Shanghai Pudong Airport Guide 2024: Your Ultimate Travel Buddy!

Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate the vast Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) like a pro!

1. Airport Transport Options:

• Airport Shuttle Bus: convenient, with different lines taking you to the city center.
• Metro Line 2: fast and economical, gets you to downtown Shanghai in a flash!
• Maglev Train: the cool kid’s choice, world’s first commercially running maglev line. Zips you to Longyang Road in 8 mins.

1. Visa Tips:

• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: No visa needed for 6 days if you’re from certain countries; explore Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu.
• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Apply for this hassle-free option online or after arrival.

1. PVG Airport Lounge & Services:

• 24/7 Lounge: Kick back and relax in the airport lounge. 🛋️
• Left Luggage: Store your bags safely for up to 2 months. 💼
• Free Wifi: Connect with the world; scan your passport to get online. 🤳
• Lost & Found: Helpful if you’ve misplaced anything. 🧐

1. Airport Layout:

• PVG has two terminals, Terminal 1 🛫 and Terminal 2 🛬 , shaped like a seagull and a wave.
• Gates, check-in, and luggage info: T1 has gates 1-12, 14-29, etc., while T2 has 50-98. 🛳️

1. Carriers:

• Terminal 1: Japan Airlines, Air France, Shanghai Airlines, and more. 🛩️
• Terminal 2: Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Air China, and many domestic carriers. 🛫

1. Transferring Between Terminals:

• Free shuttle bus or a 10-min walk connects T1 and T2. 💺

1. Departure & Arrival Tips:

• Reach the airport 2-3.5 hrs early for departure. 🛳️ Check-in closes 45 mins before domestic flights, 50 mins for international.
• International departure: Check-in, inspection, quarantine check, customs/immigration, and security. 🛂
• Domestic departure: Check-in, security, and then wait for boarding. 👍
• For international arrivals, go through inspection, quarantine check, immigration, and customs before collecting your bags. 🛂

1. Transfer Times:

• 80 mins for domestic to domestic transfer.
• 90 mins for domestic to international transfer.
• 100 mins for international to international transfer.

1. Banks & Money Exchange:

• Banks and money exchange services are available in both terminals. 💰

1. Food, Beverage & Souvenirs:
   • Dining options are limited, but you can find HEYTEA, Subway, Burger King, and more. 🍔
   • Duty-Free shops offer perfumes, chocolates, and exclusive souvenirs. 💄
2. Other Nearby Airports:
   • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: 126 miles away, no direct trains/buses, so a taxi is best. 🛣️
   • Nanjing Lukou Airport: 203 miles away, 3.5-4 hrs by road; again, no direct trains, so taxis are fastest.

Now you’re ready to fly into Shanghai’s bustling Pudong Airport and explore the city like a true local! 🌃