Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is Shanghai's city airport, located just 13 km west of central Shanghai. As one of China's busiest domestic airports, Hongqiao serves primarily domestic routes with limited international flights to nearby Asian destinations including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The airport handles approximately 45 million passengers annually.

Key distinction from PVG: Hongqiao is Shanghai's domestic hub and high-speed rail gateway, while Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) handles the majority of international flights. Most long-haul international travelers arrive at PVG. Always verify which airport your flight uses when booking.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The original terminal, serving domestic flights. Airlines include Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, China Eastern (some flights), and other domestic carriers. Compact and straightforward layout.
• Terminal 2 (T2): The newer, larger terminal opened in 2010 and connected directly to Hongqiao Railway Station. Serves China Eastern (most flights), Shanghai Airlines, Air China, and limited international flights to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The Hongqiao Transportation Hub: Terminal 2 is part of one of Asia's largest integrated transport hubs, directly connected to Hongqiao Railway Station. This makes SHA ideal for travelers connecting between flights and high-speed rail services to cities like Hangzhou (45 min), Nanjing (1-2 hours), Suzhou (25 min), and Beijing (4.5 hours).

Terminal layout:

• T1 and T2 are separate buildings, approximately 1.5 km apart
• T1 is east of T2, closer to the city center
• Terminals are connected by free shuttle bus and Metro Line 10
• T2 is integrated with Hongqiao Railway Station via indoor walkways

Shanghai Area Airports

Shanghai has two major airports serving different purposes:

Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) - 45 km east

• Primary international airport for long-haul flights
• Hub for China Eastern Airlines
• Airlines: Most international carriers, China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines
• Best for: International arrivals and departures, long-haul connections

When to use SHA vs PVG:

• SHA (Hongqiao): Domestic flights, regional Asian destinations, high-speed rail connections
• PVG (Pudong): International long-haul flights, most Star Alliance and SkyTeam international services

Connecting between SHA and PVG:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Metro Line 2	90-100 min	CNY 8 (~$1 USD)	Direct, no transfer required
Taxi/DiDi	60-90 min	CNY 200-280 (~$28-39 USD)	Varies greatly with traffic
Airport Bus Line 1	75-120 min	CNY 30 (~$4 USD)	Direct service

Minimum connection time between airports: Allow 3-4 hours between separate bookings at different airports. Add more time during rush hours or holidays.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located 13 km west of central Shanghai, making it significantly more accessible than Pudong Airport (30 km east). Journey times to downtown are among the shortest of any major Chinese airport.

Method	Time to City Center	Cost
Metro Lines 2/10	30-45 min	CNY 4-6 (~$0.50-0.80 USD)
Taxi	20-40 min	CNY 50-100 (~$7-14 USD)
DiDi (rideshare)	20-40 min	CNY 45-90 (~$6-13 USD)
Airport Bus	30-60 min	CNY 4-20 (~$0.50-3 USD)

Rush hour warning: Traffic between Hongqiao and central Shanghai can be congested during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM), though distances are short. The Metro is reliable and avoids traffic entirely.

Important: Uber does not operate in China. Use DiDi (China's dominant rideshare app) or official taxis.

DiDi (Recommended Rideshare)

• App: Download "DiDi" before arriving (available in English)
• Payment: International credit cards may work; link Alipay or WeChat Pay for best experience
• Pickup location: Follow signs to "Online Hailing Vehicle" zones at each terminal
• Typical fares: CNY 45-90 to central Shanghai (~$6-13 USD)

Note: DiDi requires a Chinese phone number or international accounts with limited functionality. Setting up the app before arrival is strongly recommended.

Official Taxis

Taxis queue outside arrivals at both terminals. Only use official taxis from designated taxi ranks—avoid touts inside the terminal.

Typical fares from SHA:

Destination	Fare	Time
People's Square	CNY 60-80 (~$8-11 USD)	20-35 min
The Bund (Waitan)	CNY 70-100 (~$10-14 USD)	25-45 min
Jing'an District	CNY 50-70 (~$7-10 USD)	20-30 min
French Concession	CNY 55-75 (~$8-10 USD)	20-35 min
Lujiazui (Pudong)	CNY 100-150 (~$14-21 USD)	35-55 min
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)	CNY 200-280 (~$28-39 USD)	60-90 min

Tips:

• All fares are metered; no airport surcharge at SHA
• Have your destination written in Chinese characters
• Most drivers speak limited English—use a translation app or hotel card
• Receipts (fapiao) available upon request

Pickup Locations

• Terminal 1: Ground floor arrivals exit, taxi queue
• Terminal 2: Arrivals Level (B1), designated taxi area, follow signs

Metro Line 2 (Recommended)

Metro Line 2 connects both Hongqiao terminals directly to central Shanghai and continues all the way to Pudong Airport.

Key stops from Hongqiao:

• Hongqiao Airport T2: Terminal 2 (integrated station)
• Hongqiao Airport T1: Terminal 1
• Zhongshan Park: Transfer to Lines 3, 4
• Jing'an Temple: Jing'an district shopping
• Nanjing Road West: Shopping district
• People's Square: City center, transfer to Lines 1, 8
• Nanjing Road East: Near The Bund
• Lujiazui: Pudong financial center
• Pudong Airport: Full cross-city journey

Details:

• Fare: CNY 4-8 (~$0.50-1 USD) to central Shanghai
• Operating hours: 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM (approximately)
• Duration: 30-45 minutes to People's Square
• Frequency: Every 3-6 minutes during peak hours

Metro Line 10

Metro Line 10 also serves both Hongqiao terminals and provides connections to southern and eastern Shanghai.

Key stops:

• Hongqiao Airport T2: Terminal 2
• Hongqiao Airport T1: Terminal 1
• Shanghai Zoo: Zhongshan Park area
• Jiaotong University: University district
• Laoximen: Old City, near Yu Garden
• Yuyuan Garden: Classic garden and bazaar

Details:

• Fare: CNY 4-6 (~$0.50-0.80 USD)
• Operating hours: 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM (approximately)
• Useful for: Southern route through French Concession area

Airport Buses

Airport buses serve various districts:

Key routes from T2:

• Line 1: Jing'an Temple, Shanghai Railway Station (CNY 4)
• Line 2: People's Square, The Bund (CNY 4)
• Line 3: Various districts
• Hongqiao Hub routes: Connect to metro stations

From T1:

• Limited bus routes; Metro Line 2 is more convenient

Details:

• Fare: CNY 4-20 depending on route
• Operating hours: Various, most routes end by 11:00 PM

SHA offers parking at both terminals:

Terminal 2 Parking

Type	Rate	Notes
Short-term (P1-P6)	CNY 10/hour (~$1.40 USD)	First 15 min free
Daily max	CNY 80/day (~$11 USD)	Indoor lots
Long-term	CNY 40-60/day (~$5.50-8 USD)	Remote lots with shuttle

Terminal 1 Parking

Type	Rate
Short-term	CNY 10/hour (~$1.40 USD)
Daily max	CNY 80/day (~$11 USD)

Tips:

• Payment via cash, cards, or mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• T2 parking is larger and better organized
• Holiday periods can fill up quickly

Hongqiao offers solid dining options, particularly in Terminal 2:

Terminal 2 (Better Selection):

Airside (After Security):

• Chinese restaurants: Shanghai noodles, dim sum, regional cuisine
• Fast food: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King
• Coffee shops: Starbucks, Pacific Coffee
• Quick service: Noodle bars, dumpling shops

Landside:

• Food court: Various Chinese and international options
• Chinese restaurants: More variety than airside
• Convenience stores: FamilyMart, C-Store for snacks

Railway Station Connection:

• Additional dining options in the Hongqiao Railway Station complex

Terminal 1:

• Limited options: Basic food court, fast food chains
• Convenience stores: Snacks and drinks
• Chinese quick service: Noodle shops, dumplings

Recommended: Try Shanghai specialties like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), scallion oil noodles, or shengjianbao (pan-fried buns). Terminal 2 has better options, but neither terminal is known for exceptional dining—eat in the city if you have time.

Free WiFi is available throughout Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

Network: "SHA-Free-WiFi" or "Airport-WiFi-Free"

How to connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network
2. Accept terms on the landing page
3. May require SMS verification to a Chinese phone number

Limitations:

• Some networks require a Chinese phone number for verification
• Speed is generally adequate for browsing and messaging
• International websites may be slow or blocked

VPN Important Note: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, most news sites) are blocked in China. If you need access to these services, install and configure a VPN before arriving in China. VPN apps are difficult to download once inside China.

SIM cards are available at the airport:

Locations:

• China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters in arrivals halls
• More options in T2 than T1
• Convenience stores may sell basic SIM cards

Requirements:

• Passport (required for registration)
• Chinese regulations require real-name registration for all SIM purchases

Typical costs:

• Tourist SIM (7 days, 3-5GB data): CNY 100-150 (~$14-21 USD)
• Monthly prepaid SIM (10-20GB): CNY 100-200 (~$14-28 USD)
• Pocket WiFi rental: CNY 40-60/day (~$5.50-8 USD)

Major carriers:

• China Mobile: Largest network, best coverage
• China Unicom: Good city coverage
• China Telecom: Reliable, competitive pricing

Tips:

• Pre-order SIM cards online through Klook for airport pickup
• Consider Hong Kong SIMs with China roaming (some bypass the firewall)
• eSIMs from international providers work but face China's internet restrictions

ATMs are available throughout both terminals:

Locations:

• Arrivals halls at T1 and T2
• Departure halls (airside)
• Near convenience stores

Major banks with ATMs:

• Bank of China
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Construction Bank
• Bank of Communications

Currency exchange:

• Bank of China counters in arrivals
• Exchange rates are worse than city center banks

Tips:

• Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the only accepted currency
• International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) have limited acceptance—most local shops only accept Chinese payment apps
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival—these apps now allow foreign credit cards and are essential for transactions in China
• ATM limits vary; some machines limit foreign cards to CNY 2,500-3,000 per transaction
• Notify your bank before traveling

Terminal 2 (Better Selection):

Duty-Free (Airside, International Departures only):

• China Duty Free: Cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, Chinese goods
• Limited selection: SHA has less duty-free than PVG due to fewer international flights

Landside:

• Shopping areas: Fashion, electronics, souvenirs
• Convenience stores: FamilyMart, C-Store

Terminal 1:

• Very limited: Basic shops and convenience stores
• No duty-free (domestic terminal only)

Must-buy Chinese items (if duty-free available):

• Tea: Longjing (Dragon Well) from nearby Hangzhou
• Silk products: Scarves, clothing
• Snacks: White Rabbit candy, local treats

Note: Due to SHA's primarily domestic focus, duty-free shopping is limited. For serious shopping, PVG or city shops offer better selection.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 2:

• No. 6 VIP Lounge (Domestic): Priority Pass access, basic Chinese and Western food, drinks
• VIP Lounge (International): For international departures, check Priority Pass app for current status

Terminal 1:

• Limited options: Few Priority Pass lounges due to domestic-only operations
• Check Priority Pass app for current availability

Airline Lounges

China Eastern Lounges (T2):

• China Eastern VIP Lounge: For First/Business Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus
• China Eastern Domestic Lounge: For domestic premium passengers

Air China Lounge (T2):

• For Air China premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold on domestic flights

Pay-Per-Use Options

• VIP lounges: Walk-in access approximately CNY 200-300 (~$28-42 USD)
• Limited options compared to PVG

At the Airport:

• Boyue Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Hotel: Connected to Terminal 2 via covered walkway. Full-service hotel with modern rooms. CNY 600-1,000/night (~$85-140 USD).

• Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Hotel: Adjacent to Terminal 2, convenient access. CNY 400-700/night (~$55-100 USD).

Near Terminal 2 and Railway Station:

• Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: 5-minute walk from T2. CNY 400-600/night (~$55-85 USD).

• Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao: Modern hotel near the transport hub. CNY 500-800/night (~$70-110 USD).

Near Terminal 1:

• Jin Jiang Tower Hongqiao: Short taxi ride from T1. CNY 400-600/night (~$55-85 USD).

Budget Options:

• Various budget hotels along Metro Line 2 with easy airport access
• Zhongshan Park area offers good value accommodations (15-20 min by metro)

Tips:

• T2 connected hotels are ideal for rail+flight connections
• For early morning flights, airport hotels eliminate traffic concerns
• Domestic flights from T1 may benefit from staying near the city center (shorter journey)

Shanghai is China's largest city and financial capital. Hongqiao's proximity to central Shanghai means you can be exploring the city within 30 minutes of landing.

From SHA to Shanghai (20-45 minutes depending on transport):

Must-see attractions:

• The Bund (Waitan): Iconic waterfront promenade facing Pudong's skyline. Metro Line 2 to Nanjing Road East, then walk 10 minutes. Best at sunset/night.
• Yu Garden (Yuyuan): Classical Ming Dynasty garden with adjacent bazaar. Metro Line 10 from Hongqiao. Allow 2-3 hours.
• French Concession: Tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, cafes, boutiques. Metro to Jiaotong University or Hengshan Road.
• Nanjing Road: Pedestrian shopping street from People's Square to The Bund.
• Lujiazui: Pudong's skyline with Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower. Metro Line 2 direct from Hongqiao.

Neighborhoods to explore:

• French Concession: Historic European architecture, boutiques, cafes, nightlife
• Tianzifang: Converted alleyway with art galleries, craft shops, cafes
• Xintiandi: Upscale dining and shopping in restored shikumen buildings
• Old City (Nanshi): Traditional Shanghai around Yu Garden
• Jing'an: Modern shopping and temple district

Practical tips:

• Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card at any metro station for metro, buses, and ferries
• Download a translation app: Google Translate (offline mode) or Baidu Translate
• VPN is essential for Western internet services—install before arriving
• Mobile payments: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (now available to foreign visitors)
• Air quality: Check AQI; masks useful on high-pollution days
• Two airports: SHA (Hongqiao, west) and PVG (Pudong, east)—always verify which one

Day trips from Shanghai via Hongqiao Railway Station:

• Hangzhou: West Lake, tea villages, 45 min by high-speed rail. One of China's most scenic cities.
• Suzhou: Classical gardens (UNESCO), canals, 25 min by high-speed rail
• Nanjing: Historic capital, Ming tombs, city wall, 60-90 min by rail
• Wuxi: Lake Tai, gardens, 40 min by rail
• Zhujiajiao: Water town (1 hour by bus from Shanghai)

Layover recommendations:

• 2-3 hour layover: Stay at the airport; limited but functional food options
• 4-5 hour layover: Quick taxi to French Concession for coffee and walking
• 6+ hour layover: The Bund, Yu Garden, or Nanjing Road shopping; allow 2 hours to return