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Shanghai Hongqiao Layover Guide (SHA)

What are you looking for in SHA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Shanghai Airport (SHA), also known as Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, is located in the western part of Shanghai, China. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Shanghai. The airport first opened in 1923. Shanghai is China’s largest city and a global financial hub, renowned for its modern skyline and historical landmarks. It’s also known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene, offering something for every traveler.

Can you leave Shanghai Airport (SHA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) offers 24-hour visa-free transit to most nationalities holding onward tickets to a third country. Eligible passengers can clear immigration to explore Shanghai and recheck luggage before onward flights. For stays beyond 24 hours, nationals of 55 countries may apply for 144-hour visa-free transit visas directly at SHA. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Bund Experience Shanghai’s historic waterfront where colonial-era buildings meet futuristic skyscrapers. Capture stunning photos along the Huangpu River, watch boats pass and soak in the vibrant atmosphere day or night. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Maglev to Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road in ~1 hr; taxi ~45 min.)
• Yu Garden Wander through this exquisite 16th-century classical garden, admire ornate pavilions, rockeries and koi ponds, then explore the surrounding bazaar for snacks and souvenirs. Official: https://www.yugarden.com.cn/en/ (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden in ~1 hr.)
• Shanghai Tower Ascend to China’s tallest skyscraper for panoramic views from the world’s highest observation deck, see Pudong and beyond through floor-to-ceiling windows. Official: https://www.shanghaitower.com/ (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 direct to Lujiazui in ~1 hr.)
• Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Stroll along Asia’s premier shopping street lined with historic landmarks, neon signs and international brands. Enjoy street food, modern malls and lively atmosphere day or night. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Maglev to Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2 to Nanjing East Road in ~1 hr.)
• Xintiandi Discover this trendy pedestrian district of restored Shikumen houses now housing cafes, boutiques and bars. Perfect spot for lunch or coffee amid stylish urban history. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 10 to Xintiandi in ~1 hr.)
• Jade Buddha Temple Visit this serene Buddhist monastery housing two magnificent white jade Buddha statues, explore prayer halls and tranquil gardens in the heart of Shanghai. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 to Jing’an Temple, walk or taxi 10 min; ~1 hr total.)
• Tianzifang Meander through narrow alleyways filled with artisan studios, eclectic boutiques, cafés and street art in a preserved traditional neighborhood. Ideal for unique shopping and photos. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 10 to Dapuqiao in ~1 hr.)
• Zhujiajiao Water Town Escape to this ancient canal town with arched bridges, boat rides, tea houses and traditional architecture. Perfect glimpse of old Jiangnan culture just outside Shanghai. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 2 to Guangjinan Road, transfer to bus H1 to Zhujiajiao in ~1.5 hrs; taxi ~1 hr.)

Things to Do in Shanghai Airport (SHA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Shanghai Hongqiao offers several airside lounges in Terminal 1, including the China Eastern V01 International Lounge, the Air China Premium Lounge and a general VIP lounge. All provide complimentary snacks, hot buffet or noodle stations, beverages, flight monitors, comfortable seating, newspapers and magazines, conference rooms and paid shower facilities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
For overnight stays, two airport hotels serve Hongqiao: the Shanghai International Airport Hotel and the Argyle International Airport Hotel beside Terminal 1, both connected via free shuttle. Inside Terminal 2, the Boyue Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Hotel links directly to check-in. Day-use rooms, 24-hour services and sound-proofed rooms ensure restful stays. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Shanghai Airport (SHA) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Hongqiao has no dedicated sleep pods or quiet “sleeping rooms,” but airside seating areas feature rows of reclinable benches without armrests, near gates and charging stations. Terminals supply plentiful power outlets. However, terminals close around 10 pm, so overnight sleeping is only comfortable in public seating zones while terminals remain open.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals. Passengers simply select the “SHA-Free-WiFi” network and verify with a mobile number or flight details. No time limit applies, and help desks at arrival and departure halls can assist with connectivity issues and self-service Wi-Fi kiosks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourists can purchase prepaid SIM cards from kiosks and convenience-style shops in the International Arrivals Hall. China Mobile, China Unicom and third-party providers offer data plans valid for 30 days. eSIM options are available via apps like Airalo, set up before arrival for instant network access upon landing. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Shanghai Airport (SHA) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis queue outside the Arrivals level (near Gate 12). Fares start at a flag fall (approx. ¥14) and use meters; downtown rides average ¥40–¥60 depending on traffic. Taxis operate 24 hours, with extra late-night surcharges after midnight. Passenger assistance desks direct you to the correct queue.

Train: Hongqiao is part of the wider Hongqiao Transportation Hub. Terminal 2 station serves Metro Lines 2 and 10 plus the new Airport Link Line to Pudong, running 6 am–10 pm every 15 minutes. Hongqiao Railway Station (Line 2, 10, 17) links high-speed intercity services under one roof. (more info)

Bus: Multiple airport bus routes link Hongqiao to downtown and suburbs. Key routes include Airport Line 1 (East Transportation Center), Line 4 (to Shanghai Railway Station North Square) and Line 7 (to South Railway Station) running 07:00–23:00 at fares from ¥2 to ¥36. (more info)

Shuttle: Free inter-terminal shuttles run every 30 minutes between Terminals 1 and 2 from 06:00 to 23:00. A 24-hour shuttle also links P4 long-term parking to both terminals. Hotel shuttle services run continuously to the two airport-adjacent hotels.

Car rentals: Major car-rental companies operate desks on Floor 1 of Terminal 2’s Arrivals Hall. Pre-book or walk-in for services from providers like Hertz, Avis and local firms. One-way rentals between airports may incur extra fees; drivers must present a valid Chinese driver’s license or temporary permit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Terminals 1 and 2 each have multi-level garages (P5–P8) with the first 20 minutes free, then hourly rates. From December 2024, garages are cashless: pay via ETC, Alipay, bank apps or self-service kiosks. Long-term parking is available in P4, directly linked by free shuttle.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Short-term and long-term baggage storage is offered at the Baggage Service Center opposite Gate 5 in Departures. Fees apply per item per day (approx. ¥20–¥50). Coin-operated lockers and staffed counters in both terminals provide secure luggage storage for up to one month. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Shanghai Airport (SHA) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Shanghai Airport (SHA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks