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Shanghai Airports Guide
Shanghai is served by two major international airports, offering travelers modern facilities and excellent connectivity. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the primary international gateway and one of the busiest airports in China, while Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) serves domestic and regional flights with convenient proximity to the city center.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
PVG
Location: 30 km east of Shanghai city center
Best for: International travel, long-haul flights, cargo
Transport: Maglev train, Metro Line 2, airport buses, taxis
Airlines: China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, international carriers
Features: World's first commercial Maglev, massive terminals
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
SHA
Location: 13 km west of Shanghai city center
Best for: Domestic flights, regional Asian routes, business travel
Transport: Metro Line 2, 10, airport buses, taxis
Airlines: China Eastern, Spring Airlines, regional carriers
Features: Integrated with Hongqiao transportation hub
Choosing Between Shanghai Airports
- PVG (Pudong): Better for international travel, more flight options, China Eastern hub
- SHA (Hongqiao): Closer to city center, primarily domestic and regional flights
- Transport Time: PVG to downtown: 30-60 minutes; SHA to downtown: 20-40 minutes
- Maglev Train: PVG offers the world's fastest commercial train at 430 km/h
- Consider: Your final destination in Shanghai, flight availability, and travel time
Best Time to Book Flights to Shanghai
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book international flights 2-6 months in advance for optimal pricing
- For peak seasons (spring, autumn), book 4-8 months ahead
- For shoulder seasons, book 2-4 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 2-3 days to find better deals
- Avoid Chinese national holidays for better prices and availability
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming flowers, comfortable for sightseeing
- Fall (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, clear skies, ideal weather
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, lower prices
- Winter (December-February): Cold weather, occasional snow, lowest prices
- Avoid: Chinese New Year (January/February) and National Day (October) for crowded conditions
Airlines That Fly to Shanghai
Shanghai is a major aviation hub with extensive international service, particularly strong in Asian routes and connections to North America and Europe.
Major Chinese Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines (Largest carrier at PVG with global network)
- Shanghai Airlines (Subsidiary of China Eastern, extensive domestic network)
- Air China (Flag carrier with international routes from SHA)
- China Southern Airlines (Major carrier with domestic and international routes)
- Spring Airlines (Low-cost carrier with domestic and Asian routes)
- Juneyao Air (Full-service carrier with domestic and regional routes)
Major International Airlines
- United Airlines (Direct flights from US hubs)
- Delta Air Lines (Direct flights from US cities)
- American Airlines (Direct flights from US hubs)
- Air Canada (Direct flights from Vancouver and Toronto)
- Lufthansa (Direct flights from Frankfurt)
- British Airways (Direct flights from London)
- Air France (Direct flights from Paris)
- KLM (Direct flights from Amsterdam)
- Singapore Airlines (Direct flights from Singapore)
- All Nippon Airways (Direct flights from Tokyo)
- Japan Airlines (Direct flights from Japanese cities)
- Korean Air (Direct flights from Seoul)
- Emirates (Direct flights from Dubai)
- Qatar Airways (Direct flights from Doha)
Shanghai Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check China visa requirements well in advance of your trip
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and blank pages
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Check baggage allowances and fees for your specific airline
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Research ground transportation options to your accommodation
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases (hello, thank you, how much)
- Download essential apps before arrival (WeChat, Didi, Alipay)
At Shanghai Airports
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights
- Have boarding passes, passport, and visa ready for inspection
- Use the Maglev train from PVG for the fastest transport to the city
- Take advantage of airport lounges during long layovers
- Use the free WiFi available throughout both airports
- Exchange currency at airport banks for better rates
- Purchase Shanghai Public Transportation Card at the airport
- Have your hotel address written in Chinese for taxi drivers
Shanghai-Specific Travel Tips
- Use Shanghai's excellent metro system - one of the world's largest
- Purchase Shanghai Public Transportation Card for metro, buses, and taxis
- Download essential apps: WeChat (for everything), Didi (ride-hailing), Pleco (translation)
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for cashless payments
- Stay in neighborhoods like People's Square, Jing'an, or The Bund area
- Try Shanghai cuisine: xiaolongbao, soup dumplings, hairy crab
- Visit popular attractions early to avoid crowds
- Explore different areas: historic French Concession, modern Pudong, traditional Old Town
- Be prepared for air quality variations - consider bringing a mask
- Carry both cash and have mobile payment options ready
- Learn basic etiquette: business cards with both hands, modest dress for business
Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai Flights
Which Shanghai airport is closer to the city center?
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is closer to the city center, approximately 13 km away (20-40 minutes travel time). Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is about 30 km from downtown Shanghai (30-60 minutes travel time).
What is the cheapest month to fly to Shanghai?
January and February (excluding Chinese New Year) typically offer the lowest airfares to Shanghai, as these are the coldest months with fewer tourists. Late summer (August) also sometimes has good deals despite being peak summer due to the humid weather.
How early should I arrive at Shanghai airports for international flights?
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. During peak travel seasons or if checking baggage, consider arriving 3.5 hours early, especially at PVG which can be very busy.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Shanghai from the US?
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines offer direct flights from various US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, and Seattle. China Eastern also operates direct flights from US cities.
What is the best way to get from Pudong Airport to Shanghai?
The Maglev train is the fastest option, taking about 8 minutes to Longyang Road Station (then transfer to metro). Metro Line 2 takes about 60 minutes to People's Square. Airport buses, taxis, and private transfers are also available.
Is there a shuttle between Pudong and Hongqiao airports?
Yes, Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 connects Pudong and Hongqiao airports directly, taking about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Metro Line 2 also connects the two airports with a transfer.
What is the flight time from Los Angeles to Shanghai?
The flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai takes approximately 13-14 hours.
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to visit China, including Shanghai. Some countries qualify for 72-hour or 144-hour transit without visa when connecting to a third country. Always check current visa requirements based on your nationality well in advance.
What are the busiest travel days at Shanghai airports?
Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days. Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week (October), and Labor Day see extremely high passenger volume. Summer and spring peak seasons are also very busy.
Is Shanghai safe for tourists?
Shanghai is generally very safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions, but violent crime is rare. The city has excellent public safety infrastructure and police presence.