Layover tour service at PVG Airport

Question

Hi,

I’ll have a 10-hour layover through PVG next week. This will be my first time coming to China. Just wondering if there’s any layover tour service available at PVG to guide me in the city?

Answer

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) offers several options for travelers with long layovers to explore the city without much hassle. Since you have a 10-hour layover, this is enough time to leave the airport, visit central Shanghai, and return for your next flight, provided you plan carefully and account for immigration, security, and travel time.

Here are the details regarding layover tours and options:

PVG Layover Tour Service: The airport has official layover tour services organized by local travel agencies. These tours can be booked online in advance or sometimes at the airport, depending on availability. They usually include guided sightseeing of major attractions such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, and possibly a short Huangpu River cruise.
Eligibility: Many tours are available for international travelers who are in transit and do not wish to apply for a full Chinese visa. They often use the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy if you qualify, which allows you to leave the airport legally for a short period.
Tour Duration: Standard tours for 10-hour layovers usually last 4–5 hours in the city, leaving enough buffer for customs, immigration, airport security checks, and transportation to and from PVG.

Alternative options if you prefer to go independently:

Private Taxi or Rideshare: You can hire a taxi or book a rideshare (via Didi app) to go directly into the city. This gives more flexibility, but ensure you allow at least 1.5–2 hours each way for travel, considering Shanghai traffic.
Public Transport: The Maglev train can take you from PVG to Longyang Road station in about 8 minutes, then you can transfer to the metro to reach central Shanghai. This is a cheaper option but slightly slower than a taxi.
Self-Guided Itinerary: Popular attractions to cover in a short time include The Bund, Nanjing Road for shopping, Yu Garden, and if time permits, a short Huangpu River walk or ferry ride.

Additional Tips:

Always check the latest visa-free transit rules based on your nationality.
Allow at least 2 hours before your next flight for security, immigration, and boarding procedures.
Keep in mind Shanghai traffic can be heavy during peak hours, which may impact your city tour timing.

In conclusion, PVG layover tours are available and convenient for first-time visitors. You can either join an official guided tour or arrange your own short trip into the city using taxis or the Maglev and metro system.

Layover tour service at PVG Airport

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