FlightLogic

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Advertiser disclosure — how this service works

FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher overall at 8.0/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Shanghai Pudong International Airport Beijing Capital International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.0 7.8
On-Time Performance 7.8 7.6
Passenger Experience 8.0 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.3 8.0
Lounge Score 8.5 8.4
City Shanghai Beijing
Country China China
Terminals 2 terminals (T1 and T2) 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3)
Annual passengers 70M+ 73M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy PVG — Shanghai PEK — Beijing
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Shanghai, China · PVG · #1 in this comparison

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

2 terminals (T1 and T2) · 70M+ passengers/year

8.0 / 10

How good is Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.8), passenger experience (8.0), and facilities (8.3). Lounge quality rates 8.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Shanghai Pudong PVG scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.5/10. Terminal 1 Star Alliance; Terminal 2 China Eastern/SkyTeam. Maglev to city in 8 min. Verify PVG vs SHA Hongqiao on ticket. See /guides/shanghai-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 8.0 Excellent
On-time 7.8 Departure reliability
Experience 8.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.3 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.5 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.8
Passenger Experience
8.0
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score 8.5/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 1 serves Star Alliance (Air China, United, Lufthansa); Terminal 2 serves China Eastern and SkyTeam partners
  • China Eastern and Air China First/Business lounges among Asia's largest airline clubs
  • Maglev train to Longyang Road in 8 minutes — fastest airport-to-city link in the world
  • Common one-stop for UK–China and UK–Australia on China Eastern and partner metal

Overview

China Eastern and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 1 and 2 satellite design with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings via Shanghai.

Terminal 1 and 2 lounge access

Terminal 1 hosts Star Alliance carriers with Air China and partner lounges. Terminal 2 serves China Eastern — China's largest airline at PVG — with extensive First and Business lounges.

Inter-terminal transfers require landside transport or shuttle — not airside. Connections between Star Alliance and SkyTeam metal require immigration unless on protected interline.

UK traveller notes

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Shanghai — verify current immigration rules before planning a layover exit.

Compare PVG against Beijing PEK (/airports/beijing) and Hong Kong HKG (/airports/hkg) for UK–Asia routing — PVG strong for China domestic connections; HKG for Oneworld.

Beijing, China · PEK · #2 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

FAQ

Which is better, Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher overall at 8.0/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, PVG or PEK?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher for lounges at 8.5/10, versus Beijing Capital International Airport at 8.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, PVG or PEK?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has stronger on-time performance at 7.8/10 versus Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 7.6/10.