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About Flights to Shanghai

Summary info about Shanghai flight prices, duration and airlines

Best One-Way Price

$571

Best Round-Trip Price

$968

Fastest flight time

30h 50m

Operated By

3 airlines
The best one-way flight price to Shanghai from United States in the last 72 hours is $571 (New York John F Kennedy Intl to Shanghai Pu Dong).
The best round-trip flight price to Shanghai from United States in the last 72 hours is $968 (Los Angeles to Shanghai Pu Dong).
The fastest flight to Shanghai from United States takes 30h 50m (New York John F Kennedy Intl to Shanghai Pu Dong).
There are 3 airlines operating flights to Shanghai, including EVA Air, Philippine Airlines and Undisclosed Carrier.

Shanghai flights insights and trends

Explore insights for your Shanghai flight to craft the best travel plan

What is the cheapest month to fly to Shanghai?

The cheapest month to fly to Shanghai from United States is in April. Flight prices, which tend to average around $1,241, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. The month of May is another great option to travel to Shanghai, with average flight prices from United States averaging around $1,279.

What is the absolute cheapest flight to Shanghai?

The best deal found on momondo in the last two weeks was a flight to Shanghai from Bangkok for $90. This is 86% cheaper than most flight deals to Shanghai. To find the cheapest price to Shanghai from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
See prices from:

How long does it take to fly to Shanghai?

Flight times from United States to Shanghai vary, but if you’re flying out of Los Angeles and flying into Shanghai Hongqiao Intl (one of the most popular routes), then the duration is 13h 40m on average. Another popular route from United States to Shanghai is flying from San Francisco to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl, which will take roughly 13h 25m. Keep in mind that layovers or delays could extend your travel time.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Shanghai?

We recommend purchasing flights from United States to Shanghai 0 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Shanghai for $1,872.

Cheapest flights to Shanghai airports

Find the cheapest flights to these Shanghai airports from your nearest city or airport
Los Angeles
Shanghai Hongqiao Intl Airport

CHEAPEST ROUTE FROM Los Angeles TO Shanghai

Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai Pu Dong Airport (PVG)

Typically, flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles are cheaper when flying from Los Angeles to Shanghai Pu Dong, which has an average price of $1,699

CHEAPEST MONTH TO FLY TO SHANGHAI FROM LOS ANGELESMarch28% cheaperFlying from Los Angeles to Shanghai costs on average just $1,217 in March
MOST EXPENSIVE MONTH TO FLY TO SHANGHAI FROM LOS ANGELESNovember24% more expensiveIt costs about $2,106 for flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles in November
MOST POPULAR MONTH TO FLY TO SHANGHAI FROM LOS ANGELESFebruary756% more users visitedMore momondo users searched in flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles in February than any other month

Frequently asked questions about flying to Shanghai

Shanghai’s humid subtropical climate contains four distinct seasons. Winter can be cold, with temperatures that drop to freezing, although snowfall is rare. This makes the season the least expensive for travel, but only until the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. This holiday shifts dates from year to year because it’s based on the lunar calendar, but falls around late January – mid-February and lasts for 23 days. During the Spring Festival, not only will the city be extremely busy, but also many shops and even some tourist attractions close. During the spring, comfortable temperatures and less precipitation than during summer make it a popular time for travelers to visit. Make sure you book your flights and accommodation ahead of time. Heat, humidity, and plenty of rain make summer less comfortable for tourists, so you might find some good deals if you visit in June – August. Tourist season picks up again in late September and October, after typhoon season, with drier weather and temperatures of 23 – 27 degrees Celsius.

When planning your flight to Shanghai, it is important to be aware that some months are not as ideal as others. Specifically, the months of June, July, or August could carry a higher chance of rain, as Shanghai sees up to 5.1 inches or more. There are still things to do in Shanghai even when it's raining, but be aware that rain is highly probable in the area. While in Shanghai you will find Shanghai Museum nearby which is a great museum to visit when you’re looking for things to do indoors. Shopping centers like Nanjing Road are very popular destinations for those visiting the Shanghai area. Nanjing Road is a great place to go if you’re looking to spend some time inside.

Finding an alternative and possibly cheaper destination airport near Shanghai is possible. If you are planning a flight to Shanghai, consider booking flights to Shanghai Pu Dong Airport (19 mi from Shanghai city center), Suzhou Airport (65 mi from Shanghai city center), Wuxi Airport (66 mi from Shanghai city center), Nantong Airport (67 mi from Shanghai city center) or Hangzhou Airport (93 mi from Shanghai city center).


Shanghai flight deals found on momondo

Check out some of the best fares from airports in United States to Shanghai found recently by users on momondo
Philippine Airlines
Aug 27
LAX8:50 amLos Angeles
34h 40m
1 stop
PVG7:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Sep 18
PVG12:00 pmShanghai Pu Dong
32h 50m
1 stop
LAX8:50 pmLos Angeles
Philippine Airlines
Sep 21
LAX8:50 amLos Angeles
34h 40m
1 stop
PVG7:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Nov 20
PVG11:55 amShanghai Pu Dong
33h 05m
1 stop
LAX9:00 pmLos Angeles
Philippine Airlines
Sep 18
LAX8:50 amLos Angeles
34h 40m
1 stop
PVG7:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Oct 21
PVG12:00 pmShanghai Pu Dong
32h 50m
1 stop
LAX8:50 pmLos Angeles
Philippine Airlines
Nov 13
LAX7:55 amLos Angeles
34h 55m
1 stop
PVG6:50 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Nov 22
PVG11:55 amShanghai Pu Dong
33h 05m
1 stop
LAX9:00 pmLos Angeles
Philippine Airlines
Sep 22
LAX8:50 amLos Angeles
34h 40m
1 stop
PVG7:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Oct 28
PVG12:00 pmShanghai Pu Dong
33h 00m
1 stop
LAX9:00 pmLos Angeles
Philippine Airlines
Sep 23
SFO7:00 pmSan Francisco
24h 30m
1 stop
PVG7:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Oct 4
PVG12:00 pmShanghai Pu Dong
19h 00m
1 stop
SFO7:00 amSan Francisco

Find the cheapest one-way flights to Shanghai

If you're looking for one-way flights from United States to Shanghai, view some of our deals below provided by Philippine Airlines and Undisclosed Carrier
Undisclosed Carrier
Sep 30
JFK1:30 pmNew York John F Kennedy Intl
30h 50m
1 stop
PVG8:20 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Multiple Airlines
Nov 6
JFK9:00 amNew York John F Kennedy Intl
45h 20m
2 stops
PVG6:20 amShanghai Pu Dong
Multiple Airlines
Sep 20
SFO1:20 pmSan Francisco
42h 15m
2 stops
PVG7:35 amShanghai Pu Dong

Other cabin classes for Shanghai flights

Explore alternative premium cabin options for your flight to Shanghai

Which airlines fly to Shanghai?

Here you can see a selection of the most popular and cheapest airlines for flights to Shanghai

Airports near Shanghai

Below you will find all the airports in Shanghai along with the distance from the city center

How to get to downtown Shanghai from the airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is one of two international airports in Shanghai and an important aviation hub serving mainly domestic and regional flights. It’s situated around 13 kilometers west of Downtown Shanghai. If you arrive at Hongqiao Airport, these are your options for travel to the city center.

Trains

Shanghai Metro lines 2 and 7 can take you from either of Hongqiao Airport’s two terminals to the city center. Get on line 2 at Terminal 2 and ride to the People’s Square in about 30 minutes or take line 10 from Terminal 1 and get off at Yuyuan Garden in about the same amount of time. The fare for either is ¥4.00 RMB.

Taxis

You can hail a taxi from Terminal 1 at the arrival hall exit, or from Terminal 2 at the south side of gate 4. Travel time to the People’s Square is about 30 minutes, and the fare is ¥50.00 RMB.

Shuttles

From Terminal 1, you can take bus 806 or 1207 to get downtown for a fare of ¥2.00 RMB. If you arrive at Terminal 2, board any of these buses: Hongqiao hub lines 4 or 9, airport line 1, line 941, or line 361 (the night bus). The fare for daytime shuttles is ¥4.00 RMB, and for the night bus, ¥16.00 RMB.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Pudong Airport mainly serves international flights, so this is where most international tourists land. Here are your transport options into Downtown Shanghai.

Trains

Shanghai Metro line 2 will get you from the airport to People’s Square in 62 minutes, for a fare of ¥7.00 RMB. You may also take the Maglev from the airport, get off at Longyang Rd. in only 8 minutes, and then take Metro line 2 into the city center in 18 minutes. The Maglev costs ¥50.00 RMB and the Metro costs ¥4.00 RMB, so you pay a total of ¥54.00 RMB, and your total travel time is 26 minutes.

Taxis

A taxi into Downtown Shanghai from Pudong Airport will cost you approximately ¥200.00 RMB, and the trip will take about 45 minutes.

Shuttles

You can take Pudong Airport shuttle bus 2 from the airport to City Terminal, or the night bus 361, to the same destination. The travel time is the same, at around 60 minutes, but the night bus costs ¥30.00 RMB, while the other is only ¥16.00 RMB.

Car Rentals

If you’re planning on renting a car while visiting Shanghai, it’s definitely worth checking for deals on car rentals with momondo.


Popular routes to Shanghai

Most frequently searched flights to Shanghai along with the cheapest price and shortest flight duration
New York to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time14h 50m
Cheapest price$1,163
San Francisco to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time13h 25m
Cheapest price$997
Los Angeles to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time13h 40m
Cheapest price$968
Seattle to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time12h 45m
Cheapest price$1,157
Chicago to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time1h 04m
Cheapest price$1,193
Boston to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time21h 20m
Cheapest price$1,163
Dallas to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time1h 41m
Cheapest price$1,163
Houston to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time27h 10m
Cheapest price$1,163
San Jose to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time18h 50m
Cheapest price$1,220
Washington, D.C. to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time21h 10m
Cheapest price$1,163
Atlanta to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time2h 16m
Cheapest price$1,163
Vancouver to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time12h 10m
Cheapest price$1,106
Oakland, California to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time21h 25m
Cheapest price$1,476
Minneapolis to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time26h 10m
Cheapest price$1,206
Detroit to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time1h 13m
Cheapest price$1,429
Philadelphia to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time2h 48m
Cheapest price$1,193
Charlotte to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time21h 45m
Cheapest price$1,274
Raleigh to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time22h 45m
Cheapest price$1,163
Miami to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time22h 40m
Cheapest price$1,203
Orlando to Shanghai Flights
Fastest flight time24h 25m
Cheapest price$1,292

How to travel around Shanghai

The best way to get around in Shanghai is to use their affordable and efficient public transit. The bus and subway systems are relatively easy to navigate; both have signage in English and Mandarin, and the subway even has announcements in English. At convenience stores and any metro station, you can buy a Public Transportation Card (jiao tong ka), load it with credit and travel on buses, the metro, and even some taxis.

Public Transportation

There are 15 subway lines with connections all over Shanghai, stopping at or nearby the main attractions and commercial areas. They run from 5:30am to midnight daily, and fares range from ¥3.00 RMB for the first few stops to ¥10.00 RMB for the most distant ones. Shanghai’s bus system is extensive as well, although the buses may be crowded, and you will need to keep a close eye on your valuables. The bus fare is ¥2.00 RMB.

Bicycles and scooters

For those who have a romantic notion to join the crowds on a bicycle or scooter, we recommend that you think twice before doing so. Shanghai’s traffic is chaotic, and drivers rarely offer courtesy to cyclists, or pedestrians for that matter. However you choose to make your way on the streets of Shanghai, it’s best to keep your wits about you.


Visa requirements for visiting Shanghai

U.S. citizens traveling to China must obtain a visa prior to arrival and have a passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining. The lack of either will result in a fine and immediate deportation. You can apply for a 10-year multiple-entry visa, useful for repeated travel to China. For foreign nationals, please check < "http://visa.ywpw.com/ChineseVisa/nonUSCitizen_en.html" target ="_blank">this link for information.


Start planning your trip to Shanghai


Best things to do and see in Shanghai

Things to do and places of interest in Shanghai

Shanghai is a dazzling, fast-paced city of bright lights, lofty skyscrapers, a blend of diverse architectural styles and bustling markets. Here are a few sights you should add to your itinerary.

  • For Instagram-worthy pictures, head for the Bund at sunset, and capture the iconic view of the Huangpu river with a backdrop of Shanghai’s towering skyscrapers.
  • Northeast of old Shanghai, you’ll find the spectacular, 1559-dated, Yù Yuán, the Garden of Happiness, which covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters and consists of an outer and an inner garden. The Exquisite Jade Rock, said to have been from Song Emperor Huizong’s private collection, is certainly worth seeing.
  • Visit the Jade Buddha temple in the Anyuan Lu district of Shanghai. Here you can admire the splendid Hall of the Kings of Heaven (Tian Wang Dian) noted for its statues of the 4 heavenly kings, and two Shakyamuni sculptures. Carved from white jade, one of these extraordinary statues is almost 2 meters high.
  • Wander through the Shanghai Museum which contains a comprehensive display of the advanced cultures of bygone eras, including the Ming and Qing dynasties. Bronze statues, jade artefacts, ceramics, ancient coins, and traditional costumes are exhibited across the museum’s 4 floors.
  • Stroll through the charming French Concession. This once French-occupied neighborhood boasts leafy streets packed with boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and bars.
  • If you want to pick up some fun souvenirs, check out the street market just outside of the turnstiles of the Science and Technology subway station (on the Pudong side). It’s one of the cleanest and most tourist-friendly of Shanghai’s famous street markets, and you’ll find some great buys here!

Tips and tricks for visiting Shanghai

Wondering about tipping etiquette in Shanghai? Strictly speaking, the government forbids it, though it still happens in some of the swankier restaurants. Tipping never happens in smaller restaurants and taxi drivers are likely to hand your change back to you.

When greeting people in Shanghai, it is customary to present them with your business card. If possible, have some cards printed with Chinese text on the reverse. When you are introduced to a local, take out your card, bow slightly, and present it with both hands. They will probably respond in a similar manner.


Why use momondo?

We help find the flight that best suits your needs; momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agents and helps you filter them to find the best flight for you.

Yes. All flights to Shanghai on momondo can be compared and filtered by various policies on offer, including flexible booking.


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