Berlin to Shanghai (Pudong) (BER–PVG) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

German passport holders currently qualify for visa-free entry to China for stays up to 30 days. This policy, extended through the end of 2025 and renewed into 2026, covers tourism, business visits, transit, and family visits. Just show up with a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket. No advance application needed.

If you need to stay longer than 30 days, apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Germany. A single-entry tourist visa (L visa) costs EUR 126 for German citizens. Processing takes 4 business days for regular service. Express service (2 days) costs EUR 151. You need the application form, a passport photo, flight booking, hotel reservation, and proof of funds.

China also offers 144-hour visa-free transit at major airports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu if you are transiting to a third country. This is separate from the 30-day visa-free policy and useful for longer layover visits.

The Airport Express (FEX) train runs non-stop from Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof to BER in 30 minutes (€3.80 with ABC zone ticket, or included in Berlin day passes). S-Bahn S9 also connects the airport to central Berlin with stops, taking about 45–50 minutes for the same fare.Taxis from Mitte cost €40–55 (35–50 min). Ride-shares (Uber) run €30–45. The A113 motorway provides direct access from the city ring. Parking from €10/day in the P4/P5 lots with terminal walkway. BER opened in 2020 after years of delays; infrastructure is new and well-organized.

Maglev to Longyang Road (8 min, ¥50) is a fast exit; transfer to Metro Line 2 onward. Metro Line 2 runs directly from PVG T1/T2 to People's Square and Hongqiao Airport (1.5–2 hrs, ¥7). Taxis have a meter; expect ¥130–200 to Puxi (west side) depending on destination and traffic tunnels used.Airport buses serve multiple city zones (¥22–36, 60–90 min). DiDi ride-hail is available and typically cheaper than street taxis for longer distances.

Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and oppressively humid (28–37°C) with typhoon risk. Storms can cause flight cancellations with little warning. Winters (December–February) are cold and damp (1–8°C) with occasional frost. Dense fog disrupts departures regularly in January–February.

Spring is rainy and mild. Autumn (October–November) is the most settled period. Clear skies and 12–22°C make it the best window for travel. Pack layers for shoulder seasons. An umbrella is useful year-round.