If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Shanghai Pudong Airport, you might be wondering if it is possible to sleep in the airport. Our guide to sleeping in Pudong airport provides essential information for seasoned airport sleepers and newbies to help travellers arrive prepared for the experience.
We keep this guide up-to-date with the help of airport sleepers who have generously shared their experiences and airport reviews. If you have any tips or photos to contribute, please take a moment to write a review. Your feedback will help us stay informed about the latest advice for future sleepy travellers.
Sleeping in Shanghai Pudong Airport
Locations & Seating
For an airport of this size, the seating isn’t anything special. Seating on the landside is limited, with only a few benches dotting the area. There are more seats on the airside, though most are metal and have armrests. If you can grab a seat, expect little privacy. Plenty of nooks are perfect to tuck into if you prefer the floor, but bring a sleep mat or blanket to provide some cushion.
Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Hotels
Prefer some privacy and comfort? If you would like a good, solid sleep between flights without leaving the airport behind, check out the T2 Max TIP Hourly Lounge in Terminal 2, Floor 3, near exit doors 25-26. We believe the mini-hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms are rentable by the hour, but we cannot confirm rates. Otherwise, opt for one of several hotels located a quick 5-minute ride from the airport, and some offer free shuttle service. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations, or visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Pudong Airport.
Lounges
Shanghai Pudong Airport has several lounges, but none have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you only want to relax in a comfortable seat for a few hours before your flight, check out this list of lounges in our Shanghai Pudong Airport Guide that you can pay to access.
More Airport Services & Facilities
For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our Pudong Airport Guide.
Airport Conditions
If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Temperature – Travellers report cold temperatures year-round. Arrive prepared with a blanket or even a sleeping bag. A hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder.
- Lighting – At the time of this update, we have not received reports from travellers related to terminal brightness. Arrive prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
- Noise – Noise is a problem, depending on your sleep spot. By day, expect the usual hum of airport chaos: frequent announcements, news and music playing on TVs, and travellers and workers chatting. At night, it may quiet down in some emptier corners. It’s best to come prepared with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
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.
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