Shanghai Airports

Shanghai City Guide shcityguide@gmail.com

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There are 2 international airports in Shanghai: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hong Qiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong Airport is the main airport for international flights, while Hong Qiao Airport is older and caters mostly for domestic flights and a small number of international flights.

Pudong Airport

There are 2 terminals in Pudong Airport. Terminal 2 has just been opened this year, 2008. If you are flying in from abroad, this is most likely the airport that you will use. Pudong Airport is quite far from the city. Fortunately, there are many modes of transport to choose from.

Inside the Pudong Airport

1. Taxi
Taxi is probably the most convenient, but the price is higher. There are designated areas for getting taxis at the airport (follow the signs). You should always get a taxi from these designated areas. Taxi fare by fare meters from Pudong Airport to the Puxi area (western part of the Huangpu river) is around RMB150 - RMB180. Depending on traffic conditions, the ride will take between 1 - 1.5 hour. Be aware that there are illegal taxi operators/touts operating at the airport, so, be careful. It is NOT recommended to follow anyone that offer you a taxi (other than from the designated areas). The illegal taxis will probably charge you an exorbitant price anyway, and more importantly, it might not be safe.

2. Maglev Train
You should try the Maglev Train at least once. It can go up to 350-400km/h, depending on the time of day... the train is actually magnetically levitated (floating) while you coast along. The train departs every 15 minutes.

The train connects the airport to the Longyang Rd Station, which is not quite in the city yet. It takes about 7 minutes to reach the Longyang Rd Station. From Longyang Rd Station, you can either use a taxi, or hop into Subway Line 2 to proceed to the city.

Using the Maglev Train and the subway, you can reach the Puxi area in less than an hour. The timing is quite constant as there is no traffic jam. The cost is RMB50/way. You can get a RMB40 ticket if you show your airline ticket at the counter.

Maglev Train signage

3. Airport Bus
This is the most economical, but takes the longest time. It could take more than 2 hours to reach the Puxi area. But, this is a good choice if you have time to spare and would like to take in the scenery. Some of the buses are a little old, but overall, it is ok. They are air-conditioned buses.

Hong Qiao Airport
Hong Qiao Airport is located in Puxi area. It is nearer to the city. The taxi is the most convenient way to get from Hong Qiao airport to the city. Again, get a taxi from the designated area.