City Centre or Near the Airport? How to Choose Where to Stay in Shanghai

Q: Who should stay near Hongqiao airport and railway station?

Hongqiao is the right call if you are (1) catching a high-speed rail train to Suzhou, Hangzhou or Nanjing — the HSR station is right next door, (2) flying a domestic route from Hongqiao Airport (SHA), or (3) attending an expo or conference at NECC, which sits on the western side of the city. Getting into the city centre from Hongqiao takes about 30–45 minutes on Metro Line 2 or 10 (¥4–7), or ¥60–100 by taxi.

Q: What is the difference between Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport?

Pudong Airport (PVG) is east of the city and handles most international flights, including all direct services from Bangkok and most other overseas destinations. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is west of the city and handles primarily domestic Chinese routes, alongside one of China's largest high-speed rail hubs. If you are flying in from outside China, you will almost certainly arrive at PVG.

Before You Book

Shanghai Has Two Airports —On Opposite Sides of the City

Here is something that catches a lot of travellers off guard: Shanghai is a big city with two airports that are nowhere near each other. Pudong Airport (PVG) sits to the east, handling almost all international arrivals including flights from Bangkok. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) sits to the west, handling mostly domestic Chinese routes — and it shares a complex with one of the largest high-speed rail stations in the country.

This geography matters more than most people realise before they book. A hotel that makes perfect sense for a sightseeing trip can be exhausting when you are catching a 07:00 bullet train to Suzhou. And the hotel that puts you five minutes from the departures hall is a bad idea when you have four days to explore one of Asia's most walkable cities.

This is not a guide to the Puxi versus Pudong debate — that is covered at /en/shanghai-puxi-vs-pudong. And it is not a full neighbourhood breakdown — see /en/shanghai-where-to-stay-first-time for that. This is a focused answer to one question: given what your trip actually looks like, which part of the city should you sleep in?

Short Answer

The Quick Version —Before the Detail

If you need to decide right now

Sightseeing trip / first visit / want to walk to the Bund Stay city centre, Puxi (The Bund / Nanjing Road / People's Square / Jing'an) or central Pudong (Lujiazui). Slightly pricier, but you save an hour of transfers every single day.

Catching bullet trains / domestic flights / NECC conference Stay near Hongqiao. The HSR station is literally next door. A taxi into the city centre is only ¥60–100 (~฿300–500) when you do want to explore.

Very early or very late international flight / one-night stopover Stay near Pudong Airport (PVG). A few kilometres from the terminal, no pre-dawn taxi scramble, and rates are meaningfully lower than the city centre.

City Centre · Puxi & Lujiazui

The Bund, Nanjing Road, Jing'an —The Right Base for Most Travellers

The Bund waterfront in central Shanghai at dusk, with the Lujiazui skyline reflected in the Huangpu River

The Bund in central Puxi — most city-centre hotels are within walking distance of this waterfront.

If you are in Shanghai to sightsee, eat your way through the city and feel like you actually live here for a few days, the city centre is the clear choice. The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, People's Square, the French Concession and Jing'an Temple are all within a short walk or one Metro stop of each other. Getting around costs ¥3–9 per journey.

The price range here is genuinely wide. A solid three-star in People's Square starts around ¥350–600 per night (~฿1,750–3,000). At the top, The Peninsula Shanghai (9.4) and Fairmont Peace Hotel (8.8) start from around ¥3,500+ per night. Everything in between exists in the same neighbourhoods.

The honest trade-off: getting from Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city centre takes around an hour regardless of method — Maglev plus Metro, or a ¥160–200 taxi. For a five-night trip that cost is paid once at each end. For a one-night stopover before an early flight, it starts to feel genuinely inconvenient.

Pros & Cons

Walk to the Bund, Yu Garden and Nanjing Road — no daily transfer costs or time lost

Dense Metro network — every corner of the city from ¥3–9 per trip

Restaurants, cafes and bars in every direction the moment you step outside

The widest hotel range in the city — every budget tier in the same areas

Best choice for multi-day leisure trips where you want to maximise every morning

The city's energy at street level — you feel like you are actually in Shanghai

PVG is roughly 40–50 km away; taxi runs ¥160–200 each direction

Hotels cost more here than near the airports at the same star rating

Early-morning flights mean very early alarms or an uncomfortable pre-dawn taxi

Hongqiao HSR station is on the far western side — bullet-train connections take extra planning

Hotel Picks · City Centre

Recommended Hotels in Central Shanghai

9.4

The Peninsula Shanghai

The Bund · 5-star · Corner of the Bund and Nanjing Road East

The best-positioned hotel on the Bund. You walk out the door and you are on the waterfront. Guests who have stayed here consistently say they would not want to be anywhere else — that phrase carries real weight when the city has this much competition.

Read full review →

9.2

The Middle House Shanghai

Jing'an · 5-star · Designed by Piero Lissoni

In the Jing'an district, close to Metro Line 2 and the city's best independent shopping streets. The bar and restaurant draw a local crowd — always a reliable sign that a hotel is genuinely good rather than just trading on its address.

Read full review →

9.5

Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai

Lujiazui · 5-star · Pudong side · River and Bund views

For those who want to stay on the Pudong side near the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. The west-facing rooms look directly at the historic Bund across the river — one of the city's most memorable views from a hotel window.

Read full review →

Top 10 Hotels in Shanghai → Nanjing Road / People's Square Bund View Hotels Luxury Hotels Budget Hotels

Near Hongqiao · HSR Hub + Domestic Airport

China's Biggest Rail Hub on Your Doorstep —The Smart Base for Onward Journeys

The Hongqiao district sits on the western edge of the city, built around a transport complex that includes Hongqiao Railway Station — one of the largest high-speed rail hubs in China. From here: Suzhou in 30 minutes, Hangzhou in about 45 minutes, Nanjing in around 90 minutes. All on smooth, punctual bullet trains that run throughout the day.

The domestic airport, SHA, sits alongside the station. And the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) — one of the largest exhibition venues in the world — is nearby, which is why this part of the city fills up whenever a major trade fair comes to town.

Getting into the city centre from here is genuinely easy. Metro Line 2 or 10 into the heart of Puxi takes about 30–45 minutes and costs ¥4–7. A taxi runs ¥60–100 (~฿300–500). It is not walking distance to the Bund, but it is not a significant journey either.

Shanghai skyline showing the Pudong financial district with the Oriental Pearl Tower and skyscrapers along the river

The Hongqiao area sits to the west — about 30–45 minutes by Metro from the central Puxi and Pudong districts shown here.

Pros & Cons

HSR to Suzhou (30 min), Hangzhou (45 min), Nanjing (90 min) — the station is right there

Hongqiao Airport (SHA) for domestic flights — no cross-city journey

NECC exhibition centre nearby — ideal for trade fairs and corporate events

Five-star hotels here are often cheaper than equivalents in the city centre

Taxi into central Shanghai runs just ¥60–100 (~฿300–500) when you do want to explore

Far from the Bund, Yu Garden and Nanjing Road — sightseeing trips add travel time every day

A business-district feel — not the lively neighbourhood atmosphere of central Puxi

Pudong Airport (PVG) for international flights is on the opposite side of the city

Hotel Picks · Near Hongqiao

Recommended Hotels Near Hongqiao Station and Airport

9.5

InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC

Hongqiao · 5-star · Adjacent to NECC · IHG

Attached to the NECC convention complex and a short taxi from both the HSR station and SHA airport. For anyone attending a trade fair or exhibition in Shanghai, staying anywhere else adds unnecessary friction to every morning and evening.

Read full review →

9.4

Cordis Shanghai Hongqiao

Hongqiao · 5-star · Langham · Step-free throughout

Langham-managed, with a step-free design across the entire building. Consistent service at a level that does not ask you to trade quality for location. A strong option for frequent business travellers who want both convenience and reliability.

Read full review →

9.4

Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao

Hongqiao · 4-star · Good value · Breakfast included

A four-star that consistently scores higher than several five-stars in the same area. Rates typically run ¥600–900 per night (~฿3,000–4,500). A sensible middle ground when you want an HSR-adjacent location without the five-star price.

Read full review →

All Hotels Near Hongqiao → Airport Transfer Guide Metro & Getting Around

Near Pudong Airport · PVG

International Gateway — When Staying Near PVG Actually Makes Sense

The Shanghai Maglev train, which travels at 430 km/h between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road station

The Maglev covers PVG to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes at 430 km/h — though you still need Metro Line 2 from there into the centre.

Pudong Airport (PVG) sits roughly 40–50 km east of the city centre. The transfer options are well-known: the Maglev train at 430 km/h gets you to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes for ¥50 (¥40 with a same-day boarding pass shown), but you still need Metro Line 2 onwards — total journey to People's Square is around an hour or more. A direct taxi costs ¥160–200 (~฿800–1,000) and takes 45–60 minutes without traffic.

So when does staying near PVG actually make sense? Three clear scenarios: you have a departure before around 08:00 and do not want to be in a taxi at 04:00; you landed late, you are tired, and the thought of a long transfer is genuinely unappealing; or you have a one-night stopover with no plans to go into the city.

Hotels near PVG are priced noticeably lower than the city centre at the same star level — typically ¥300–600 per night for solid four-star options. The Holiday Inn Pudong Airport, at 0.78 km from the terminal with a free shuttle, scores 9.6 from guests who use it for exactly this purpose.

Pros & Cons

Holiday Inn Pudong Airport is 0.78 km from the terminal with a free shuttle

Early departure or late arrival — no stressful cross-city journey involved

Cheaper rates than the city centre for the same star level

Jet-lagged arrival: check in, sleep, leave — simple and low-effort

Far from every attraction in the city — a round trip into the centre adds roughly 2 hours

Nothing much to do nearby if you want to go out in the evening

A long way from Hongqiao HSR station if you need bullet train connections

Thin choice of restaurants and cafes compared to anywhere in central Shanghai

Hotel Picks · Near Pudong Airport

Recommended Hotels for Nights Near PVG

9.6

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport

Near PVG · 4-star · 0.78 km from terminal · Free shuttle

The highest-reviewed hotel in the PVG area and the most practical for the purpose. A free shuttle, a 15-minute walk, or a two-minute taxi. Exactly what you need the night before a very early departure or the night you land at midnight.

Read full review →

9.3

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport

Near PVG · 3-star · Budget option · Clean and functional

The more affordable IHG option in the same area. High review scores for what it is — a clean, reliable base when all you need is a comfortable bed within reach of departures. No more complicated than that.

Read full review →

All Hotels Near PVG → PVG Transfer Guide

Transfer Facts

The Numbers You Need —Getting Between the Airports and the City

Nanjing Road pedestrian street in central Shanghai at night, lit up with shops and crowds

Method	From Pudong Airport (PVG) → City Centre	From Hongqiao (SHA/HSR) → City Centre
Maglev / Metro	Maglev to Longyang Rd ~8 min, ¥50 (¥40 with boarding pass). Then Metro Line 2 to People's Square ~40 min. Total: ~1 hour+	Metro Line 2 or 10 direct to central Puxi. ~30–45 min. ¥4–7
Taxi	¥160–200 (~฿800–1,000) · 45–60 min without traffic	¥60–100 (~฿300–500) · 30–45 min without traffic
Metro only	Metro Line 2 direct from PVG to People's Square, ~¥7–8, but takes over 1 hour	Metro Line 2 direct, ¥4–7, fast and straightforward
Total door-to-door	~50–75 min (Maglev+Metro) / 45–60 min (taxi)	~30–45 min (Metro or taxi)
Bullet train (HSR)	Must cross the entire city to reach Hongqiao Station — adds 1+ hour	Hongqiao Station is right next door — walk there
Best for	International arrivals from Thailand and overseas	Domestic connections / NECC expo / bullet train travel

Decision Guide

The Right Choice For Each Type of Trip

First-time visitor in Shanghai for three or more days — Stay in central Puxi. The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden and the French Concession are all walkable or one Metro stop apart. You will appreciate the convenience every morning. See the top 10 hotels in Shanghai for picks at every budget.

Planning to take the bullet train to Suzhou or Hangzhou — Stay near Hongqiao. The HSR trains depart throughout the day. Staying nearby means you roll out of bed, walk to the station, and your day trip starts immediately rather than after a 45-minute Metro journey first. See hotels near Hongqiao.

International flight departing PVG before 07:00 — Stay near Pudong Airport. Setting your alarm for 05:00 and walking 15 minutes is far better than setting it for 03:30 and hoping traffic behaves. See hotels near Pudong Airport.

Attending an expo, trade fair or conference at NECC — Hongqiao is your only sensible answer. NECC is right there. During major fairs like CIIE, hotels in this area sell out quickly and rates spike, so book as early as possible. The InterContinental NECC and Cordis Hongqiao are the anchor properties.

One-night stopover before an international onward flight — Check which airport your flight leaves from. If PVG, stay near PVG. If SHA, stay near Hongqiao. There is no reason to stay in the city centre if you will not actually visit it.

Business trip where you need top-tier facilities at a better price than the city centre — Hongqiao five-stars consistently price lower than equivalents in Puxi for the same standard. The InterContinental NECC (9.5) and Cordis (9.4) are both strong and practical choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ · City Centre vs Airport Hotels

How long does it take to get from Pudong Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai?

There are a few options. The Maglev train runs at 430 km/h and covers PVG to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes, for ¥50 (or ¥40 if you show a same-day boarding pass). From Longyang Road you still need Metro Line 2 into the centre, which adds another 40–50 minutes. Door to door, expect around an hour or more to reach People's Square or the Bund area. A taxi direct to the centre runs about ¥160–200 (~฿800–1,000) and takes 45–60 minutes without traffic. Full breakdown at Shanghai Airport Transfer Guide.

Who should stay near Hongqiao airport and railway station?

Hongqiao makes sense if you are (1) catching a high-speed rail train to Suzhou, Hangzhou or Nanjing — the HSR station is right next door, (2) flying a domestic route from Hongqiao Airport (SHA), or (3) attending an expo or conference at NECC on the western side of the city. Getting into the city centre takes about 30–45 minutes on Metro Line 2 or 10 (¥4–7), or ¥60–100 by taxi. See the full hotel list at Hotels Near Hongqiao.

I have a very early international flight from PVG. Where should I sleep?

Stay near Pudong Airport. For a departure before 08:00, the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport is 0.78 km from the terminal with a free shuttle. You can set your alarm for 05:00 or 05:30 rather than 03:00 from the city centre. If your flight leaves from Hongqiao (SHA) instead, the same logic applies — stay near that airport. Full picks at Hotels Near Pudong Airport.

Where should a first-time visitor to Shanghai stay?

The city centre — specifically the Puxi side around the Bund, Nanjing Road, People's Square or Jing'an. You can walk to the Bund waterfront, Yu Garden and most of what you came to see. Metro lines connect every direction from here. Hotels range from around ¥350 per night up to ¥6,000+ for the top tier. See Top 10 Hotels in Shanghai, Nanjing Road / People's Square, and the neighbourhood guide at Where to Stay in Shanghai for First-Timers.

Is the Maglev worth taking from Pudong Airport, or should I just get a taxi?

It depends where your hotel is. If you are staying near a Metro Line 2 station — Nanjing Road East, People's Square, Jing'an Temple — the Maglev plus Metro is fast and costs around ¥50–57 total. If your hotel is far from the metro, or you have heavy luggage, a direct taxi at ¥160–200 (~฿800–1,000) is simply more convenient. The Maglev itself is a genuine experience and worth doing at least once. More detail at Metro and Getting Around Shanghai.

What is the difference between Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport?

Pudong Airport (PVG) is on the eastern edge of the city and handles almost all international flights, including every direct service from Bangkok and most long-haul routes. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is on the western edge and primarily handles domestic Chinese routes, alongside one of the country's largest HSR stations. If you are flying from outside China, you will almost certainly arrive and depart through PVG. Full transfer details at Shanghai Airport Transfer Guide.

Shanghai Travel Guide

Hotels, attractions, the Bund, Yu Garden — everything in one place

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Where to Stay in Shanghai

Full neighbourhood guide — every district compared in detail

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Puxi or Pudong — Which Side?

Compare the two sides of the Huangpu River before you book

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8 Best Hotels Near Hongqiao

InterContinental NECC · Cordis · Novotel · QUBE — close to the HSR

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