Shanghai has two airports about 50 kilometres apart, and picking the right one — or avoiding the trap of connecting between them — changes your whole arrival. Here is how Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG) compare and how to get to the city from each.
Hongqiao vs Pudong at a glance
|
Hongqiao (SHA) |
Pudong (PVG) |
| Distance to the Bund / centre |
~15 km, close |
~45 km, far |
| Mostly used for |
Domestic + some Asia regional |
Most international long-haul |
| Fast city link |
Metro lines 2/10/17, maglev not here |
Metro line 2, Maglev, taxi |
| Transfer feel |
Quick into the city |
Longer; budget 60–90 min |
Which should you fly into?
If you have the choice and are staying central, Hongqiao is far easier — it is close to the city and connects straight to the high-speed-rail hub for trips to Suzhou, Hangzhou or Beijing. Pudong handles most long-haul international flights, so many travellers land there out of necessity; just plan for the longer transfer.
The inter-airport trap
The biggest mistake is booking an inbound into one airport and an outbound from the other on a tight connection. SHA↔PVG can take 90 minutes or more with traffic. If you must switch airports, leave a big buffer or move between them the night before.
Getting to your hotel
- Metro line 2 links both airports to the centre on a budget.
- Taxi or a pre-booked private car is easier with luggage or late arrivals — see charter travel.
- From Pudong, the Maglev is a fast, fun run into the city edge.
- A China eSIM makes ride-hailing and maps work the moment you land.
FAQ
Which Shanghai airport is closer to the city centre?
Hongqiao (SHA) — it is roughly 15 km from the Bund, versus about 45 km for Pudong (PVG).
Can I get from Pudong to Hongqiao on the metro?
Yes, line 2 connects them, but it is a long ride (about 60–90 minutes). Only do it with plenty of time before your flight.
Should I pre-book an airport transfer in Shanghai?
For late arrivals, luggage or a group, a fixed-price private transfer beats the taxi queue — especially from Pudong.
Which airport do high-speed trains use?
Hongqiao — the railway station is integrated with SHA, making onward trips to Hangzhou, Suzhou or Beijing easy.
