Layover in Shanghai

A layover in China is becoming an increasingly logical and sensible decision when organizing a trip, especially after the introduction of a visa-free regime. There are many cities for a stopover, and Shanghai is one such convenient point. Pudong Airport (PVG) is one of Asia's largest hubs, through which thousands of tourists fly daily to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania.

If you managed to buy tickets from Moscow to Bangkok, Tokyo, or Denpasar with a layover in Shanghai, don't rush to get upset about the long wait. This is a great chance to see one of the world's most dynamic megacities.

About the Airport

Pudong International Airport (Pudong) is located 30 km from the city center. Direct flights from most cities in central Russia arrive here. It is a huge complex, consisting of two main terminals (T1 and T2) and satellites, a giant of modern aviation, which grew on the eastern outskirts of Shanghai and opened in 1999. Here, the hustle and bustle of flights intertwines with clear service organization, and fast connections to the city – Maglev and metro line – like threads, connect the airport with the vibrant heart of the metropolis.

• Terminal 1: base for China Eastern Airlines and SkyTeam alliance members (including Aeroflot).
• Terminal 2: serves China Southern, Air China, and most international airlines (Star Alliance and Oneworld alliances).

The distance between terminals is only 500 meters; free shuttles run here (from 6 AM to midnight), but walking is also feasible – they are connected by long corridors. Navigation is intuitive and duplicated in English.

What documents are needed to go into the city

Until mid-September 2026, everything is as simple as possible – present your international passport and head into the city! Transit visas are no longer required, but you need to seize the moment while the new rules are in effect, so get your tickets from Moscow to Denpasar with a layover in Shanghai now.

How to get from Shanghai Airport to the city center

If you have at least 6-7 hours of free time, feel free to go into the city.

Maglev

This is not just transport, but an attraction. The magnetic levitation train accelerates to 300-430 km/h (depending on the time of day). The journey to the city takes only 7-8 minutes; from the airport, you will arrive directly at Longyang Road metro station (Lúnyáng Lù), where you need to transfer to the metro (Line 2 or 7) and travel another 15-20 minutes to reach the very city center, for example, the Bund.

The fare is 50 yuan or 40 if you happen to have a Shanghai Metro transport card. For air passengers – 40 yuan (economy class) or 80 (business class).

The Maglev operates from 7 AM to 9:40 PM, so if you arrive at Pudong Airport at night, you will have to choose other modes of transport.

Metro

The most budget-friendly way. Line 2 (green) passes through the airport. With it, you can also reach Longyang Road station, as well as Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station. The journey to People’s Square station (People's Square) or Lujiazui (skyscrapers) will take approximately 60-70 minutes. The line is long; sometimes at Guanglan Road station, a transfer to another train on the same line is required (just cross to the other side of the platform), so pay attention to announcements. The price is the main advantage of the metro: the fare will cost only 7-9 yuan.

Buses

The Airport Bus network connects Pudong with all city districts and the second Hongqiao Airport. There are a total of seven routes, one of which is a night route. Line 4 goes to Shanghai North Railway Station, Line 7 to the South. On average, buses start running from 7 AM and finish at 11 PM, except for night buses: these depart from Terminal 1 at 11 PM, and from Terminal 2 at 11:05 PM.

Taxi

Official taxi stands are available at each terminal. At Terminal 1, the boarding area is near arrival zone No. 12. Passengers can proceed to exit No. 4 or No. 8 of the arrival zone. At Terminal 2 – in arrival zone No. 25.

Tip: make sure to have the address of your hotel or attraction written in hieroglyphs. Drivers rarely speak English. Payment is usually by meter.

What to do during a layover at the airport

If you have little time or are too lazy to go into the city, you won't be bored in Pudong. Even if you have tickets Saint Petersburg – Phuket with a short layover, you'll have time to appreciate the local service.

Shopping

There are too many shops at Pudong Airport to list them all. Here you can buy everything – tea, toys, books, jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. Among the essentials during a stopover are Hudson Market, Lawson, FamilyMart. The local Duty Free (Sunrise Duty Free) is world-renowned for its prices on cosmetics and perfumes. Brands like Estée Lauder, Lancôme, SK-II are often 30-40% cheaper here than in European stores.

Dining

The choice is huge: from global chains (Starbucks, Burger King) to authentic Chinese restaurants. Be sure to try xiaolongbao (dumplings with broth inside) or beef noodles. Prices at the airport are higher than in the city, but quite affordable.

Rest

There are many chairs in the waiting areas, but they are not always comfortable for sleeping.

• Business lounges: available through bank loyalty programs or for a separate fee (around 200–300 yuan). They offer showers, a buffet, and soft sofas.
• Hourly hotels: there are mini-hotels inside the terminals where you can sleep in a bed for a few hours.

Wi-Fi

Internet in China has its peculiarities – the 'Great Firewall of China'.

1. To connect to the airport Wi-Fi, you need to get a code via SMS (it doesn't always arrive on Russian numbers) or scan your passport at a special kiosk (Wi-Fi Kiosk), which will issue receipts with a password.
2. Google, WhatsApp, YouTube, and social networks will not work without a VPN. If you need stable access, it's better to activate roaming with your operator in advance – restrictions usually do not apply in roaming.

Additional facilities

• Left Luggage: if you go into the city, it's better to leave your luggage at the airport (Left Luggage). Counters are available in arrival and departure areas; the price depends on bag size (from 10 to 50 yuan).
• Drinking water: dispensers with free hot and cold water are everywhere. You can brew noodles or tea (Chinese people always carry thermoses with them).
• Mobile device charging stations: numerous in both Terminals.
• Luggage wrapping services: between gates 14 and 15 in Terminal 1's departure area and between gates 21 and 22 in Terminal 2.
• Pudong Airport Gallery: located in the northern part of Terminal 1's domestic departures area. It covers an area of over 100 square meters and presents a series of exhibitions from the Shanghai Oil Painting and Sculpture Institute.
• Pudong Airport Museum: located near boarding gate D90 in the southern part of Terminal 2's international departures area. The museum's goal is to create a cultural atmosphere in Shanghai and provide tourists with an opportunity to better understand Chinese culture and art during their wait and layover.
• Mother and baby rooms, ATMs, currency exchange points, and so on.

Overnight layover in Shanghai

Pudong Airport has created eight free rest areas for sleeping within the terminals. These include a total of 1018 resting spots and 228 charging stations. Additionally, 30 sleeping pods have been installed near exit 24 in Terminal 1 and exit 67 in Terminal 2. They are equipped with fold-out sofas, air filtration systems, adjustable lighting, and personal comfort items such as blankets and slippers. Each pod is thoroughly disinfected after use. The cost is 35 for 30 minutes, 65 yuan for an hour, and 185 yuan for three hours.

After sleeping, you can refresh yourself: Pudong Airport operates 11 free 24-hour shower cabins for this purpose. These include nine single and two multi-functional shower cabins, equipped with necessary amenities such as hairdryers and toiletries.

To cope with the large number of summer flights and potential disruptions due to weather conditions, Pudong Airport has entered into partnership agreements with 11 airlines. Passengers whose flights are delayed can receive meal vouchers valid at over 100 airport catering establishments, from popular local restaurants to international chains.

However, if the layover is long, it's better to book a hotel near the airport. Many of them (even budget ones) offer free shuttle services. Look for shuttles in the parking exit area.

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, and even a brief acquaintance with it will leave a lasting impression. The main thing is not to be afraid to step outside the terminal!