Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Guide
Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
At Hongqiao itself there doesn’t appear to be a place to sleep, and it’s awfully crowed anyway. – Rod
SHA Airport Overview
Of the city’s two major airports, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (code: SHA) is located closer to the city center. Terminal 1 handles short-haul international flights, and the much larger Terminal 2 serves domestic traffic. Eateries and shops are plentiful, especially in T2, but most places shut down by 10:00 PM. Free Wi-Fi helps pass the time when you get bored of window shopping. Economy class passengers can pay to enter airport lounges in both terminals.
Sleeping in Hongqiao Airport
Past reviewers suggest that Terminal 2 closes nightly, around 10:00 PM, but a traveller in 2018 had no problem sleeping all night in T2, reporting armrest-free seating and dozens of other travellers. Have a backup plan, just in case. Earplugs can help combat typical airport noise. For uninterrupted sleep, hotels are within walking distance and offer free shuttle service. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Guide.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Last updated: 2026-03-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.