China SHA PVG

Shanghai

Massive capital mixing imperial history and modern growth.

⏱
Min. layover to leave
185 min
✓
Can leave airport?
Need 6h+
🚊
Transit to city
45 min
Select Airport
SHA Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Insider Guide
45 min to city
PVG Shanghai Pudong International Airport Insider Guide
70 min to city
✕
We recommend staying airside at SHA with under 6 hours
45 min each way. Immigration typically 45 min. Minimum recommended: 185 min for comfort.
Plan my layover →
How much time do you have?
Our recommendations take into account your actual arrival and departure times, airport processing, and transit friction.
From SHA
🏢
Under 3h
Stay airside
🚕
3–6 hours
Quick city stop
🗽
6–10 hours
Full exploration
🌃
10+ hours
Multi-neighborhood
Recommended itinerary

Your layover plan

Verified route
Time budget breakdown
🛂 Immigration 45m
🚊 Transit 45m
🗽 Explore
🚊 Return 45m
🔒 Buffer 50m
At PVG or SHA, stay airside—both airports are large with strong amenities, and security plus distance rule out short exits.
We recommend you stay airside: Shanghai airports are far and immigration can be slow.
A very limited city visit is possible only if everything runs smoothly.
Stay near the historic core and focus on landmarks, food, and walking routes. Distances and security checks add time, so fewer stops work better.
⭐
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Where to Eat

Best eats for a layover

🍴
Food guides for Shanghai are coming soon! Check the itinerary tab for restaurant recommendations built into your layover plan.
What to See

Top layover-friendly sights

🗽
Sightseeing guides for Shanghai are coming soon! Check the itinerary tab for top sights built into your layover plan.
Practical Information

Everything you need to know

🛂 Immigration & Customs

Average immigration wait at SHA: approximately 45 minutes.

🚊 Getting to the City

Recommended: Rail - Airport express train is best.

Maglev and metro connect the airport to downtown. Extensive network.

Book a transfer ↗ Affiliate link · Same price for you
🧳 Luggage Storage

Don't drag your bags through Shanghai. Luggage storage services available near the airport and in the city center.

Find luggage storage ↗ Affiliate link · Same price for you
🌤 Weather & Packing

Check current weather conditions for Shanghai before your layover. Dress in layers for airport-to-city transitions — terminals can be cold while city streets may be warm.

💡 Layover Advice

Shanghai is massive, so commit to one neighborhood and rely on metro lines exclusively.

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