A trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai involves a few decisions beyond the airfare. Your arrival airport, connection time and transport into town can all affect the journey. This guide covers Shanghai's two airports, direct and one-stop flights, arrival transport and the entry requirements Vietnamese passport holders should check before booking.
Which Shanghai Airport: Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA)?
Check the airport code on every flight, especially if you're connecting through another city or taking an onward domestic flight.
Quick Decision Guide
Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City generally arrive at Pudong, on Shanghai's eastern edge. Hongqiao is closer to western and central districts and mainly handles domestic flights, alongside some regional and international services. Pudong connects to Metro Line 2 and the Maglev. Hongqiao Terminal 2 connects to Lines 2 and 10, while Terminal 1, which handles Hongqiao's international and regional flights, is served by Line 10.
When to Pick Each
The airport matters more if your itinerary includes an onward domestic flight or a return from a different airport. Hongqiao can be convenient for western Shanghai, domestic flights and high-speed rail connections. The Airport Link Line connects Pudong and Hongqiao in roughly 40 minutes, but that is only the train journey. Allow additional time for immigration, baggage collection, terminal walks and your next flight's check-in deadline.
Flight Options from Ho Chi Minh City
Nonstop Flights
Vietnam Airlines, Spring Airlines and VietJet Air have listed direct services between Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Availability, days and departure times can change by season, so don't treat these examples as a fixed schedule. Check the airline's own site for your travel dates and compare baggage rules before paying.
One-Stop via Hong Kong
If a direct flight doesn't fit your dates, a one-stop journey through Hong Kong is another option. Cathay Pacific offers this itinerary, and its Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai route page is a useful starting point for comparing dates and fares. The journey takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes including the Hong Kong connection, and flights can land at either Pudong Terminal 2 or Hongqiao Terminal 1, so check the arrival airport on your booking. If you'd like to spend time in Hong Kong, the airline's stopover options may add flexibility, subject to itinerary and booking conditions. Check any cancellation offer carefully rather than assuming it applies to every fare.
Arriving: Fastest and Cheapest Ways into Town
Metro Line 2 from PVG
Line 2 runs from the airport into central Shanghai. Allow roughly an hour to People's Square, with a fare of about ¥7. It's a low-cost choice, especially with light luggage. Check operating hours if your flight arrives early in the morning or late at night.
Maglev plus Metro
The Maglev reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes, where you can change to Line 2. It is fast for the airport leg, but the transfer means it isn't always the quickest option door to door. If buying a combined Maglev and Metro pass, check the price, validity period and included journeys.
Supported foreign bank cards can be used at Maglev gates. Check the accepted card networks and keep another payment method available.
Airport Link Line
This line connects Pudong and Hongqiao airport stations in about 40 minutes. It is most useful for journeys between the airports or toward western Shanghai, rather than a direct trip to the Bund. Check the station nearest your destination and any onward transfer before choosing it over Line 2.
Taxis
Use the official taxi queue outside arrivals. Taxis cost more than rail, and journey times depend on traffic, but they can be simpler with family or heavy luggage. They are also useful when rail services have stopped for the night. Keep your hotel address in Chinese on your phone and ask for a receipt.
Entry, Transit and Payment Basics
Ordinary Vietnamese passport holders generally need a visa for a sightseeing trip to mainland China. Since 20 August 2026, Vietnamese nationals have been eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit scheme, but it only covers genuine transit. You need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, not a simple return trip between Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai. Check current requirements with China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) and the Chinese embassy or consulate before booking.
For payments, Alipay and WeChat Pay support linking eligible foreign cards. Set up your chosen app before departure and complete any required identity checks. Foreign-card acceptance varies by service and payment method, so don't rely on a bank card working everywhere. Carry some Chinese yuan as a backup, and check airport station counters for ticket-payment options.
A Quick Two- or Three-Day Trip Builder
Day one: walk the Bund, then cross to Lujiazui for skyline views at sunset. Day two: visit Yu Garden in the morning, then explore the leafy former French Concession. With a third day, choose a trip to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao, or spend a rainy day in a museum. Keep arrival day flexible if your flight lands late or involves a connection. During typhoon season, airlines sometimes warn that approaching storms could disrupt Shanghai flights, so check your flight status before heading to the airport.
Conclusion
Book direct if the schedule suits you, or consider a one-stop connection through Hong Kong for more itinerary options. Confirm your arrival airport, then choose transport based on your destination, luggage and arrival time. Most importantly, check your visa requirements before paying for the trip rather than assuming a transit exemption covers a holiday.
FAQ
Do I need a China visa if I am only transiting?
It depends on your passport and exact itinerary. Vietnam was added to the 240-hour scheme's eligible nationalities from 20 August 2026, but a return trip from Vietnam is not qualifying transit, as you need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Vietnamese passport holders should confirm their options with the NIA or a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
Which airport is more convenient for central Shanghai?
It depends on your flight and destination. Pudong is farther east but has Metro Line 2, the Maglev and taxis. Hongqiao is closer to western and central districts, and it can be useful for domestic flights or high-speed rail connections.
How can I travel from Pudong Airport to the city?
Metro Line 2 is generally the low-cost option, while the Maglev can shorten the airport leg before a transfer to the metro. A taxi may be simpler with heavy luggage or a late arrival. Check service hours and current fares before travelling.
Can visitors use foreign bank cards in Shanghai?
Some foreign cards can be linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay, and supported cards may work at selected transport gates. Acceptance varies, so set up a payment app before departure and carry some Chinese yuan as a backup.
