Guangzhou
2 h 30 min.
£100 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+7
SZX
Shenzhen
2 h 33 min.
£90 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+5
Top airlines operating at Shanghai Pudong Airport
Airline
Rating
Skytrax rank
Statistics
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