Rule-based planner
Shanghai Layover Planner
Choose your airport, layover duration, travel style, budget, and help level. The result is based on static route rules, not an AI API.
✅ Comfortable for a focused city visit
Effective sightseeing time: ~5 hours
Recommendation
Comfortable for a focused Shanghai visit with one main area, one meal, and a protected airport return.
Suggested Route
- PVG arrival -> immigration and transit visa check (60-90 min)
- Maglev to Longyang Road, then metro Line 2 to Lujiazui (~50 min, ¥55-60).
- Walk the Bund riverfront promenade (30-45 min, free).
- Cross to Yu Garden area for lunch and old-city streets (60-90 min, ¥50-130).
- Metro/Maglev or taxi back to PVG (50-75 min)
- Arrive at PVG at least 3.5 hours before departure.
Time Breakdown
- Immigration and transit checks: 60-90 min depending on queue
- Airport to central Shanghai: 50-75 min; PVG is ~50km from town, SHA is ~15km
- Effective sightseeing and meal time: ~5 hours
- Return buffer: 3.5 hours before departure
Estimated Costs
- Transport
- ¥100-300 (~$14-42)
- Food
- ¥80-200 (~$11-28)
- Activities
- ¥0-180 (~$0-25)
- Total
- ¥180-680 (~$25-94)
Transport Suggestion
Taxi, ride-hailing through Alipay, and metro all work. Choose based on luggage, traffic, and whether your route crosses rush hour.
Airport Return Buffer
Arrive at PVG at least 3.5 hours before departure.
Payment Reminder
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before landing. Keep one international card ready, carry a small cash backup, and remember taxis rarely accept foreign credit cards.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating PVG distance — it's about 50km from central Shanghai.
- Navigating without mobile data — get an eSIM before landing.
- Not setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival.
- Forgetting to save your hotel and airport address in Chinese characters.