Shanghai Pudong airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of the most important transport hubs in China and across Asia. Opened on 1 October 1999 to absorb the region’s international flight traffic, it stands out for its modern infrastructure and operational capacity. It serves as a major base for China Eastern Airlines and Air China, connecting with key destinations around the world, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.

Official Website: shanghaiairport.com

Telephone: +86 21 96990

Terminals

The airport operates with two main terminals open 24 hours a day, complemented by a large satellite building housing additional boarding gates:

• Terminal 1: Handles a combination of domestic and international flights. It is the main base for China Eastern Airlines and houses the Magnetic Levitation Train (Maglev) station.
• Terminal 2: Hosts Air China, Star Alliance and Oneworld airlines, as well as most of the remaining international carriers, connecting with the S2 satellite building.
• Satellite Building (S1/S2): Designed exclusively for departures and arrivals, it is accessed via a staffless automated people mover (APM) train from the main terminals after passing through security checks.

Transport Between Terminals

To move between the buildings, there is a free shuttle bus service linking terminals T1, T2 and car park P4, with stops located on the departures levels. There is also the APM train connecting T1-S1 and T2-S2 in approximately 2 minutes, operating from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Annual traffic (2025): 85 million passengers.

Information Desks

The airport provides traveller assistance counters in the following locations:

• Next to gates 7 and 8 in Terminal 1 (arrivals areas and satellite building).
• Arrivals hall and next to gate 25 in Terminal 2.

In addition, there is a 24-hour customer service centre located opposite exit 2A in the international arrivals hall of Terminal 2.

 Location

The airport is located 30 km (19 miles) south-east of Shanghai’s financial centre, on the eastern side of Pudong District.

Parking services at Shanghai Pudong airport (PVG)

The airport features extensive parking facilities operating 24 hours a day, distributed across sectors designed for both short-term and long-term stays, with continuous monitoring and security systems.

Parking Areas

• P1 and P2: These are multi-storey car parks located directly opposite Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, respectively. They are the most convenient option for short stays and for passengers requiring immediate access to the main terminal buildings.
• P4: This is a remote parking area intended mainly for long-term stays. It is located further from the terminals, but offers more economical daily rates.

Connection with P4

For users of the P4 car park, the airport provides a free shuttle bus service connecting this area with both terminals. The service operates 24 hours a day with frequencies ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, making it easier for passengers to travel with their luggage.

Rates and Benefits

The charging system is based on the length of stay, with hourly and daily pricing schemes:

• Grace period: The first 20 minutes of parking in P1, P2 and P4 are free of charge.
• Passengers with disabilities: Reserved and clearly signposted spaces are available close to entrances and lifts in all sectors. It is recommended to enquire at the control points regarding possible exemptions or additional facilities.
• Payment methods: Cash payments, bank cards and mobile payment platforms (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted at automated kiosks and at the exits of the parking areas.

You can consult the current parking rates and real-time space availability through the airport’s official website.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Shanghai Pudong Airport offers a wide range of services and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, special needs, or those requiring additional assistance. The facilities are designed to ensure an accessible and barrier-free travel experience throughout the airport complex.

Assistance Booking

To receive specialised assistance, it is essential to request it in advance. You can arrange services such as complimentary wheelchairs, help with check-in, priority at security and immigration controls, and escort assistance to the boarding gate through the following channels:

• Customer Service Hotline: +86 21 96990. It is recommended to call at least 48 hours before your flight.
• WeChat Mini Programme: Digital platform for conveniently submitting requests.
• Information Desks (Traveller Assistance): Assistance can also be requested in person upon arrival at the airport.

This “barrier-free” assistance service is available for passengers aged 60 or over travelling alone, pregnant women, passengers travelling with babies, people with disabilities or reduced mobility, and any traveller requiring special assistance.

Accessible Facilities and Services

• Accessible Toilets: Equipped with adapted toilets, low sinks, grab rails, and emergency call buttons.
• Adapted Lifts in all terminals and car park areas.
• Parking Spaces for Passengers with Reduced Mobility clearly signposted.
• Accessible Security Lanes: Include low inspection counters, a private “Friendly Inspection Room” for discreet screenings, and limb scanners for passengers with prostheses.
• Electric Transport Vehicles: Available in Terminal 2 (airside area) for convenient transport within the terminal. They operate during daytime hours.
• “One-Touch Emergency Call” Button at information counters for immediate assistance requests.

Boarding Bridges and Connections

The airport applies a priority policy for “contact bridge allocation to nearby stands”, facilitating direct access from the departure lounge to the aircraft without the need to use stairs. In exceptional cases where a boarding bridge cannot be used, accessible lifting vehicles (ramps with anti-slip surfaces) are available for safe boarding and disembarkation, assisted by specialised staff.

For transfers between the terminal and other means of transport, there are partnerships known as the “Five Love Corridor”, connecting the airport with the metro, the Maglev train, taxis and buses, allowing accessible and coordinated transfers.

Passengers with Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are permitted within the airport facilities. During security screening, once the guide dog has completed inspection, it will be allowed to remain with its owner throughout the remainder of the process up to the boarding gate.