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Shanghai PVG / SHA Airport Transfer Guide to the National Exhibition and Convention Center

Shanghai PVG / SHA Airport Transfer Guide to the National Exhibition and Convention Center

Summary: How to get from PVG or SHA to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), how long it takes, and how to book a fixed-price Heycars private transfer.

Timing note: During major exhibitions at the venue, traffic on the surrounding expressways tightens and nearby hotels fill up—book airport transfers early.

Where is the venue?

The National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) (NECC) sits in the Hongqiao Business District, Qingpu District, right next to the Hongqiao transport hub—about 1.5 km in a straight line. Its main address is 333 Songze Avenue (North Gate). See the official NECC transport information.

Which airport should you fly into?

AirportDistance to NECC (approx.)Typical drive*
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)About 3–5 km by road (T2 closer)About 10–20 minutes
Shanghai Pudong (PVG)About 60 kmAbout 60–90+ minutes (traffic dependent)

*Peak hours and exhibition-period traffic controls can change travel times.

If your itinerary allows, Hongqiao is closest. Many international flights still land at Pudong—leave extra buffer and book a transfer in advance.

Heycars airport pages: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) airport transfers

How do I get there by public transport?

  • Metro: Lines 2 and 17 both serve a station called National Exhibition and Convention Center, but they are two separate stations—Line 2's (formerly East Xujing) is at the venue's east side, Line 17's (formerly Zhuguang Road) is by the west entrance—and you cannot transfer between them inside the station. Pick the one nearest your hall. Line 2 also runs directly to both airports: Hongqiao Airport T2 is two stops away, while Pudong Airport is the far end of the line (allow about 1¾ hours). During major shows, the Line 2 station can be closed or entry-limited at peak times; the usual official advice is to use Line 17 instead, or change at Hongqiao Railway Station.
  • Taxi / ride-hailing: Designated drop-off points are common during exhibitions; follow on-site signs.

Why book a private airport transfer?

With luggage, booth materials, or a late arrival, a prepaid fixed-price car is more reliable—especially from Pudong, where street-hail after the last metro is less predictable.

Heycars offers:

  • Fixed-price airport transfers, including tolls and parking fees
  • Flight tracking: add your flight number when booking and the driver adjusts to your actual arrival
  • 60 minutes of free waiting for airport pickups, 30 minutes for drop-offs
  • Free cancellation more than 24 hours before pickup

From Pudong (PVG)

What itinerary should I plan?

  1. Land at PVG → hotel near Hongqiao / NECC → venue the next day
  2. Land at SHA T2 → go straight to your hotel or the NECC area (shortest hop)
  3. After your visit → hotel / return airport (agree pickup time in advance)

What else do travelers ask?

Where exactly is the venue?
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), 333 Songze Avenue, Qingpu District (North Gate), in the Hongqiao Business District, about 1.5 km in a straight line from the Hongqiao transport hub.
Lines 2 and 17 both have a 'National Exhibition and Convention Center' station—are they the same station?
No. They share a name but are two separate stations serving different sides of the venue, with no in-station transfer between them. Check which entrance your hall is closest to before you set off.
Can you drop me at NECC?
Yes—enter the venue or hotel address when booking. During exhibitions, follow temporary traffic controls and designated pickup points.
How far ahead should I book?
At least 24 hours ahead is recommended; cars and hotels tighten up around large shows.

Cover photo: SSYoung / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons