Two terminals, two satellite halls and five ways into Shanghai: find your way around PVG.
Shanghai Pudong is one of China's largest hubs, about 30 km from downtown, handling international and domestic flights and many transfers.
Its facilities are split between Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and two satellite halls, S1 and S2. This guide explains how they connect, how to get into the city and how to make your transfer.
PVG transit map
People mover · Free T1–T2 shuttle
Satellite 1
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Satellite 2
Lines into Shanghai
Pudong Navigation at a Glance
The key facts in one table
| Airport code | PVG, Shanghai Pudong International Airport |
|---|---|
| Main terminals | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
| Satellite halls | S1 and S2 |
| Arrangement | T1 connects to S1; T2 connects to S2 |
| Between T1 and T2 | Free shuttle bus |
| To the satellites | Automated people mover |
| Metro | Line 2 |
| High-speed link | Shanghai Maglev |
| To Hongqiao Airport | Airport Link Line and Metro Line 2 |
| Other transport | Airport buses, taxis, private transfers |
| Distance to downtown | About 30 km |
| Transfer checks | Immigration, customs, quarantine and security, depending on itinerary |
Quick answer
Pudong has two main terminals, each with its own satellite hall: T1 with S1, and T2 with S2.
You check in, clear security and complete departure formalities in your main terminal, then take the people mover to the satellite if your gate is there. If your next flight uses the other main terminal, take the free T1–T2 shuttle.
Always check your boarding pass and the departure screens before moving between buildings.
Understanding Pudong's Layout
Pick your terminal complex
The satellite halls are not separate check-in terminals; they are extensions of their main terminal with extra gates and waiting areas.
Terminal 1 complex
Domestic and international flights. Complete check-in and security in T1, then follow the S1 signs if your gate is there.
- T1: check-in, security, immigration, arrivals and services
- S1: extra departure gates and waiting areas
- Connection: automated people mover, about 3 minutes
Terminal 2 complex
Domestic and international flights. Complete your formalities in T2, then head to S2 if your boarding gate is there.
- T2: check-in, security, immigration, arrivals and services
- S2: extra departure gates and waiting areas
- Connection: automated people mover, about 3 minutes
The Satellite Terminal Train
Automated connection to the satellite halls
T1 → S1
After your departure procedures in T1, follow the S1 signs and board the train.
T2 → S2
From T2, follow the S2 signs and take the matching people mover.
Arrivals
From a satellite gate, take the train back to the main terminal for immigration and baggage claim.
~3 min
train journey; add time for walking, waiting and reaching your gate
Getting Around Pudong and into Shanghai
Pick your line
Between T1 and T2
- Free inter-terminal shuttle
- 24 hours, about every 10–15 minutes
- Best for T1–T2 connections; pedestrian links also exist
Metro Line 2
- Station: Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2
- About 1 hour to People's Square
- Continues to Hongqiao Airport T2; the budget option
Shanghai Maglev
- Pudong Airport to Longyang Road
- Change to Metro Line 2 and other lines
- Check the timetable for early or late flights
Airport Link Line
- Pudong T1 & T2 to Hongqiao Airport T2
- About 40 minutes
- Roughly 06:00–22:00; check the current timetable
Taxis, buses & transfers
- Taxis: T1 Arrival Gate 12, T2 Arrival Gate 25
- About 50 minutes to People's Square in good traffic
- Airport buses to Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South; private transfers for families
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
Five stops from aircraft to your next gate
Leave the aircraft
Follow the transfer, connecting flights or arrivals signs. Check your next flight's terminal and gate.
Immigration, customs and quarantine
Depending on your itinerary. International-to-domestic passengers usually enter China; some international-to-international passengers can use dedicated transfer routes.
Check your baggage
Checked through? You may not need to collect it. Tagged only to Shanghai? Collect it and check in again.
Go to the right building
T1 or T2 departures stay in their complex; S1 and S2 need the people mover; T1–T2 needs the shuttle. Don't confuse the two.
Security and your gate
You may need another security check. Then check the screens for your gate and boarding time.
Transfer Requirements by Type
Pick your connection
Domestic → Domestic
May use a dedicated transfer route if your itinerary and bags qualify.
75
minutes
same main terminal
90
minutes
main ↔ satellite
International → International
Dedicated transfer procedures may apply, depending on airline, itinerary and documents; otherwise enter China and check in again.
75
minutes
same main terminal
90
minutes
main ↔ satellite
International → Domestic
Complete entry procedures before heading to the domestic departure area.
75
minutes
same main terminal
90
minutes
main ↔ satellite
Domestic → International
Complete international departure procedures, including security and immigration.
75
minutes
same main terminal
90
minutes
main ↔ satellite
Changing between T1 and T2
- Reaching the shuttle stop
- Waiting for the next bus
- Travelling between buildings
- Rechecking bags if needed
- Check-in and security
Practical Navigation Tips
Small habits that save time at PVG
Read your boarding pass
Look for the terminal and any S1 or S2 gate.
Watch the screens
Gates can change; check again after each step.
Build in buffer time
Satellite gates, shuttles and security queues add up.
Prepare for security
Keep liquids, electronics and power banks easy to reach.
Get online
Free Wi-Fi is available; connect early to check updates.
Ask for help
Information counters and staff can point you in the right direction.
