Shanghai Pudong International Airport · PVG

Stopover in Shanghai: what to do and when to leave

Pudong combines two main terminals with the S1 and S2 satellite halls. The Maglev, Metro Line 2 and Airport Link Line offer several rail options, but immigration, the satellite train and the return to the correct terminal must be included in every layover plan.

Calculate my scale

With less than 10 hours, stay at PVG. From 11–13 hours, the Bund can fit if you can enter China, your baggage is checked through and you reserve at least three hours for the rail return, security and the satellite hall if needed.

Your safety comes first. Reviewed on August 23, 2026 · Guidance, not immigration authorization.

Quick decision

Leave for Shanghai?

Only from 11 h of stopover

And only if you have confirmed entry, luggage to your destination and a protected return.

RequirementEntry and visa

Check China's current entry or transit conditions before leaving.

LuggageBilled to destination

Confirm baggage status and whether the next gate is in S1 or S2.

ReturnReturn at least 3 hours before an international departure.

Guidance margin, not an official requirement.

Calculate my caseSee official transportation

Depending on the duration

What to do during your stopover

2–5 h

Stay airside

Terminal changes, formalities and the satellite train leave no comfortable city margin.

6–10 h

PVG calmly

Choose food, a lounge or a rest area in your own terminal and protect the connection.

11–13 h

The Bund

Use one rail route and keep the visit to the waterfront, with the return train fixed before leaving.

14 h or more

Bund and Nanjing Road

Add one nearby pedestrian axis without crossing the city or changing the return plan.

Safe decision

What changes
the calculation

Calculate the time you can actually use. Not all scale is useful time.

Entry requirements

Visa, eTA or exemption depending on your nationality.

Minimum connection time

Consider the MCT of the airport and your itinerary.

Procedures and controls

Immigration, security and possible additional procedures.

Transfers

Transfers between terminals and to the city center.

Day and time

Traffic, schedules and city activity.

Imprevistos

Delays, door changes or operating conditions.

Door to door timeYour scale is reduced like thisSee breakdown

They are indicative ranges. The line, the time and a change of terminal can extend each section.

  1. 01
    Arrival0:00

    Confirm terminal, satellite hall and baggage.

  2. 02
    Immigration and exit0:40–1:30

    Varies with passport, route and queue.

  3. 03
    Toward the Bund0:45–1:15

    Use one complete rail route.

  4. 04
    Protected return3:00 before

    Rail, security, people mover and gate count.

Routes with margin

Choose a plan you can cancel

Maglev/Metro + walk

The Bund

11–13 hour layover

A single waterfront route that is easy to shorten.

Open route
Rail + walk

The Bund + Nanjing Road

14 hours or more

Add only the nearby pedestrian axis.

Open route

Inside the airport

Plan B without leaving

When not all conditions are met, the best plan is to conserve energy and connection.

Satellite halls

S1 pairs with T1 and S2 with T2 through an airside people mover.

One rail route

Compare the full trip, not only the Maglev segment.

Airside plan B

Dining, lounges, charging and rest protect the connection.

Quick answers in PVG

Find what you need

Don’t guess where it is. Choose what you are looking for and we will tell you which area to check, with the official directory just one click away.

Try a quick search:

T1, T2, S1 or S2 · confirm your area

A break without missing the gate

Pudong's dining offer is split between T1, T2 and the satellite halls. Use the official map to stay in the correct area.

See location and official route

The shops, hours and accesses change. This guide points out where to check it; The official airport directory has the final say.

Your scale, without improvising

Make it yours in 30 seconds

Choose how much margin you have, mark the three critical checks, and save the guide to return to during your trip.

How long is your layover?

Recommended plan

The Bund

Shanghai. Leave only if entry, baggage and transportation (Return at least 3 hours before an international departure.) are resolved before you start.

before leaving0/3
Return to the airportMaglev · Metro Line 2 · Airport Link Line · check transport and service alertsPlan B insideRest, rooms and official servicesCity routeThe Bund · confirm the destination before leaving

Your connection is not generic

Plan your stopover in Shanghai

Our tool estimates your actual time, shows you what you can do, and helps you decide with confidence.

Calculate my scale

Frequently asked questions

Before deciding

Can I leave PVG during a layover?

Yes, if you meet China's entry or transit conditions, your baggage continues to the destination and you keep enough time for immigration, rail travel, security and the correct terminal or satellite hall.

What is the fastest way from PVG toward central Shanghai?

The Maglev reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes, where you continue by metro or taxi. Metro Line 2 is direct but slower; compare the full route to your chosen area.

What can I do on a 12-hour layover in Shanghai?

The Bund is the most compact first choice. Keep the route to one waterfront area, decide the return rail service before starting and return to PVG at least three hours before departure.