Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminals: Layout Explained

Flying to or from China for the first time? Navigating its major airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), can be quite stressful as it handles millions of passengers every single year. But knowing the layout before you arrive can completely transform your travel experience from stressful to smooth. 

Pudong Airport has two main passenger terminals (T1 and T2) along with two massive satellite concourses (S1 and S2) that help manage the flow of international and domestic flights. Understanding how these Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminals connect is key to ensuring you don’t miss a flight. Continue reading to gather more details and make your navigation a cakewalk!

How Many Terminals Does Pudong Airport Have?

When looking at the airport layout, it is easy to get confused by the different buildings. Officially, there are two main PVG Terminals designated for passenger check-in, immigration, and security: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). 

However, the airport expanded its capacity by adding two satellite concourses: Satellite 1 (S1) and Satellite 2 (S2). While these satellite buildings look like independent terminals from the runway, they actually function as extended boarding gate zones for the main buildings. 

To put it simply, Shanghai Pudong Airport had two main passenger terminals, flanked on both sides by four operational parallel runways, creating a highly efficient infrastructure designed to keep planes moving without delay.

PVG Terminals Layout

The architectural design of the Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminals is highly organized, arranged in a massive, symmetrical “H” layout. In this master plan, PVG Terminal 1 sits on the west side, Terminal 2 sits on the east side, and the two satellite buildings sit directly south of them.

Across the board, all terminals feature Departures on the top floor, Arrivals on the middle floor, and Baggage Claim along with ground transportation on the ground floor.

Pudong Airport Main Terminals (T1 and T2):-

All check-in, security, and immigration formalities are processed in the two main landside buildings (T1 and T2). You cannot skip these buildings; even if your flight departs from a satellite gate, your journey on the ground always begins here.

• Terminal 1:- This is the older, classic building on the west side, serving as the primary hub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and other SkyTeam alliance partners.
• Terminal 2:- Positioned on the east side, this modern terminal handles Air China, foreign international airlines, and the majority of Star Alliance and Oneworld carriers.

Satellite Concourses (S1 and S2):-

The Satellite terminals (S1 and S2) serves as the boarding gates. You will not find check-in desks, customs checkpoints, or main immigration borders here. Instead, they host extensive seating areas, duty-free shops, and premium airline lounges.

• S1 connects with T1.
• S2 connects with T2.

Connection Between PVG Terminals: How To Transfer?

If you land at T1 but your connecting flight leaves from T2, don’t panic. The airport features multiple transit pathways built to help travelers move between the different PVG Terminals seamlessly. Depending on how much time you have and whether you prefer walking or riding, you can choose from three main options:

• Automated People Mover (APM):- This underground train system quickly connects the terminals and their respective satellite concourses. It runs at frequent intervals and is the fastest way to get to the airside gates.
• Covered Walkway:- For those who want to stretch their legs after a long-haul flight, there is an indoor corridor connecting T1 and T2. It takes roughly 15–20 minutes to walk from one side to the other at a moderate pace.
• Free Shuttle Bus:- If you have heavy bags and are landside, look for the complimentary shuttle bus. It runs 24/7 between the T1 and T2 arrival halls on Level 1, departing every 10–15 minutes, making it highly convenient for late-night transfers.

Getting to the City? Check Transport Connections

Once you exit the baggage claim area, you will find that the airport is perfectly integrated into Shanghai’s massive public transit grid. The central transportation hub sits directly between T1 and T2. From here, the airport is connected to central Shanghai and Hongqiao Airport via the Shanghai Maglev Train (reaching incredible speeds to get you downtown in 8 minutes), Metro Line 2, and the newly built Airport Link Line (which connects directly from the T1 & T2 station).

Major Airlines at Pudong Airport T1 and T2

Knowing which building your airline uses will save you from arriving at the wrong side of the airport. Here is a clear breakdown of the main carriers operating out of the different terminals at Pudong Airport:-

Services You’ll Find at Main Pudong Airport Terminals

Spending a few hours on a layover is quite comfortable due to a wide range of amenities built into the terminal at Pudong Airport.

Never Lose Your Way with Pudong Airport Terminals Map

Facing issues with finding the exact spot at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport? Simply use the easy-to-read map and find directions without any hassle.

• Pudong Airport Terminal 1 Map
• Pudong Airport Terminal 2 Map

Need Help? Contact PVG Airport Customer Service!

If you ever find yourself lost, miss a connection, or need immediate assistance with baggage, the PVG Airport staff is highly responsive. You can easily spot information desks throughout the departures and arrivals halls. Alternatively, you can use the official communication channels to get answers directly from the airport authority:-

Conclusion!

Overall, mastering the layout of the terminals at Pudong Airport does not have to be difficult. By keeping the central “H” shape in mind, remembering that check-in always happens in the main buildings, and tracking your specific airline alliance, you can navigate this massive hub with absolute confidence. 

Frequent Queries!