Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Flights

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Located in the west outskirt of Shanghai, about 20 km, 30 minutes' drive from the Bund, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is a major national aviation hub for both international and domestic passengers' transfer, business, travel, visit, etc. Offering excellent services and facilities for a large amount of passengers, the airport has been certificated as a five-start airport and the best airport in China by Skytrax.

IATA Code: SHA

ICAO Code: ZSSS

Status: 31st among top 100 world airports by Skytrax in 2015

Major Connected Chinese Cities: Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin, etc.

Address: No. 2250, Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Know about Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is a really historic airport that could be dated back to 1921. For its long time service and healthy development, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport provides very high standard experience for passengers from more than 200 domestic and over 150 international cities and regions. Also, in 2015, it is regarded as the 31st of all the top 100 world airports by the international organization - Skytrax.

From January 30, 2016, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy began to be implemented so that air travelers from the specific 51 countries with valid documents can enter Shanghai from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and visit Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing and other cities in Zhejiang and Jiangsu within 144 hours without a visa.

Flights to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

1. International (Regional) Flights

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport as Shanghai's major airport serving most domestic flights also works for some flights to and from international cities and regions in Asia like Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, etc.

2. Domestic Flights

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport also operates massive flights between Shanghai and over 200 cities in China, which offers great convenience for you to enjoy a time-efficient transfer with huge comfort for discovering China's diverse splendors.

Major air-connected Chinese cities with Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport include: Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Changsha, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Guiyang, Lhasa, Chongqing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Luoyang, Jingdezhen, Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, Xishuangbanna, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Urumqi, Sanya, Haikou, Tianjin, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Wuyishan, etc.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Flights Map

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Terminals

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport now has two terminals, namely Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 is mainly used for domestic flights of Spring Airlines, and international (regional) flights of other airline companies.

Terminal 2 copes with all other domestic flights except that of the Spring Airlines. Whether you fly for arrival or departure, better check the right terminal to go!

Location & Transfer of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is situated in Changning District, about 20 km west to the city center, which takes about 30 minutes' drive. Passenger can get to the airport from downtown and other attractions in Shanghai by various kinds of transportation ways.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Location Map

By WeTrip's Private Transfer (Most Recommended)

If it's the first time you visit Shanghai or you want to enjoy a worry-free transfer without communication concerns, private transfer service offered by us is your best option. We will pick you up, directly send you to your hotel in downtown or places you want to visit in Shanghai, or drop you off by a clean, comfortable, licensed non-smoking private vehicle.

We will hold the pick-up card so that you can see us easily when you come out in the arrival hall. And for your departure, we will take you in advance to the airport departure area after your trip ends. All kinds of services are provided to make your trip smooth and relax and let you have more time and strength for the wonderful attractions and fun, while public traffic with many luggage maybe time-wasting and inconvenient for you.

WeTrip' Worry-free Private Transfer

By Shanghai Metro

Both Shanghai Metro Line 2 and Line 10 get to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. If you are in or near Hongqiao Railway Station, Zhongshan Park, Jing'an Temple, West Nanjing Road, People's Square, Lujiazui, Pudong International Airport, Longyang Road, etc, you can take Shanghai Metro Line 2 between about 05:33 am and 22:50 pm. If you are in East Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Xintiandi, Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, you can take Shanghai Metro Line 10 to the airport.

By Airport Shuttle Bus

There are free shuttle bus running between T1 and T2 of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Also, you can take airport shuttle bus to the city center area.

By City Taxi

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in Hongqiao Airport have taxis to serve passengers. You can take taxi at the arrival floor of Terminal 1 and south side of Gate 4 of arrival floor of Terminal 2 to any places in Shanghai. Taxi are metered and it charges higher at night than during the day.

By City Bus

There are many city bus lines commuting between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and downtown Shanghai and other transport hubs. For example, you can take city bus to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Lujiazui and so forth.

By Long-distance Coach (to nearby destinations)

Just about 1 km from Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai West Bus Passenger Station runs long-distance coaches to surrounding cities, such as Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Yangzhou... in Jiangsu Province, and Hangzhou, Mount Putuo, Ningbo, Yiwu and Wenzhou and other cities in Zhejiang Province.

Note: The above information about Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport transportation is only for your reference. If you have any questions about the transportation in Hongqiao Airport, please contact our Travel Consultant!

Service Facilities in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Luggage Storage

Terminal 1

Service content: Provide paid storage and retrieval services for luggage items within one month.

Service location: Near Gate 5 of the Departures Hall

Service hours: 07:00-20:30

Terminal 2

Service content: Provide paid storage and retrieval services for luggage items within one month.

Service location: Opposite Gate 1 of the Arrivals Floor Pick-up Hall

Service hours: 07:00-23:00

Currency Exchange

Terminal 1

Service location: Opposite Gate 5 of the Departures Floor (check-in area)

Service hours: 07:00-19:00

Automatic currency exchange machine

Service location: Public area of Arrival floor, 1F (near the international arrivals exit inquiry counter)

Terminal 2

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank

Service location: Near Gate 4 of the Departures Hall (in the corridor)

Service hours:

Corporate business (Monday to Friday) 09:00-16:00

Personal business (Monday to Saturday) 09:00-17:00

National holidays 09:00-15:00

Closed on Sundays

Automatic currency exchange machine

Service location: Near Island A, Departures public area, 3F

Mobile Payment Service

Terminal 1

Taiwan Compatriot Mobile Payment Convenience Service

Service content: Provide mobile payment convenience services for Taiwan compatriots.

Service location: Counter 103, International Arrivals Hall

Service hours: Available with the arrivals of flights from Taiwan

Entry Payment Convenience Consultation Service

Service content: Provide entry payment convenience consultation services (Alipay, SPD Bank, UnionPay).

Service location: Counters 104-105, International Arrivals Hall

Service hours: 08:00-20:00

WiFi Rental & SIM Cards

Terminal 1

Service location: Counter 101 in the International Arrivals Hall (next to the inquiry counter)

Service hours: 07:30-19:00

More Useful Tips for Taking Flights to/off Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

1. Departure Procedure

Domestic Departures

Check-in: find check-in counter via flight information display system or terminal guide sign;
Security-check: Please prepare your boarding pass, valid certificate for security check;
Boarding: after security check, you can go to the corresponding lounge in accordance with the boarding gate indicated in your boarding pass.

International Departures

Check-in: find check-in counter via flight information display system or terminal guide sign;
Inspection & Quarantine
Customs
Immigration Inspection
Security Check: Please prepare your boarding pass, valid certificate for security check;
Boarding: after security check, you can go to the corresponding lounge in accordance with the boarding gate indicated in your boarding pass.

2. Arrival Procedure

Domestic Arrivals

Gate Arrival – Domestic Arrival Access – Luggage Claim – Arrival Hall

International Arrivals

Gate Arrival – International Arrival Access – Inspection & Quarantine – Immigration – Luggage Claim – Customs – Arrival Hall

3. Check-in Time

The check-in time of domestic flight is usually closed 45 minutes before the departure time, and 30-40 minutes for most international flights. It is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance for about 2 hours.

Note: To board on the flight smoothly, it is suggested make sure about the airline and terminal of your flight while booking and reach the airport in advance to get your flight ticket and check in.

4. Luggage Restriction

Domestic Flights

First Class passengers can have 2 pieces of carry-on luggage, and Business Class and Economy Class passengers with only 1 piece. Every piece of luggage shall be no more than 20*40*55 cm and the total weight shall be under 5 kg.

International Flights

Usually, every piece of carry-on luggage shall be no more than 20*40*55 cm and the total weight shall be under 7 kg.

Different airlines have slight differences in the regulation of baggage allowance, and there are also difference between the domestic flight and international flight. For more details, you can check the Baggage Allowance for Entry & Exit China and What to Pack for China Travel!

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai: The ideal times to visit are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the city's natural scenery is at its most beautiful - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Spend 2 to 3 days exploring Shanghai's unique blend of Western and Eastern influences!

Usually, tourists spend 2 days sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, historical Wukang Road, informative Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can visit Zhujiajiao Water Town or enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park in the suburb.

For a change of scenery, consider these easy getaways:

Suzhou (30 min by high-speed train) - Famous for its classical gardens and charming water towns.

Hangzhou (1 hour by high-speed train) - Renowned for the poetic West Lake and Longjing tea plantations.

Yellow Mountain (3 hours by high-speed train) - Breathtaking peaks and UNESCO-listed landscapes.

Start Your China Adventure from Shanghai

As a major international hub, Shanghai is the ideal gateway for exploring China—many travelers begin or end their journeys here. If you're a first-timer, we recommend extending your trip to iconic destinations like Beijing (Great Wall & Forbidden City), Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors), Zhangjiajie (Avatar-inspired peaks), and Guilin (karst landscapes & idyllic river views).

Check Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours

Check China Tours from Shanghai

Travel with WeTrip

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, WeTrip has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or customize your own Shanghai tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines fly to China from the US, UK, and Europe?

Major carriers include Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, United, Delta, American Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa. Direct flights are available from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and other major cities.

What's the best airport to fly into China?

Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) are the main international gateways. Beijing Daxing (PKX) is newer with less congestion. Choose based on your itinerary — northern China trips start from Beijing, eastern/southern trips from Shanghai.

How much does a flight to China cost?

Round-trip economy flights from the US typically range $600-1,200, from the UK £400-800, and from Australia A$800-1,500. Prices vary by season — shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer the best value.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Flights