Shanghai airports and transfers: Pudong and Hongqiao
Last checked 2026-10-17 · ChinaLocal team
The short answer
Shanghai has two separate airports: Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG). Check the airport and terminal on each flight booking, rather than relying on “Shanghai” alone.
The airport operator describes the Airport Link Line journey between the two airports as about 40 minutes. Its July 2025 article says the line opened in December 2024. This is not a complete flight connection time.
Allow extra time for immigration and transfers. Follow your airline’s minimum connection time, check-in and boarding deadlines. A published train journey does not guarantee that you can make a particular flight.
What to do
- Check whether each flight uses Hongqiao (SHA) or Pudong (PVG), and identify the terminal in the current airline instructions.
- Open the airport operator’s latest transport information for the Airport Link Line. Check the current service and station access for your terminals.
- Account for immigration, baggage collection, customs, walking, waiting, another check-in and security where applicable. Ask your airline what your ticket and connection require.
- Use the airline’s minimum connection time and deadlines for your actual itinerary. If the connection is uncertain, resolve it with the airline before buying another non-refundable ticket.
What the approximately 40 minutes means
The airport operator’s 25 July 2025 article describes the Airport Link Line as reducing the journey between Hongqiao and Pudong to about 40 minutes. Treat that as the described inter-airport rail journey, not the time from an arriving aircraft to a departing gate.
This guide does not fix current fares, departure intervals, first or last services, or a walking time from each terminal. Use the operator’s current information for your travel day.
Connections and where to stay
Choosing a hotel near Hongqiao does not remove the transfer to Pudong if your flight leaves from PVG. Compare the actual airport, terminal and check-in requirements with your hotel location and the current transport service. This is general planning advice.
Do not assume bags will be checked through or that every inter-airport booking includes a transfer service. Ask the operating airline what applies to your booking. There is no single buffer in minutes that this guide can promise is sufficient.
Common problems
Are Hongqiao and Pudong the same airport?
No. Hongqiao is SHA and Pudong is PVG. Check both the airport code and terminal on your tickets.
Does a 40-minute rail journey mean a 40-minute connection is enough?
No. Immigration, baggage, walking, waiting, check-in, security and boarding may also be needed. Follow the airline’s connection requirements and deadlines.
Can I assume my bags transfer between the airports?
No. Ask your airline what your particular ticket includes. The guide does not promise through baggage or a transfer service for all flights.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-17. Follow the official source for live rules and availability.