Choose the airport that suits your first hotel and your next step, and read the airport name on your ticket before you pay. Pudong is where most international visitors expect to land, while Hongqiao suits a train onward to Hangzhou or Suzhou.
It is easy to feel unsure when a city has two airports and you cannot tell which is which. A short check now avoids a long taxi ride on your first night.
How do the two airports compare?
Here is a side-by-side view on one basis. When we checked in October 2026, these were the facts to hand.
| Pudong | Hongqiao | |
|---|---|---|
| Link to the city | Maglev to Longyang Road, about 8 minutes, then the metro[1] | Hongqiao station is about 18 km west of central Shanghai[2] |
| Rail onward | Change to the metro at Longyang Road | High-speed trains, such as Hangzhou East in about 45 minutes[3] |
| Suits | An arrival from abroad, hotels east of the river | A train to Hangzhou or Suzhou, hotels to the west |
Neither is better for everyone. Your plan for day one decides it.
Which one matches your next step?
Think about where you sleep and what comes after. If your hotel is in central Shanghai, either works, so choose the one on your ticket.
If you take a train the same day, check the station before you pick the airport. The fastest Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East trains take about 45 minutes over roughly 202 km[3], but the station pair matters. Our Shanghai to Hangzhou and Suzhou train guide explains the options.
How does the maglev help?
The maglev runs from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes[1], and passengers change to the metro there[4]. It saves time on the long part of the ride.
If you have heavy bags, plan the metro change with care. See our Pudong airport transfer guide for the options, including taxi.
What should you check before you pay?
Read the airport name on the booking page, not only the city code. Some fares use one airport and some use the other.
- Confirm the airport and the terminal on each ticket.
- Note how late the rail link runs on your arrival day.
- Check that the way from the airport to your hotel is not through the whole city.
Our Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai flights guide explains the options from Malaysia, and the Spring Airlines and budget carriers guide shows what to check on a low fare.
What should you do next?
Pick your hotel area first, then match the airport. Read Shanghai Hongqiao station area versus the centre if you are thinking about sleeping near the station, and choosing a Shanghai hotel area for the wider picture.