China
Shanghai
Start with the airport that matches your flight
Shanghai has two international airports. Pudong International Airport is about 30 km from downtown Shanghai. Hongqiao International Airport is about 13 km from the city center.
For an arrival at Pudong, Metro Line 2 links Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station with People's Square. The trip takes about one hour and costs about 7 yuan. Build in extra time for the airport-to-metro transition and keep this route in mind as a low-cost public-transport option.
Panoramic view of Shanghai skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower under a clear blue sky.
At Hongqiao, the metro connection depends on your terminal. Terminal 1 is served by Metro Line 10. Terminal 2 is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10. Confirm your terminal before choosing the line.
Get help soon after landing
International travelers can use round-the-clock one-stop service centers at Pudong Airport Terminals 1 and 2, plus Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1. They offer help with payment, tourism, communications, and transportation. If you need to solve an arrival task, such as getting connected or understanding your onward transport, this is a sensible first stop.
Check visa requirements before booking
Vibrant Shanghai skyline at night featuring iconic skyscrapers and colorful lighting reflections on water.
Foreign nationals visiting Shanghai for tourism may need an L tourist visa. Requirements depend on your circumstances and the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center responsible for your area. Check with the office serving your jurisdiction before you make plans that depend on visa approval.
Arrival checklist
- Confirm whether your flight uses Pudong or Hongqiao.
- At Pudong, consider Metro Line 2 for the route to People's Square.
- At Hongqiao, check the terminal before selecting Metro Line 10 or Line 2.
- Use an airport service center if you need assistance with payment, tourism, communications, or transport.
- Verify your visa requirements with the appropriate Chinese visa authority.
Highlights
- Pudong International Airport is about 30 km from downtown Shanghai.
- Metro Line 2 links Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station and People's Square.
- The Pudong Metro Line 2 journey is about one hour and costs about 7 yuan.
- Hongqiao Terminal 1 is served by Metro Line 10; Terminal 2 is served by Lines 2 and 10.
- Round-the-clock international traveler service centers can help with payment, tourism, communications, and transportation.
- Tourist visa requirements should be confirmed with the Chinese authority serving your area.
Travel Tips
Check your airport first
Pudong and Hongqiao have different metro arrangements, so confirm the airport and terminal shown on your flight details.
Use the airport service centers
At the listed terminals, one-stop centers can assist international travelers with payment, tourism, communications, and transportation.
Treat visa advice as personal
An L tourist visa may be needed. Confirm the rules with the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center responsible for your area.
