Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (SHA)

How to get to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai city center is approximately 13 km from the airport: the transfer takes roughly 25-30 minutes by metro or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Shanghai's center in approximately 25-30 minutes.

By Train

Metro/High-speed Rail: lines 2 and 10 of the metro connect the airport directly to the city center; the airport is also integrated with Hongqiao high-speed railway station, a hub for bullet trains to Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and other cities.

By Bus

Various urban bus lines connect the airport to different areas of Shanghai.

💡

Tips Being much more central than Pudong, Hongqiao is the practical choice for those with business in the city the same day or traveling onward by high-speed rail to other Chinese cities: always verify which of the two terminals operates your flight.

Average travel time to SHA

Train25-30 minutes (metro)

Shuttle bus25-30 minutes

Taxi / Private hire25-30 minutes

Parking near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Official parking (P1/P2/P4/P6) is located opposite the terminal.

First 20 minutes free; 10 CNY/hour for the first 2 hours, then 5 CNY/hour; maximum charge 60 CNY for 24 hours, 80 CNY between 24 and 48 hours, 110 CNY per 24 hours beyond 48 hours.

How to get to Shanghai from SHA

By Train

Metro: Lines 2 and 10 connect the airport directly to Shanghai city center in approximately 25–30 minutes, approximately 4–6 CNY.

By Bus

Various urban bus lines connect the airport to different areas of Shanghai.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; metering is the standard for trips to the city center, approximately 70–120 CNY (10–17 USD), with a 30% night surcharge during peak hours 23:00–5:00.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

A limited number of car rental operators are available in the arrival area.

Many visitors choose taxis or alternative transportation services instead of car rental.

Hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Hongqiao is Shanghai's domestic airport, just 13 km from People's Square and linked to downtown by metro Line 2 in about 35 minutes: for anyone who already has a hotel in the city, the transfer stays easy even late in the evening. The calculation changes for same-day domestic flight connections and for the very earliest morning departures, when every minute saved counts and the Terminal 1 lobby is one flight of stairs from the room. Staying in the area is also worthwhile for anyone heading to the National Exhibition and Convention Center trade fair hub, a few kilometres from the terminal.

At the airport

At the airport, Terminal 1

The Hilton's lobby is on the second floor, connected directly to the Terminal 1 departures hall; for Terminal 2 the hotel shuttle is needed, or one metro Line 10 stop.

Best for: Layovers and same-day flight connections, very early morning departures from Terminal 1.

Pros

From the room to Terminal 1 check-in without a bus or taxi, just stairs and internal corridors
An indoor pool and a gym for anyone with several hours to wait between two flights

Cons

Terminal 2, used by many low-cost and international carriers, still requires a shuttle or the metro
All around just the airport area: for dinner guests stay at the hotel

Recommended hotels

Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport The only hotel with its lobby connected to the second floor of the Terminal 1 departures hall; a recent property, with an indoor pool and gym for anyone with a long layover. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport area

Hongqiao business district

About 4.7-4.8 km from Terminal 2: 10 minutes by car or a 10-minute walk to the terminus of metro Line 2, which reaches the terminal in two stops.

Best for: Anyone who wants to stay within a few minutes of Terminal 2 without paying the connected property's rates, or needs a longer stay with a kitchen in the room.

Pros

Just steps from the terminus of metro Line 2, handy also for reaching downtown without a taxi
The Korean quarter around Hongquan Road offers restaurants open late, rare near a Chinese airport

Cons

A residential and commercial area with no major tourist attractions
On trade fair days at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, local traffic lengthens considerably

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport offers services consistent with its role as Shanghai's urban hub for domestic and regional flights, integrated with the high-speed rail network.

Shopping & Duty Free

There is a duty-free area with Chinese tea, baijiu, and Shanghai-themed products.

Lounges & relaxation

Hongqiao's lounges are split between Terminal 1, with one lounge before security for domestic flights and two beyond security for international ones, and Terminal 2, where airline-run lounges sit alongside those open with Priority Pass or an American Express Platinum card. Anyone departing early or with little time landside will find a dedicated option; anyone looking for a specific service, such as massage chairs, a children's area or meeting rooms, needs to choose based on the airline and departure terminal.

lounges: 7
with Priority Pass: 5
earliest opening: 05:30

Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have service desks at the airport.

Families & Children

Essential family assistance is guaranteed in common terminal areas for families with children.

Terminal guide

Two terminals, with T2 integrated into the high-speed railway station. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10-15 minutes.

Controls are generally fast given the predominance of domestic flights; for any international flights, it is advised to arrive with at least 2-3 hours' notice.

Map of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Hongqiao connected to high-speed trains?

Yes, Terminal 2 is integrated with Hongqiao railway station, one of the busiest in the world, with bullet trains to Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and many other Chinese cities.

Q. If I arrive at Pudong and need to catch a domestic flight from Hongqiao, how much time should I allow for the transfer?

It's best to allow at least a couple of extra hours: Shanghai's two airports are quite far apart and there's no fast direct connection, so the transfer requires a metro ride or a taxi across the city.