Shanghai has two major international airports—Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport—which serve as important air hubs with different domestic and international flight networks. In this article, Trip.com will introduce the transportation options and unique advantages of both airports to help you plan your trip to Shanghai more easily.
Shanghai Airports Overview
#1 Hongqiao International Airport
Conveniently located near the city center, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is often called “China’s Best Airport.” Travelers can easily access it by metro, bus, or taxi. Most importantly, it’s closely connected to high-speed rail stations, making travel very efficient.
- Location: Between Changning District and Minhang District, Shanghai
- Class: 4E international civil airport
- History: Built in 1921, expanded several times
- Facilities: 2 runways, 89 aircraft stands, total building area ~510,000 m²
#2 Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the largest hub in East China, located in Pudong New Area. It is well-known for its size, modern facilities, and strong transport links. Serving many international airlines, it connects Shanghai with destinations around the world.
- Opened: 1999, continuously expanded since
- Facilities: 2 passenger terminals, 1 satellite concourse, 340 aircraft stands, 5 runways
- Role: Major aviation gateway for Shanghai and China, supporting large passenger and cargo planes
Airport Comparison
Feature | Hongqiao International Airport | Pudong International Airport |
|---|---|---|
Codes | IATA: SHA, ICAO: ZSSS | IATA: PVG, ICAO: ZSPD |
English Name | Shanghai Hongqiao Int’l Airport | Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport |
Classification | 4E international civil airport | 4F civil airport |
Runways | 2 (3400m, 3300m) | 5 (4000m, 2×3800m, 2×3400m) |
2023 Passenger Volume | 42.49 million | 54.48 million |
Location | Changning District, 2550 Hongqiao Rd | Pudong New Area, 6000 Yingbin Ave |
Routes | ~80 | ~244 |
Distance to city center | ~15 km (30 min by car) | ~55 km (1 hr by car) |
Domestic flights | Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. | Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Sanya, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. |
International flights | Japan, Seoul | Malaysia, USA (SF/LA), Australia, Canada, Singapore, etc. |
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Transportation Guide
Hongqiao International Airport
Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
Metro | Hongqiao International Airport is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10. It’s fast and convenient — about 30 minutes to downtown, with fares ranging from 3–8 RMB. |
Line 2 main destinations | Longyang Road Station, Lujiazui Station, Jing’an Temple Station, People’s Square Station, East Nanjing Road Station, etc. |
Line 10 main destinations | Shanghai Zoo Station, Hongqiao Road Station, Jiaotong University Station, South Shaanxi Road Station, Site of the First CPC National Congress · Xintiandi Station, Yuyuan Garden Station, etc. |
Airport Bus | Fares range from 2–30 RMB, connecting downtown and major hotels. |
Taxi | About 20–30 minutes to downtown. |
Pudong International Airport
Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
Metro | From Shanghai Pudong Airport, take Metro Line 2 to reach your destination in Shanghai. The fare is about 6 RMB, and it takes around 75 minutes to the city center. |
Line 2 main destinations | Longyang Road Station, Lujiazui Station, Jing’an Temple Station, People’s Square Station, East Nanjing Road Station, etc. |
Maglev Train | From Terminals 1 & 2 of Shanghai Pudong Airport, the Maglev train goes to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, with departures every 15–20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 50 RMB. |
Airport Bus | Fares range from 2–30 RMB, connecting to downtown and major hotels. |
Taxi | About 40 minutes to 1 hour to downtown. |
Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai Flight
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KUL17:555h 20mDirectPVG23:15Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Tue, Jan 13|Spring Airlines
PVG01:355h 55mDirectKUL07:30Shanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Sat, Jan 17|AirAsia XBHD 1,527BHD 1,71711% OFF11% OFFBHD 1,717BHD 1,527 - KUL18:505h 30mDirectPVG00:20Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Mon, Jan 12|AirAsia XPVG01:355h 55mDirectKUL07:30Shanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Thu, Jan 15|AirAsia XBHD 1,528BHD 1,71711% OFF11% OFFBHD 1,717BHD 1,528
KUL20:0018h 15m1 stopPVG14:15Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Thu, Mar 5|Vietnam AirlinesPVG15:2527h 25m1 stopKUL18:50Shanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Sat, Mar 7|Vietnam AirlinesBHD 1,361BHD 1,71721% OFF21% OFFBHD 1,717BHD 1,361
KUL1:00 PM3h 5mDirectSHA2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Sat, Dec 13|Spring Airlines
SHA1:00 PM3h 5mDirectKUL2:00 PMShanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Sat, Dec 13|Spring AirlinesFind More FlightsFind More Flights
Displayed flight fares from ${{departCityName}} to ${{arrivalCityName}} are based on average prices across airlines for the next 3 months, according to the latest Trip.com database.
Late-night Flight Options
Red-eye Flight Transportation Recommendation #1: Hongqiao International Airport
Late-night arrivals at Hongqiao Airport include the Hongqiao Airport Night Bus, taxis, or airport transfers.
The Hongqiao Airport late-night shuttle bus runs to Lujiazui in Pudong. It departs at three scheduled times: 11:00 PM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 AM the following day. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes and costs approximately 10 yuan.
Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 → Yan'an West Road, Hongxu Road → Jing'an Temple (Yan'an Middle Road, Huashan Road) → People's Square (Yan'an East Road, Zhejiang Middle Road) → Lujiazui (Pudong South Road, Pudong Avenue)
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Red-eye Flight Transportation Recommendation #2 Pudong International Airport
Late-night arrivals at Pudong Airport include taking the Pudong Airport Shouhang Night Snack Bus, taxis, or booking an airport shuttle.
The Pudong Airport Shouhang Night Snack Line takes you to the Hongqiao Hub East Transportation Center (via Century Avenue Metro Station, etc.). Tickets cost approximately 18-34 RMB and the journey takes approximately 80 minutes. The first and last buses depart after 11:00 PM, 45 minutes after the last flight of the day.
Pudong Airport Terminal 1 → Pudong Airport Terminal 2 → Longyang Road/Fangdian Road → Century Avenue Metro Station → Yan'an East Road/Zhejiang Middle Road → Yan'an Middle Road/Huashan Road → Yan'an West Road/Hongxu Road → Hongqiao Hub East Transportation Center
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Shanghai Airport | Airport Accommodation
Recommended Hotels In Shanghai
Accommodation near Hongqiao Airport
No. 60 Pusong North Road
Darongcheng T5, Changning Art Park, No. 377 Songhong Road
No. 38 Huqingping Highway
Building 2-C, No. 1588 Wuzhong Road, Intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road
Accommodation near Pudong Airport
No. 6001 Yingbin Avenue, Pudong Airport
No. 6009 Yingbin Avenue
No. 850 Jichang Avenue
Building 2, No. 958 Shixin Road
Shanghai Airport | Essential App
Trip.com
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Highlight! Trip.com also includes practical travel guides for various destinations, including Shanghai, providing practical and convenient content.
Amap (Gaode Maps)
Widely used navigation app with real-time traffic and public transport info.
DiDi
Didi Chuxing is a popular ride-hailing platform in mainland China, offering a variety of car services, including taxis, express rides, and carpooling. Users can easily request a ride and view trip information.
Shanghai Airport | Travel Guide
(FAQs) about Shanghai Airports (Hongqiao & Pudong):
How many airports are there in Shanghai?
Shanghai has two international airports — Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Pudong International Airport (PVG).Which airport is closer to downtown Shanghai?
Hongqiao Airport (about 15 km, ~30 minutes by car). Pudong Airport is farther (about 55 km, ~1 hour by car).Which airport is better for international flights?
Pudong Airport handles most long-haul international flights. Hongqiao mainly serves domestic and nearby regional flights (Japan, Korea).How can I get from Pudong Airport to downtown Shanghai?
Options include: Metro Line 2 (~75 minutes, RMB 6) Maglev train to Longyang Rd (~8 minutes, RMB 50 one-way) Taxi (~40–60 minutes, ~RMB 180–220) Airport shuttle bus (~RMB 20–30)How can I get from Hongqiao Airport to downtown?
Options include: Metro Line 2 or 10 (~30 minutes, RMB 3–8) Taxi (~20–30 minutes, ~RMB 60–80) Airport shuttle bus (~RMB 20–30)Is there a direct connection between Hongqiao and Pudong airports?
Yes. You can take Metro Line 2 (about 1.5–2 hours) or an airport shuttle bus (~1.5 hours). Taxis and private transfers are also available.What if I arrive late at night?
Hongqiao: Night bus to Lujiazui (23:00, 24:00, 01:00). Pudong: Night bus to downtown & Hongqiao until 45 minutes after the last flight. Otherwise, taxis and ride-hailing apps (DiDi) are available 24/7.