The Shanghai Airport Link Line is a high-speed railway connecting the city’s two major international airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG, serving Terminals 1 & 2) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA, serving Terminal 2). Pudong Airport is located in the Pudong New Area, a considerable distance from the city center. With the Airport Link Line, you can now swiftly travel to Hongqiao Airport and the adjoining Hongqiao Railway Station—a major urban hub—ensuring seamless transfers for your onward journey.
Key Stations
The Airport Link Line runs in both directions, connecting seven key stations. The list below shows the route from Pudong Airport (east) to Hongqiao Airport (west):
- Pudong International Airport (T1 & T2): The starting point at PVG airport. The new Link Line is the fastest way to get into the city from the airport. (If you’re still planning your arrival at the terminal, check my [A Practical Guide to Shanghai Pudong Airport] first)
- Shanghai International Resort: The key stop for Shanghai Disneyland, just a 5-minute taxi ride away.
- Kangqiao East
- Sanlin South
- Jinghong Road: Transfer to Metro Line 15.
- Zhongchun Road: Transfer to Metro Line 9.
- Hongqiao International Airport (T2): The final stop, connecting you directly to SHA airport and the Hongqiao Railway Station. Here, you can also transfer to Metro Lines 2 and 10.
Operating Hours and Frequency
As of April 2026, the operating hours for the Shanghai Airport Link Line are as follows. Please be aware that schedules can occasionally change, so it’s always wise to check for the latest official information.
Direction: Pudong Airport (PVG) → Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
- First Train: 06:35
- Last Train: 22:50
Direction: Hongqiao Airport (SHA) → Pudong Airport (PVG)
- First Train: 05:50
- Last Train: 22:05
Trains on the Airport Link Line typically run approximately every 15 minutes. The single journey between Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport takes about 40 minutes.
💡 Pro Tip for Travelers:
- Shanghai’s rush hour generally runs from 07:00 to 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening.
- During these peak times, the Airport Link Line increases its services with 8-car trains to accommodate more passengers. Outside of rush hours, a mix of 8-car and 4-car trains operates.
- Expect the Airport Link Line to be particularly crowded on Friday evenings. If possible, plan your travel to avoid this period for a more comfortable experience.
A Comfortable Journey: Inside the Airport Link Line
Stepping onto the Airport Link Line, you’ll immediately notice the spacious and clean interior of the carriages. Seating is arranged with four seats per row (2+2), providing ample space. For your convenience, overhead racks are available for smaller bags and backpacks. Importantly for air travelers, each carriage also features dedicated luggage racks near the doors for storing larger suitcases.
Keeping you informed throughout your journey, clear display screens inside the train show the next station name in real-time, in both Chinese and English. Complementing the visual information, bilingual (Chinese and English) audio announcements are made for all upcoming stops. This comprehensive system ensures that both domestic and international passengers can track their progress and avoid missing their destination.
For connectivity, rest assured that you’ll have reliable mobile signal throughout the train, allowing for smooth internet access on your devices. What’s more, for those needing a power boost, you’ll find convenient charging ports in multiple locations: not only on the side panels near the seats at the connecting points between carriages, but also conveniently located between two seats. These versatile ports support both wired and wireless charging for your mobile phones.
💡 Pro Tip for Travelers:
Every Airport Link Line service has a dedicated staff member patrolling the carriages. If you encounter any issues or need assistance during your journey, feel free to approach the uniformed staff for help. They are there to ensure a smooth and pleasant trip for everyone!
Transfer Stations
The Airport Link Line offers two convenient transfer stations for seamless connections to the Shanghai Metro network. These transfers are designed for in-station convenience, allowing passengers to switch to other areas of Shanghai’s metro system without needing to exit and re-enter.
- Zhongchun Road Station: This is the first transfer station, allowing you to connect to Metro Line 9. From here, you can easily reach popular nearby areas such as Qibao and the bustling commercial district of Xujiahui.
- Jinghong Road Station: The second transfer station provides access to Metro Line 15. Via Line 15, you can reach destinations like Zizhu High-tech Park and Shanghai South Railway Station.
Connecting from the City:
Conversely, if you’re traveling from the city center, you can also use Metro Line 9 (via Zhongchun Road Station) or Metro Line 15 (via Jinghong Road Station) to transfer onto the Airport Link Line. This provides rapid access to Pudong and Hongqiao Airports, as well as the intermediate stations along the route.
Transfer Walk Times:
Transferring between the Airport Link Line and the metro is straightforward. The estimated walking time is approximately 5 minutes at Zhongchun Road Station and about 10 minutes at Jinghong Road Station. Simply follow the clear signage on the floors and walls to guide you seamlessly through the transfer.
Station Facilities and Accessibility
All stations along the Airport Link Line are well-equipped with restrooms and accessible elevators, ensuring a barrier-free travel experience for all passengers, including those with mobility needs.
For any inquiries or assistance, you’ll find Service Centers at every Airport Link Line station, as well as at all connecting Metro stations. Friendly staff are available at these centers to help you with any questions or issues you might encounter. Additionally, uniformed staff members are on duty in the waiting areas of the Airport Link Line platforms, ready to provide assistance.
A notable feature is the dedicated, air-conditioned waiting room available on the platform at Zhongchun Road Station. This provides a comfortable space for passengers to rest while waiting for their train.
Travel Policy for Children:
Good news for families: children under 1.3 meters (approximately 51 inches) in height travel for free on the Airport Link Line and can enter the station with an accompanying adult.
Your Seamless Gateway to Shanghai
The Shanghai Airport Link Line truly embodies “Shanghai Speed,” offering a remarkably comfortable and efficient travel experience. It serves as a vital, high-speed connection between Pudong International Airport and the extensive Hongqiao transportation hub, epitomizing the city’s commitment to modern, seamless infrastructure. With its convenient connections, thoughtful facilities, and rapid transit, the Airport Link Line is undoubtedly your best choice for navigating between Shanghai’s major gateways and beyond. We hope this guide helps you enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey through our dynamic city!
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re arriving at Pudong Airport for the first time, don’t miss my [Practical Guide to Shanghai Pudong Airport], ensuring your first hour in Shanghai is as smooth as the Link Line itself.”