Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers free city tours

There is nothing worse than having to spend several hours in strange airport, particularly if you do not qualify for lounge access.

But not all layovers are hell with several airports, including Changi in Singapore, Istanbul and Incheon in South Korea, offering free city tours for those with several hours to kill.

The latest entrant into this space is Shanghai's Pudong International Airport, which allows travellers the chance to experience highlights of China's most vibrant city before their flight departs.

The "Shanghai Express", free layover city tours have been launched by Trip.com and begin from April 15 for anyone with eight hours or more to spare.

The tours are fully inclusive: airport pick-up and send-off, attraction tickets, e-sim cards, and more. All you need to do is turn up.

The tours will be available to international travellers who are eligible for China's 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, as well as those holding a 24-hour temporary entry permit issued by the airport border inspection.

"As visa-free transit policies open up new avenues for international travellers to explore China, Trip.com Group is excited to unveil this innovative programme for those with just a short stopover," said Han Feng, Head of Marketing at Trip.com.

"We will leverage our extensive resources to ensure a memorable tour experience and provide world-class customer service to help flyers enjoy what Shanghaihas to offer."

After passing through customs after arrival at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, travellers can head to the Trip.com Group currency exchange counter on Island A in the Departure Hall of Terminal 2 for registration.

A professional guide will be available at the counter one hour before the start of each tour to assist with the registration process. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Travellers will be able to choose from several tour timings. Each free tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travellers and lasts five to six hours, including transportation from and back to the airport.

The options include a Shanghai Highlights City Tour (9:00-14:00), Strolling Under the Trees Citywalk Tour (16:00-22:00) and a Huangpu River Cruise Sightseeing Night Tour (18:00-23:00).

Those seeking to travel light can store their hand luggage at the airport or on the shuttle bus if space permits.

Detailed information about the tours can be found here.