Shanghai’s riverside neighbour Suzhou is a city with many claims to fame of its own: not only is it historically the heart of China’s silk trade, but it’s also home to numerous scenic waterways, and a collection of classical gardens which have been recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. More recently, Suzhou has emerged as a high-tech manufacturing hub, drawing business travellers as well as leisure seekers.
Whether you’re visiting this Chinese city for its rich heritage or lively business environment, our air-to-land shuttle transfer now offers seamless connections between Suzhou and Shanghai’s two major airports. Convenience is built into the service; you can even enjoy in-town check-in and baggage delivery* from Suzhou City Terminal on your outbound journey. Follow our guide on how to get to Suzhou from Shanghai, and enjoy a smooth and stress-free connection on your next visit to the “Venice of the East”.
Credit: zyeos30/Getty Images
Credit: Paul Souders/Getty Images
What is Cathay's Suzhou air-to-land shuttle transfer?
Our air-to-land shuttle transfer provides frequent, convenient ground transport connections between Suzhou and Shanghai’s two major airports – Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) – when you fly with Cathay Pacific. With this service, you can save yourself the hassle of finding your own transport when you land in Shanghai, with everything pre-arranged for you.
Inbound passengers travelling to Suzhou can reserve their airport shuttle transfer via Suzhou City Terminal’s WeChat mini programme after booking their Cathay Pacific flight. You’ll be asked to select your arrival airport and preferred shuttle departure time – be sure to allow enough time for immigration and baggage claim. You’ll also choose your preferred drop-off location within the city of Suzhou – whether that’s your hotel or another destination in town. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a ticket confirmation via SMS. It’s also possible to buy a ticket after arrival in Shanghai at the service counter in PVG.
Outbound passengers can follow a similar process on the WeChat mini programme to reserve their shuttle from Suzhou City Terminal to their departure airport in Shanghai.
Travelling to Suzhou via Shanghai
If you're flying into Shanghai with Cathay Pacific, continuing your journey to Suzhou is effortless. Upon landing, proceed through immigration and pick up your checked baggage as you normally would. For those arriving at SHA, the shuttle operator will have contacted you, via your registered mobile number, before your flight departure to confirm your flight’s arrival time and to direct you to your vehicle at Meeting Point P7 in Terminal 2.
If you're travelling through PVG, proceed to the dedicated Suzhou City Terminal service counter in the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 1. Approach the counter staff with your name and phone number for verification, and they’ll arrange your vehicle. You’ll meet your driver at Meeting Point G2 in P2 Parking Lot to board your shuttle.
Sit back and relax as your vehicle takes you straight to your destination in Suzhou. Depending on your designated drop-off point, the ride from PVG to Suzhou will take approximately two hours, while from SHA it takes around one hour.
Travelling from Suzhou via Shanghai
Departing from Suzhou through Shanghai is just as easy. Begin at Suzhou City Terminal, where you can check in for your Cathay Pacific flight two hours before your departure time from SHA. Your checked baggage will undergo security screening and be transported to your departure airport – there’s no need to handle it again until arrival at your flight destination. You’ll also receive your boarding pass, allowing you to skip the queues for check-in at the airport.
Remember to allow sufficient time for your transfer. Check-in at the Suzhou City Terminal closes 2 hours before departure for SHA flights and 3.5 hours before PVG flights.
While waiting for your shuttle, unwind in the passenger lounge or enjoy light refreshments at the café inside the terminal. An information counter is also available if you have any travel queries or booking issues.
Once your vehicle has arrived, hop on and enjoy the ride to PVG or SHA. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed directly through security and head to your boarding gate. Collect your baggage at your destination airport and enjoy your onward journey.
*In-town check-in and baggage delivery service is not available for Cathay Pacific flights to the United States.