PVG Code: What It Means for Shanghai Pudong International Airport

PVG is the IATA code for Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the main international gateway to Shanghai. Its ICAO code is ZSPD, and in Chinese it is called 上海浦东国际机场. Most travellers simply call it "Pudong", and you will see "PVG", "Shanghai Pudong" or "Pudong International" on tickets and departure boards.

Shanghai has two commercial airports, and they use different codes. PVG is Pudong, on the eastern side of the city near the coast. SHA is Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, closer to the western districts, which mainly serves domestic and regional flights. When you search for flights from Shanghai, check which code you are booking, because the two airports are far apart.

The airport is operated by the Shanghai Airport Authority. It is a major passenger hub and also handles heavy cargo traffic.

Where Is Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)?

Pudong International Airport lies in Pudong New Area, on the eastern edge of Shanghai near the East China Sea. It is roughly 30 to 40 km from the city centre, depending on which part of the centre you mean. The Bund and the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River are the usual reference points.

The distance means that the choice of transport matters. The Maglev train can cover the first part of the journey in minutes, while a taxi or the metro into the heart of the city usually takes around an hour. Hongqiao Airport sits on the far side of the city, so transfers between the two airports need proper planning.

Terminals at Shanghai Pudong (PVG)

PVG has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which stand side by side and share a transport hub for the Maglev, the metro and the airport rail link. A free shuttle bus also runs between the two terminals.

A large satellite concourse with two halls, S1 and S2, sits in front of the main terminals. Passengers reach it on an automated people mover after check-in and security. If your flight departs from a satellite gate, allow extra time to reach it.

China Eastern Airlines and its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines are based at Pudong and are the airport's main users. Terminal 2 is used by Air China and other Star Alliance members. Other airlines are split between the two terminals, so check the terminal on your booking before you travel.

Airlines and Flights from Shanghai Pudong

Pudong is the primary base for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, and a major base for Air China. Together with a long list of foreign airlines, they link Shanghai with destinations across China and around the world.

While Hongqiao focuses on domestic and regional flying, Pudong handles most of Shanghai's international traffic as well as many domestic routes. That makes it the airport most travellers use for long-haul trips and for flights across Asia, including direct flights from Shanghai to Singapore on China Eastern.

Popular searches include flights from Shanghai to Southeast Asia and to other Chinese provinces. Routes and schedules change often, so compare the current PVG flights for your dates on Traveloka.

Getting to and from Shanghai Pudong Airport

Shanghai Maglev train

The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest link from the airport. It runs from Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and 2 station to Longyang Road station in about 8 minutes, reaching speeds of around 300 km/h. At Longyang Road you can change to the Shanghai Metro to continue into the city.

Metro Line 2

Shanghai Metro Line 2 starts at the airport and runs through the city centre all the way to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. It is an easy, low-cost option, but it is slow. Expect a ride of roughly an hour to central Shanghai.

Airport Link Line to Hongqiao

The Airport Link Line is a rail line that connects Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and 2 with Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. The trip between the two airports takes around 40 minutes. It is the most practical way to switch airports if your connection uses both PVG and SHA.

Airport buses and taxis

Airport bus lines run from Pudong to various parts of Shanghai, including Hongqiao. Metered taxis wait at official ranks outside both terminals. A taxi into the city centre usually takes around an hour, depending on traffic. Use the official queue rather than accepting offers from drivers inside the terminal.

Facilities and Services at Pudong Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Both terminals have ATMs and currency exchange counters, although cash is used less and less in China. Setting up a mobile payment app that accepts foreign cards before you fly will make the airport and the city much easier.

You will find cafés, restaurants and shops before and after security, and duty-free stores for international passengers. Left-luggage counters in both terminals are handy on a long layover. Medical services are available, and the terminals have accessible facilities including ramps, lifts and adapted toilets.

Tips for Flying Through Shanghai PVG

• Check PVG or SHA. Pudong and Hongqiao are both "Shanghai". Make sure you know which airport your flight uses, especially if you are connecting.
• Leave time for connections. Changing terminals, or switching between an international and a domestic flight, involves security and immigration checks. Keep an eye on the minimum connection time shown on your booking.
• Use visa-free transit if eligible. Pudong is a port for China's visa-free transit scheme. Passport holders from eligible countries travelling on to a third country may be able to stay in the permitted area without a visa. Check the current rules before you fly.
• Plan around the weather. Shanghai summers are hot and humid, and typhoons can disrupt flights. Check your flight status when a storm is forecast.
• Arrive early. The airport is a long way from the centre, so leave a comfortable buffer for the journey as well as check-in and security.

Exploring Shanghai from Pudong Airport

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, and much of it is within an hour of PVG. The Bund, the riverfront lined with historic buildings, faces the modern towers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. Nanjing Road is the classic shopping street, and Yu Garden offers a traditional Chinese garden in the old city. The former French Concession is ideal for a walk among leafy streets and cafés.

If you have a long layover and qualify for visa-free transit, the Maglev and metro make a short visit into the city possible.

Heading to or from Shanghai? Compare PVG flights and set a Price Alert on Traveloka to book at the right time.