Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Shanghai Pudong 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.
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The airport is very huge and you can find a lot of free spaces both near the check in area and near the gate. – lormayna
PVG Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover, here is a quick run-down of what travellers have reported to us during their time at Shanghai Pudong Airport.
What to Expect
Shanghai Pudong Airport (Code: PVG) is a major hub with two main terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), and two satellite concourses (S1 and S2). T11 and T2 are connected on the landside by walkways and a free shuttle bus. S1 and S2 are connected on the airside to T1 and T2 by shuttle trains.
Amenities include a variety of shops, including duty-free and eateries offering Chinese and Western cuisine, though some travellers report expensive prices. Several eateries are open 24 hours, mainly in T2, and two Family Mart convenience stores are open 24 hours in T1. WiFi is free, but you’ll need to receive a password via a Chinese mobile number or at a self-ticketing kiosk. Economy class passengers can pay to enter several airport lounges in both terminals, some of which have showers for freshening up.
Sleeping in Shanghai Pudong Airport
Overnight sleepers generally have no problems catching some z’s here, though comfort levels can vary depending on where you settle down. The airport now offers eight free overnight Rest Zones across Terminals 1, 2, S1 and S2, providing more than 1,000 seats with access to electrical outlets. Seating ranges from metal benches to softer padded options, but the addition of these dedicated areas makes it easier to find a suitable place to rest overnight. Plenty of nooks are perfect to tuck into if you prefer the floor, but bring a sleep mat or blanket to provide some cushion. You’ll also want to have earplugs or headphones and an extra layer to cope with noise and chilly temps.
Recent feedback:
– Terminal 1 – Reviewers frequently note many sleepable benches in Terminal 1’s long straight corridors, where most seating is armrest-free and suitable for stretching out. Quiet areas were spotted near Gate 140, where armrest-free seating and padded sleep chairs are available and the environment stays clean, safe, and calm.
– S2 – Sleepers report that much of the seating in S2 has armrests, though there are a few comfortable options such as sofas near Gate G135 and large triangular benches near Gate G118.
If you prefer more privacy, Sleep Pods/Rest Cabins are now available in Terminal 1 near Gate 24 and Terminal 2 near Gate 67 in the International Departures areas. See our 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 Pudong Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is open 24 hours, both landside and airside. Security checkpoints operate in line with flight schedules and may remain open overnight in some areas.
That said, overnight access is not guaranteed for non-ticketed visitors. Travellers without a same-day or next-day boarding pass may be asked to leave during the quiet overnight window (roughly midnight–4:00 AM), particularly in landside public areas. Enforcement can vary by terminal and staffing levels.
What this means for airport sleepers:
If you plan to stay overnight, it’s best to have a valid boarding pass, expect reduced services, and be prepared to move if asked by airport staff. Sleeping airside is generally easier once you’ve cleared security, but comfort and quiet are still limited.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
The airport has previously reported eight free rest areas with seating and charging points across multiple terminals and satellite concourses:
- Terminal 1: International Departures & Domestic Arrivals
- Terminal 2: Domestic mixed-flow level
- S1: Domestic departure/arrival zone (satellite concourse)
- S2: International Departures area (satellite concourse)
These areas typically consist of reclining or grouped seats, not dedicated sleep rooms. Availability, exact locations, and overnight access may change, and some areas may close during low-traffic hours. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Shanghai Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
Nearest Hotel: Within 10-minute walk
Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: No
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Shanghai Pudong Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, there is an hourly hotel where you can rest in a private room. Offsite, several nearby hotels are within a 10-minute drive and provide free airport shuttles.
Hotels near Pudong Airport
- Dazhong Airport Hotel Shanghai – About a 5-minute walk. Located between Terminals 1 and 2, above the Maglev and metro stations. » Check Rates
- Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai – Free airport shuttle available. Shuttle runs 4:15 AM – 1:10 AM. Overnight pickup (1:10 AM – 7:20 AM) requires calling +86 21 6835 6166 after clearing customs. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Shanghai Pudong Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
International Terminal
- First Class Lounge No. 37 – Temporarily Closed – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, South District, near Gates 18/19. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- First Class Lounge No.69 – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, Upper Floor, near Gate 69. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- No. 77 China Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge– Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, near Gate 77. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
- VIP Lounge – Location: Terminal S1, Airside, International Departures, near Gate 135B. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- VIP Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, near Gate 170. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Domestic Terminal
- First Class Lounge No.9 – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor, between Gates 8 and 9. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
- Golden Century VIP Lounge (Terminal 1) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gates 12-14. Lounge Access: unknown.
- Golden Century VIP Lounge (Terminal 2 – Gate C58) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate 58. Lounge Access: unknown.
- Golden Century VIP Lounge (Terminal 2 – Gate C89) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate C89. Lounge Access: unknown.
- First Class Lounge No.76 – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate 73. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
Drinking Water
Free drinking water is available airside, usually via fountains or hot-water dispensers near restrooms along gate walkways. Bringing an empty bottle is helpful. Landside, drinking water is generally limited to purchased bottled water, typically around CNY 5 (~$0.70 USD).
Food & Drinks
At the time of this update, there were no 24-hour food options other than vending machines. If this information has changed, click here to update the guide.
Vending machines with drinks and snacks (some also serve hot beverages) can be found in the Arrivals Hall, the Ticket Counter Island in the Departure Hall and the Boarding Gates Area of T1.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Secure luggage storage is available for stays of up to two months. A valid photo ID and flight ticket/boarding pass are required, and all items are screened.
Rates (per bag, oversized items cost extra.):
- 10–30 CNY (up to 4 hours)
- 15–40 CNY (4–10 hours)
- 20–45 CNY (10–24 hours)
Locations:
- T1 Departures: between Gates 4–5 and 10–11
- T1 Arrivals: greeting area, between Gates 6–7
- T2 Departures: near Islands A and M
- T2 Arrivals: near the International exit
Hours:
- Departures level: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Arrivals level: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations with power outlets and USB ports are available airside near gates.
Showers
Free shower facilities are available airside, mainly in international transfer and arrivals areas:
Terminal 1:
- International Arrivals, near Gate 18
- International-to-Domestic Transfer Hall
Terminal 2:
- International Arrivals, near Bridges D69 and D83
Tip: Towels and toiletries may be limited—bring your own if possible.
Some airport lounges also offer showers; see the Airport Lounge section for details.
WiFi/Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. Connect to the “Airport-Free-WiFi” network. A Chinese mobile phone number is required to receive an access code via SMS. If you don’t have a Chinese phone number, there are machines located airside that will print an access code for you. Boingo Wireless customers can also connect via hot spots in the airport.
Security & Safety
Airport staff don’t seem to mind overnight campers here – maybe that’s because they ignore a lot of what goes on at Shanghai Pudong Airport. At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues. However, some travellers have mentioned ongoing scams, including hotel representatives price gouging unsuspecting travellers and con men selling counterfeit technology, like Apple products, in public areas.
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.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside. Foreign bank ATMs are reportedly operated by Hang Seng Bank, Citibank, and HSBC. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the airport.
Business Center – Basic business services such as faxing and photocopying are available. Locations: Terminal 1, Arrivals area •
Terminal 2, Departures Hall (Island B). Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Children’s Play Area – A children’s play area is available in Terminal 2, near International Departures, Gate 81.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Currency Exchange – Foreign currency exchange counters are available landside and airside throughout the airport.
Hours: Vary by location; most counters operate from the first international departure until about one hour after the last international flight.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping and various retail shops are available. Two Family Mart (convenience shops) are open 24 hours for any last-minute items. Location: T1, Arrivals, near Gate 5 • T1, Arrivals, near Gate 10.
Information Desk – Airport information desks are available in both terminals.
Medical Services – Medical services are available on site. Locations: Terminal 1: Near Departure Gate 1. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM • Terminal 2: Arrival Hall, Building B. Hours: From 6:30 AM until the last flight.
Photo Booth – Photo booths are available for casual and passport photos. Rates: 10 yuan (casual) • 20 yuan (passport). Cash only (10 or 20 yuan notes). Location: Terminal 2, Departures Hall, near Island G.
Post Office – Postal services are available in both terminals.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Spa – Yongqi Spa offers basic services such as manicures and pedicures. Location: Terminal 2, 3rd Floor
Bus/Coach
Eight local bus lines provide daily scheduled service to Pudong Airport, accessing both terminals and include a dedicated late-night route. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Shanghai Pudong Airport website.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we were able to find only one hotel that provided an airport shuttle: Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttles
A courtesy shuttle service connects terminals 1 and 2. This service runs every 10 minutes from 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM. The shuttle stops are T1 (Domestic Departures Gate 1 and International Departures Gate 8) and T2 (Domestic Departures Gate 23 and International Departures Gate 27).
Maglev
The Maglev is a modern, high-speed magnetic levitation train that provides transportation from Pudong Airport to the outskirts of Shanghai at up to 431km (268 mph). Trains operate from 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM. As of this update, fares are 50RMB for a single trip/80RMB for a double trip (economy) and 100RMB for a single trip/160RMB for a double trip (VIP).
Metro
Passengers needing to take the metro to or from Pudong Airport can take the Line 2 (green) extension between Guanglan Road station and Pudong Airport. For important route information, visit the Shanghai Pudong Airport website.
Taxi
The following rates were current at the time of this update:
Daytime taxi rates (5:00 AM – 11:00 PM):
Up to 3km: 14RMB (including 1RMB fuel surcharge)
3km – 10km: 2.5RMB per km
Over 10km: 3.6RMB per km
Nighttime taxi rates (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM):
Up to 3km: 18RMB (including 1RMB fuel surcharge)
3km – 10km: 3.1RMB per km
Over 10km: 4.7RMB per km
Last updated: 2025-12-29
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.