English guide for foreign visitors
How do I transfer between Hongqiao and Pudong airports?
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Step 1 of 6
Confirm your two airports
Do this
Check your arrival and departure tickets to confirm you are actually moving between Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG), and note each flight's terminal.
- Done when
- You can state clearly: arriving at [SHA or PVG] Terminal [X], departing from [SHA or PVG] Terminal [Y].
If this fails
If both flights use the same airport, you do not need this inter-airport transfer; use the airport's own terminal shuttle or metro instead.
Step 2 of 6
Collect checked baggage
Do this
If you checked bags, collect them at your arrival airport before starting the transfer, unless your airline has confirmed your bags are checked through to the final destination.
- Done when
- You have your checked bags in hand, or your airline has confirmed they are through-checked.
If this fails
If a bag is missing, file a report with the airline at the arrival airport before leaving; do not start the transfer without resolving it.
Step 3 of 6
Reach the Airport Link Line
Do this
Follow airport signage to the Airport Link Line station serving your terminal and buy a ticket for the other airport.
- Done when
- You are at the correct Airport Link Line platform with a valid ticket for the direction of the other airport.
If this fails
If you cannot find the station or buy a ticket, ask airport information staff or use a map app to locate the station entrance.
Step 4 of 6
Ride to the other airport
Do this
Ride the Airport Link Line to the station for your departure airport.
- Done when
- You have arrived at the Airport Link Line station at your departure airport.
If this fails
If the line is disrupted, ask staff about alternatives such as metro or taxi; do not assume the 40-minute figure still applies.
Step 5 of 6
Get to your departure terminal
Do this
From the Airport Link Line station, follow signage or take the airport's internal connection to reach your specific departure terminal.
- Done when
- You are inside the correct departure terminal for your flight.
If this fails
If you are at the wrong terminal, use the airport's free inter-terminal shuttle; Pudong's runs 24 hours a day every 10 to 15 minutes per the official page.
Step 6 of 6
Check in for your flight
Do this
Complete check-in and security for your onward flight within the airline's cutoff.
- Done when
- You are checked in and through security with time before boarding.
- Finished only when
- You are inside the correct departure terminal, checked in and through security for your onward flight with time before boarding.
- You are still at the arrival airport or in transit on the Airport Link Line.
- You are at the wrong terminal for your flight.
- You have missed your airline's check-in cutoff.
If this fails
If you are past the cutoff, go to your airline's service desk to discuss rebooking; do not assume you can still board.
After this task
Setting up a working payment method is a prerequisite done before the trip, not part of the transfer itself.