Complete Guide to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Hi everyone! I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. I love uncovering hidden corners of the world on a budget and sharing practical tips for exploring China affordably. Today, I’ll guide you through Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, providing you with everything you need to navigate its facilities and get where you need to go with ease.

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Overview of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

• Airport Code: SHA
• Address: 2550 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai
• Distance to City Center: 13 kilometers
• Terminal Information:
  • Terminal 1 (T1): Handles domestic and international flights. Renovated in 2018, it spans 131,800 square meters.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Primarily for domestic flights, opened in 2010, covering 362,600 square meters.

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4 Best Ways to Travel from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Downtown Shanghai

1. How to Take the Metro from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Downtown Shanghai

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Metro Line: Line 10
• Location: Exit from Gate 3 on the Arrival Level.
• Operating Hours:
  • Towards Jilong Road: First train at 5:26 AM, last train at 10:31 PM.
  • Towards Hongqiao Railway Station: First train at 6:21 AM, last train at 11:38 PM.
• Fare: RMB 4
• Travel Time: 30–50 minutes

How to Purchase Tickets:

• Use ticket vending machines or the metro ticket counter to buy single-ride cards. Payments can be made with cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
• Scan the QR code on the metro app using WeChat or Alipay for digital tickets.
• Use staffed service counters that accept international credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and American Express.
• Transportation Card Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Metro Lines: Line 10 and Line 2
• Location: B1 Metro Station
• Operating Hours:
  • Line 2:
    • Towards Xujing East Station: First train at 6:05 AM, last train at 11:58 PM.
    • Towards Pudong International Airport: First train at 5:33 AM, last train at 9:35 PM.
  • Line 10:
    • Towards Jilong Road: First train at 5:26 AM, last train at 10:31 PM.
    • Towards Hongqiao Railway Station: First train at 6:21 AM, last train at 11:38 PM.
• Fare: RMB 4–5
• Travel Time: 30–50 minutes

How to Purchase Tickets: Same as Terminal 1.

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2. How to Take a Bus from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Downtown Shanghai

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: Follow the directional signs to the bus boarding area.
• Fare: RMB 4
• Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Bus Route: Route 807 (operating from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM)

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: Hongqiao East Transport Center
• Fare: RMB 4
• Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Bus Route: Route 941 (operating from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM)

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3. How to Take a Taxi from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Downtown Shanghai

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Pickup Point: Outside Gate 1 of the Arrival Hall on the ground floor.
• Fare: Approximately RMB 60
• Travel Time: About 20 minutes

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Pickup Point: Outside Gate 4 of the Arrival Hall on the ground floor.
• Fare: Approximately RMB 60
• Travel Time: About 20 minutes

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4. How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps to Travel from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Downtown Shanghai

You can easily book a ride using apps like Alipay or DiDi Chuxing.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

• Pickup Point: P1 Parking Lot at T1 Terminal
• Fare: Approximately RMB 40
• Travel Time: About 20 minutes

From Terminal 2 (T2)

• Pickup Point: Proceed to the designated area on the 2F Arrival Level or B1 Level and head to P6 Parking Lot. Pickup points are located at the Giraffe Zone (Level 2F, Gates 4/5).
• Fare: Approximately RMB 40
• Travel Time: About 20 minutes

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Best Ways to Travel from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

From Terminal 1 (T1)

By Metro

• Metro Line: Line 10
• Travel Time: 10–15 minutes
• Fare: RMB 3
• Transportation Card Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

From Terminal 2 (T2)

By Walking

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport’s Terminal 2 and Hongqiao Railway Station are very close, and walking is a convenient option.

• Walking Time: Approximately 10 minutes
• Tips: Along the route, there are multiple moving walkways to make your walk faster and easier. Though shuttle buses are available for RMB 10, walking is usually quicker and hassle-free.

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Best Way to Travel Between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport

If you’re transferring between these two airports during the day, the Suburban Railway is the most budget-friendly option. For late-night or early-morning transfers, airport buses are highly recommended.

Suburban Railway

• Boarding Location: Suburban railway entrance; follow the signs for guidance.
• Travel Time: 45 minutes
• Fare: 26 RMB
• Ticket Purchase: Same process as the metro system.

By Metro

• Metro Lines: Line 2 (or Line 10 transferring to Line 2 if starting from Hongqiao T1).
• Operating Hours:
  • Line 2:
    • Towards Xujing East: 6:05 AM – 11:58 PM
    • Towards Pudong International Airport: 5:33 AM – 9:35 PM
  • Line 10:
    • Towards Jilong Road: 5:26 AM – 10:31 PM
    • Towards Hongqiao Railway Station: 6:21 AM – 11:38 PM
• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
• Fare: RMB 8
• Transportation Card Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

By Airport Bus

Shouhang Night Bus

• Fare: RMB 34
• Operating Hours: 11:00 PM – 5:30 AM
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Travel Time: 60–70 minutes

Airport Bus Line 1

• Fare: RMB 36
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
• Travel Time: 60–70 minutes

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services

• Fare: RMB 130 for ride-hailing, RMB 200 for a taxi
• Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes

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Guide to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Tax Refund Services

• Eligibility for Tax Refunds
  • Foreign visitors who spend at least RMB 500 on eligible items in a single tax-free store on the same day can apply for a tax refund.
  • The departure date must be within 90 days of the purchase date.
• Refund Amount
  • The tax refund rate is 13% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 11% refunded to the traveler.
• Tax Refund Process
  • Before Security Check:
    • Get your tax refund items verified by customs. Follow the airport signs to the verification counter, located in Terminal 1 at the check-in area between Islands A and B.
  • After Security Check:
    • Complete the refund process at the designated counter near Gate T09 in Terminal 1. Follow the airport signage for directions.
• For more detailed information on tax refunds, visit our China Tax Refund Guide.

Note: Terminal 2 does not have customs verification or tax refund services.

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Purchasing SIM Cards

• Location: Comprehensive Service Center, Counter 101 in the Arrival Hall for international, Hong Kong, and Macau flights at Terminal 1.
• Operating Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Important Note: A VPN is required to access services like Google, Line, and other international platforms.

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Transportation Between Terminals: T1 to T2 and T2 to T1

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 2 are located far apart and are not walkable. The fastest way to transfer is by metro.

• Metro Line: Line 10
• Travel Time: One station, approximately 5 minutes.

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Payment App Assistance Desk

To help international travelers use Chinese payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has a dedicated service center in Terminal 1.

Services Provided

• Assistance with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay apps.
• Guidance on linking international bank cards and enabling payment functions.
• Basic tutorials and answers to common questions about using payment apps in China.

Location

• Comprehensive Service Center in the Arrival Hall for international, Hong Kong, and Macau flights at Terminal 1.

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Dining Options and Operating Hours at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Terminal 1 (After Security Check)

• Starbucks
  • Location: Restricted departure area for international, Hong Kong, and Macau flights.
  • Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Cuisine Type: Coffee and light snacks
• Mutekiya Ramen
  • Location: Restricted departure area for international, Hong Kong, and Macau flights.
  • Operating Hours: 4:30 AM – Last flight departure
  • Cuisine Type: Japanese casual dining
• KFC
  • Location: Domestic departure area.
  • Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Cuisine Type: Fast food

Terminal 2 (After Security Check)

• Starbucks
  • Location: North Triangle Commercial Area in the restricted departure zone.
  • Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Cuisine Type: Coffee and light snacks
• COSTA Coffee
  • Location: South Wing Concourse near Gate 57 in the restricted departure zone.
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Cuisine Type: Coffee and light snacks

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Duty-Free Shop Hours

Terminal 1 (T1)

• Shop: CDF Sun Duty-Free
• Location: Restricted departure area for international, Hong Kong, and Macau flights.
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – Last flight departure.
• Products Available: Cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics.

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Luggage Storage Locations

Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: Opposite Gate 5 in the Departure Hall luggage service counter.
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
• Pricing: Charged by the hour and size.
  • Small items (38x35x67 cm):
    • 0–4 hours: RMB 15
    • 4–10 hours: RMB 20
    • 10–24 hours: RMB 24
  • Medium-sized items (62x35x67 cm or 88x35x67 cm):
    • 0–4 hours: RMB 30
    • 4–10 hours: RMB 40
    • 10–24 hours: RMB 45
  • Large items: RMB 50 per 24 hours.

Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: Opposite Gate 1 in the Arrival Hall luggage service counter.
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
• Pricing: Same as Terminal 1.

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Currency Exchange Locations

Terminal 1 (T1)

• Locations:
  • Opposite Gate 5 in the check-in area on the Departure Level.
    • Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – Last flight departure.
  • Near Gate T11 in the restricted departure zone for international, Hong Kong, and Macau flights.
    • Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – Last flight departure.
  • Near Gate T14 in the same area.
    • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Public area behind Starbucks in the Arrival Hall.
    • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – Last flight departure.

Terminal 2 (T2)

• Location: Near Gate 4 in the Departure Hall (inside the corridor).
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays).
• Note: Limited hours during Chinese public holidays: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

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Free Wi-Fi at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Travelers can connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi network, Airport-FreeWiFi-HQ, using any of these methods:

• Phone Number: Enter your mobile number to receive a verification code via SMS for login.
• Passport Login: Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s main page for access (no mobile number required).
• Kiosk Code: Obtain a temporary login code from one of the self-service machines inside the airport.

Tip: Accessing websites like Google may require a VPN.

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Can You Stay Overnight at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport?

Terminal 1 (T1)

The terminal isn’t open 24 hours. The Departure Level (F2) closes at night, but the Arrival Level (F1) remains open with dim lighting. It can get cold, so dress warmly.

Recommended Rest Areas:

• Directly in front of Gate 3: Hard plastic benches without power outlets.
• Left of Gate 3: Hard plastic benches with power outlets.

Dining Options (Closed at night):

• Starbucks, Chinese tea houses, Ajisen Ramen, Korean cuisine, and bubble tea shops.

Terminal 2 (T2)

The 3rd-floor Departure Level has a temporary resting zone near Starbucks.

• Amenities Nearby: Charging stations, restrooms, and hot water dispensers.

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Check-in Time at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

• Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 30–40 minutes before departure. For passengers with checked luggage, arrive 35–40 minutes before departure.
• International Flights: Check-in usually closes 40–45 minutes before departure.

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Transferring from an International Flight to a Domestic Flight

Transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport requires completing immigration, baggage claim, and recheck-in processes. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transfer:

Transfer Tips

• Allocate at least 2 hours for your transfer to complete all necessary steps.

Transfer Process

1. Immigration Check:
   1. Proceed to the immigration hall for passport control. Have your passport, visa, and entry card ready.
   2. Chinese passport holders can use e-gates for faster processing.
2. Baggage Claim:
   • Follow the signage to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked luggage.
3. Customs Inspection:
   • Pass through customs with your baggage. Declare items if necessary or proceed directly through the green channel.
4. Check-in for Domestic Flight:
   • Head to the domestic flight check-in counters in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Recheck your baggage and obtain your boarding pass.
5. Security Check:
   • Complete the security screening and proceed to the departure lounge.
6. Boarding:
   • Follow the boarding gate instructions and board your flight on time.

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Transferring from a Domestic Flight to an International Flight

For a seamless transfer from a domestic flight to an international flight, you will need to claim your luggage, check in for your international flight, and complete customs and immigration procedures.

Transfer Tips

• Allocate at least 2.5 hours for this process.

Transfer Process

1. Disembark and Claim Luggage: Retrieve your luggage from the baggage claim area if it hasn’t been checked through to your final destination.
2. Check-in for International Flight: Proceed to the international check-in counters, typically located in Terminal 1. Check in your luggage and collect your boarding pass.
3. Customs and Immigration: Go through customs and immigration control. Ensure you have your passport and boarding pass ready for inspection.
4. Security Check: Complete the security screening and proceed to the departure lounge.
5. Waiting and Boarding: Check your flight information for boarding gate details. Arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure.

Additional Notes

• If your domestic and international flights use different terminals (T1 and T2), allocate extra time to transfer between them. Use Metro Line 10, which connects the terminals in just 5 minutes.
• International flight check-in counters close earlier than domestic flights, so arrive well in advance.
• For assistance, the airport’s customer service staff are available to guide you through the process.