China Layover Guide
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Shanghai · leave the airport from ~5h

SHALayover guide

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport · ~13 km west of the centre

Researched and fact-checked by the editorial team against official sources.

Last reviewed

The short answer

You need roughly 5 hours at SHA before leaving the airport is worthwhile, and 8+ hours to be comfortable. Metro Lines 2 / 10 gets you to Shanghai in about 30–50 min. SHA is a designated port under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, covering Shanghai municipality.

Getting into Shanghai

  • Metro Lines 2 / 10

    Traffic-proof

    Both lines stop at the terminal. The easiest big-city airport connection in China.

    Time
    30–50 min
    Cost
    ¥3–7

  • Taxi / DiDi

    Can be delayed

    Cheap because Hongqiao is close in. Rush hour on the elevated roads can double it.

    Time
    20–40 min
    Cost
    ¥40–100

What fits in each window

  1. Under 5 hours

    Stay airside

    Even close in, immigration and the return buffer need most of it.

  2. 5–6 hours

    A quick taste

    Metro to People’s Square and the Bund, one snack, and straight back. Tight but real.

  3. 8–12 hours

    Comfortable

    The Bund, Yu Garden, and a proper meal without rushing. Hongqiao is the best layover airport in Shanghai.

  4. 12–24 hours

    A full city day

    Add the French Concession and a river cruise, and still have time to spare.

Luggage storage

Left-luggage counters in the terminal; confirm the current location and hours at the airport.

Cost: ¥15–30 per bag per day (indicative)

SHA traps to avoid

  • If your inbound is SHA and your outbound is PVG, that is roughly 70 km across the city, allow 1.5–2 hours.
  • Terminal 2 connects to Hongqiao Railway Station, which is handy for high-speed rail day trips.
  • Hongqiao handles many domestic flights, so check which airport your international connection uses.

Transfer times, fares, and operating hours change. Verify against the airport’s own transport page and the National Immigration Administration before you book.