Shanghai Pudong Airport Passengers guide

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is Shanghai’s main international gateway, opened in 1999 to support the city’s rapid growth and to complement the older Hongqiao Airport. It lies about 30 km east of downtown Shanghai in the Pudong New Area, on the coast of the East China Sea, and today handles the majority of the city’s international traffic through two main terminals and large satellite concourses​

Historical background

The decision to build Shanghai Pudong International Airport was taken in the 1990s to give Shanghai a modern hub capable of handling rapidly growing domestic and international air traffic. Construction of the first phase began in 1997 and the airport officially started operations in 1999, with a design that included a long runway, modern terminal and space for future expansion.​

Over the following decade, additional runways and Terminal 2 were added, along with a major cargo area, turning Pudong into one of China’s busiest international airports. Later projects such as the S1 and S2 satellite concourses further increased capacity and allowed Shanghai to handle tens of millions of passengers annually.​

Location and access

Pudong Airport is located in the eastern part of Shanghai, around 30 km from People’s Square, surrounded by reclaimed land and coastal areas that allowed for large‑scale expansion. Its position makes it convenient for international arrivals heading into central Shanghai via expressways, metro lines and the high‑speed Maglev train.​

The airport is linked to downtown by Metro Line 2, airport buses and taxis, while the Maglev connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road in under 10 minutes. Within the airport complex, internal shuttle buses and an underground people mover connect the terminals and satellite halls, reducing walking distances despite the large size of the facilities.​

Terminal layout overview

Shanghai Pudong has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, plus two large satellite concourses known as S1 and S2. Terminals 1 and 2 are the landside buildings where check‑in, security and most passenger services are located, while S1 and S2 handle a large share of the boarding gates.​

Terminal 1 handles both domestic and international flights, with domestic operations usually on one side of the building and international operations on the opposite side. Terminal 2 is larger, also divided into domestic and international areas, and is designed to handle very high passenger volumes each year.​

Satellite halls S1 and S2

The S1 and S2 satellite terminals were built to expand gate capacity and are among the largest satellite terminal complexes in the world. Together they provide many jet bridges and boarding gates, designed to handle the majority of the airport’s flights.​

Passengers check in, drop baggage and pass security in Terminals 1 or 2, then transfer by an underground people mover to S1 or S2 for boarding. This system allows more aircraft parking positions while keeping the main terminal buildings focused on check‑in, arrivals and core passenger services.​

Moving between terminals

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked by an internal shuttle bus running frequently between early morning and midnight. The ride between terminals takes only a few minutes, and the buildings are also connected via concourses in an “H‑shaped” layout that you can walk if you have enough time.​

The satellite halls S1 and S2 are not directly accessible from outside; instead, an underground people mover connects them to both main terminals after security. Passengers with tight connections should always follow signs to transfer counters and the shuttle/people‑mover entrances instead of walking long distances between gates​

Before you go to the airport

Passengers should check their departure terminal (T1 or T2) in advance, as airlines are assigned to specific buildings and arriving at the wrong one can waste valuable time. It is also important to verify check‑in times with your airline; for most international flights check‑in closes 40–60 minutes before departure, while domestic flights may allow slightly later cut‑off times.​

Because Pudong is a large, busy hub, international passengers should plan to arrive early and prepare documents such as passports, visas and any required health forms or QR codes before reaching the counter. Printing or downloading your boarding pass in advance (if allowed) and checking luggage rules online helps avoid surprises at check‑in.​

Check‑in and pre‑security steps

For international departures, the typical sequence is check‑in, baggage drop, receiving your boarding pass, then health or quarantine checks if required, followed by customs, immigration and security screening. For domestic flights, procedures are simpler but still involve check‑in, baggage drop and security before entering the departure area.​

There are also city check‑in facilities in some surrounding cities for certain airlines, where passengers can check in and then take dedicated buses to Pudong Airport. At the main terminals, self‑service kiosks and dedicated counters for premium passengers or those with special needs help reduce waiting times.​

Security procedures

Shanghai’s airports previously applied an initial security screening at terminal entrances, but this extra check has been removed to improve passenger flow. Passengers now enter the terminal directly, though they may pass through explosive detection equipment before reaching check‑in areas.​

The main security check takes place after check‑in and immigration (for international flights), where carry‑on items go through X‑ray and passengers pass metal detectors or body scanners. Some domestic passengers who register through the “Civil Aviation Public Security Service” on Alipay can use “easy security check” lanes, allowing faster screening once qualified.​

Tips for smooth security

Passengers should pack liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml in a clear plastic bag for international flights, and avoid carrying prohibited items such as knives, lighters or power banks that exceed airline limits. Keeping laptops and large electronics easy to remove speeds up the process at screening lines.​

Arriving early, choosing less crowded checkpoints when possible, and having boarding pass and ID ready will reduce stress at security. Travelers with children, elderly companions or special medical devices should inform staff early so that any additional procedures can be managed smoothly.​

Arrival procedures after landing

On international flights, the typical arrival sequence is quarantine or health checks if required, immigration, baggage claim and then customs before exiting into the public arrivals hall. Domestic arrivals usually go straight from the aircraft to baggage claim and then into the public area​

Immigration counters require your passport and, if applicable, visa and arrival card; after processing, passengers proceed down to the baggage hall where flight numbers are shown above each carousel. Free baggage trolleys are generally available in the baggage claim area to help move luggage toward customs and the arrival exit.​

Customs and declarations

After collecting baggage, passengers pass through customs where there are separate channels for “nothing to declare” (green) and “goods to declare” (red). Those carrying items above duty‑free allowances or restricted goods must complete a customs declaration form and use the red channel.jal+2​

Passengers with no items to declare can usually walk through the green channel, with spot checks only if selected by customs officers. Keeping receipts and knowing duty‑free limits helps avoid delays or penalties during this final step of the arrival process.​

Baggage handling and services

Checked baggage is delivered to clearly numbered carousels in the arrival halls, with flight numbers and origin cities displayed on electronic boards. In case of lost or delayed baggage, passengers should contact the airline’s baggage service counter in the baggage hall before leaving customs, providing the baggage tag and boarding pass.​

Free trolleys make it easier to move multiple bags or heavy luggage toward the exit, taxi ranks or metro station. Oversized or special baggage, such as sports equipment, may be delivered at separate counters or doors near the main carousels, so checking the screens and signs is important​

After exiting into the arrivals hall

Once through customs, passengers arrive in the public arrivals halls of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, where they can meet friends, use ATMs, exchange currency or buy SIM cards. There are information desks, transport ticket counters and signs pointing to taxis, airport buses, the Maglev and metro lines.​

Travelers can also access restaurants, cafés and convenience stores in the public areas if they need food, drinks or basic items before continuing their journey. Hotels near the airport and in central Shanghai are reachable by shuttle, public transport or pre‑arranged transfer, depending on preference and budget.​