Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) Guide for Beginners
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is the other major aviation hub in Shanghai. For complete beginners, the biggest advantage of Hongqiao Airport is that it is much closer to the city center and seamlessly connected to a major high-speed railway station. The airport is divided into Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2).
How to get from Hongqiao Airport to downtown Shanghai and surrounding areas?
For beginners, the transportation network at Hongqiao Airport is highly integrated, with its core feature being the “Air-Rail Link” (seamless transfer between flights and high-speed trains).
Trains / Rail Transit (Subway) This is the most highly recommended method for beginners, as you won’t have to worry about traffic jams, and the train frequency is very high:
Metro Line 2: Fares range from 3 to 9 RMB, taking you directly to core commercial areas like People’s Square, Lujiazui, and East Nanjing Road.
Metro Line 10: Fares range from 3 to 7 RMB, passing through popular tourist spots like Xintiandi and Yuyuan Garden.
City Airport Line (Shiyu Jichang Xian): Fares range from 4 to 26 RMB, providing another convenient rail transit option.
Railway Transportation (Air-Rail Link) If you need to transfer to a high-speed train immediately after landing, Hongqiao Airport is tailor-made for you!
From Terminal 2, you can walk for a little over 10 minutes or take the subway for 1 stop to reach Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. From here, you can transfer to high-speed trains and bullet trains heading to numerous domestic destinations.
Airport Buses and City Transit
City Airport Buses: Currently, the only regular airport bus line running to the city is the Hongqiao Late Night Line, which can be boarded at the Hongqiao East Transportation Center outside Terminal 2.
Regular Public Transit: There are multiple regular public bus lines available at both T1 and the Hongqiao East Transportation Center outside T2.
Intercity Buses (Traveling outside Shanghai) If you want to travel directly from Hongqiao Airport to Jiangsu or Zhejiang provinces, there are two plans for complete beginners:
From Hongqiao West Bus Station: You can walk through the Hongqiao Railway Station to reach the Shanghai Long-distance Passenger Hongqiao West Station. Here, you have even more choices, including long-distance buses heading to Nantong, Jiangyin, Qidong, Rudong, Tongzhou, and Haimen in Jiangsu Province, as well as Huzhou, Nanxun, and Anji in Zhejiang Province.
Direct from the Airport: You can take buses directly from Hongqiao Airport to places in Jiangsu Province such as Suzhou, Kunshan, Changshu, Zhangjiagang, Wujiang, and Taicang. Extremely friendly for beginners, these routes include “Intercity Express” buses that offer free door-to-door pick-up and drop-off in local downtown areas.
Beginner Warning: Be aware that extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog, sandstorms) may cause temporary adjustments to transport routes, stations, schedules, and fares. During holidays, transportation frequencies are often reduced or temporarily suspended; please make sure to check the actual operation status on the day of your travel.
What if my flight arrives too early or too late?
Late Night Line (Shouhang Yexiao Line): If you arrive at Hongqiao Airport late at night and the regular subways and buses have stopped operating, you can head to the Hongqiao East Transportation Center outside T2 to take the dedicated “Hongqiao Late Night Line” to get to the city.
Comprehensive Services at Hongqiao Airport
Where can I eat at Hongqiao Airport?
Terminal 2 at Hongqiao Airport boasts a highly developed dining commercial street and is often nicknamed a “foodie airport.” You can find classic Shanghai snacks like pan-fried buns and Xiaolongbao, fast-food staples like McDonald’s, KFC, and Shake Shack, as well as numerous cafes like Starbucks and Luckin Coffee.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
Many noodle shops, Chinese restaurants, and Western eateries in the airport offer vegetarian options. For strict Halal diets, look for specialized restaurants with Halal certification logos or ask the information desk for assistance.
Where can I stay near Hongqiao Airport?
Accommodation at Hongqiao Airport is incredibly convenient. Right next to T2, there are hotels (such as the Cordis Hotel) connected directly by an indoor corridor. You can simply push your luggage cart straight to the hotel lobby—perfect for beginners catching an early flight or arriving late at night. There are also business and budget hotels within a few kilometers.
Where can I shop at Hongqiao Airport?
If you are taking international or regional flights from T1, you can purchase duty-free cosmetics, perfumes, and liquors at Sunrise Duty Free. In the T2 domestic terminal, there is a massive selection of well-known domestic and international clothing brands, local souvenir shops, and convenience stores.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
For international travelers arriving in China, telecommunication service counters and vending machines are located near the exit of the T1 international arrival hall. You can buy local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices here.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters are available in the international arrival and departure areas of T1. ATMs from major Chinese banks are distributed throughout both terminals, allowing you to withdraw RMB directly using cards with Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or UnionPay logos.
How do I store/check my luggage?
Luggage storage counters are available in the departure and arrival halls of both T1 and T2. If you have a few hours to spare before catching a high-speed train at the adjacent railway station, you can securely store your heavy luggage here and comfortably explore the surrounding area.
