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PVG Terminal 1 and 2 connected after security checks?

Hello All, Is my first time travelling to Shanghai . I will be departing at PVG T1, while my cousin will land at PVG T2. Any idea if we can meet each other either at T1 or T2 after immigration and security checks? TIA

Hello,

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) has two main terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). While the terminals are connected by shuttle buses and walkways outside of security, they are not connected airside after security and immigration. This means that once you or your cousin have cleared immigration and security, you cannot freely move between T1 and T2 without exiting the secure area.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Each terminal has its own check-in, security, and immigration areas. After completing these processes, passengers are restricted to their terminal’s airside area.
  • To meet your cousin after they arrive at T2, either of you would need to exit the airside area and move through the landside (public area) to the other terminal. You will then need to go through security again to re-enter the departures area if you intend to continue your journey from your terminal.
  • There is a free shuttle bus service connecting T1 and T2 landside. It runs frequently and usually takes around 15–20 minutes between terminals, depending on traffic within the airport complex.

Practical suggestions:

  • The easiest option is to meet at the arrivals hall of the terminal where your cousin lands (T2). You can coordinate on the phone or via messaging once they land.
  • If you want to meet before your flight at T1, be prepared to exit the airside, go landside, take the shuttle to T2, meet your cousin, and then return through security to T1. Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for this process to be safe.
  • For short layovers, it is generally not recommended to attempt this because it could risk missing your flight.

In summary, PVG terminals are not connected after security. Any meeting between passengers arriving at different terminals must happen in the public landside area.

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