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Flights to Shanghai

Cheap flights to Shanghai from $796

This is the cheapest round-trip flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to Shanghai departing on 4/19. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.
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Cheap Shanghai flight deals and tips

Summary info about Shanghai flight prices, duration and airlines

Best One-Way Price

$428

Best Round-Trip Price

$796

Fastest flight time

19h 35m

Operated By

4 airlines
The best one-way flight price to Shanghai from United States in the last 72 hours is $428 (San Francisco to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl).
The best round-trip flight price to Shanghai from United States in the last 72 hours is $796 (Los Angeles to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl).
The fastest flight to Shanghai from United States takes 19h 35m (Los Angeles to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl).
There are 4 airlines operating flights to Shanghai, including China Airlines, China Southern and Sichuan Airlines.

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 September. Flight prices, which tend to average around $1,579, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. The month of November is another great option to travel to Shanghai, with average flight prices from United States averaging around $1,643.

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 Shenzhen for $71. This is 88% 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:

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Shanghai?

The cheapest day to depart on your flight to Shanghai is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as $1,603. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. When flying out on a Monday, the most expensive travel day of the week, you can expect to see flight prices from United States to Shanghai for around $1,878.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Shanghai?

Our data shows that the cheapest United States to Shanghai flights are usually those with departure times in the evening. Our users have found flights to Shanghai in the evening for as low as $1,652. Flights in the afternoon are often more expensive with an average ticket price of $2,499.

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 Miami to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl, which will take roughly 23h 45m. 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 53 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 $1,992. Don’t hesitate to check prices now though because momondo users recently found tickets for as low as $1,459.

Cheapest flights to Shanghai airports

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

CHEAPEST ROUTE FROM Los Angeles TO Shanghai

Ontario (ONT) to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl Airport (SHA)

Typically, flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles are cheaper when flying from Ontario to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl, which has an average price of $1,457

CHEAPEST MONTH TO FLY TO SHANGHAI FROM LOS ANGELESFebruary23% cheaperFlying from Los Angeles to Shanghai costs on average just $1,269 in February
MOST EXPENSIVE MONTH TO FLY TO SHANGHAI FROM LOS ANGELESJuly44% more expensiveIt costs about $2,355 for flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles in July
MOST POPULAR MONTH TO FLY TO SHANGHAI FROM LOS ANGELESSeptember172% more users visitedMore momondo users searched in flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles in September 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.

What is there to do in Shanghai when it’s raining?

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.

Is there an alternative airport near Shanghai?

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).

Is there a cheaper alternative to flying into Shanghai?

Hangzhou Airport has an average price of $437 per person and is typically the cheapest airport to fly into when visiting Shanghai. This average price does vary based on departure city. Try momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool to find the cheapest flight.

Are there flights to Minhang?

Yes, you can get a flight ticket to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl if you want to reach Minhang. It is the nearest Shanghai airport (7.4 mi away).

What’s the closest airport to Jing'an Temple?

The closest airport to Jing'an Temple is 6.7 mi away - Shanghai’s Shanghai Hongqiao Intl airport.

When did momondo last update prices for flights to Shanghai?

Prices for flights to Shanghai are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights to Shanghai?

How old do you have to be to fly to Shanghai?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and layovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel to Shanghai.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Shanghai?

The travel and health documents you'll need for your trip to Shanghai may differ based on your itinerary and personal situation. Typically, you should have several documents on hand, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months after your intended arrival at Shanghai. It is always advisable to seek advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.


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
XiamenAir
Apr 19
LAX12:15 amLos Angeles
29h 35m
1 stop
SHA8:50 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl
May 19
SHA8:10 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl
26h 30m
1 stop
LAX7:40 pmLos Angeles
XiamenAir
Apr 26
LAX12:15 amLos Angeles
29h 35m
1 stop
SHA8:50 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl
May 30
SHA8:10 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl
26h 30m
1 stop
LAX7:40 pmLos Angeles
XiamenAir
Apr 5
LAX12:15 amLos Angeles
19h 45m
1 stop
SHA11:00 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl
Apr 26
SHA12:10 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl
22h 30m
1 stop
LAX7:40 pmLos Angeles
XiamenAir
Apr 5
LAX12:15 amLos Angeles
29h 30m
2 stops
SHA8:45 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl
Apr 12
SHA6:10 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl
16h 30m
1 stop
LAX7:40 pmLos Angeles
XiamenAir
Apr 24
LAX12:15 amLos Angeles
19h 45m
1 stop
SHA11:00 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl
May 23
SHA8:10 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl
26h 30m
1 stop
LAX7:40 pmLos Angeles
China Southern
Apr 9
SFO12:35 amSan Francisco
28h 55m
1 stop
PVG8:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong
May 10
PVG9:55 pmShanghai Pu Dong
37h 45m
1 stop
SFO8:40 pmSan 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 China Southern, Sichuan Airlines and XiamenAir
Multiple Airlines
Apr 10
SFO10:15 amSan Francisco
33h 45m
2 stops
SHA11:00 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl
Sichuan Airlines
Apr 21
LAX11:15 pmLos Angeles
23h 35m
1 stop
PVG1:50 pmShanghai Pu Dong
Sichuan Airlines
Apr 12
LAX11:15 pmLos Angeles
23h 35m
1 stop
PVG1:50 pmShanghai Pu Dong

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.


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?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal to Shanghai?

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.

Can I find flights to Shanghai with flexible booking policies on momondo?

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

How can momondo help me find flights to Shanghai?

Once you have performed a search for flights to Shanghai, momondo helps you find the right flight by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight to Shanghai right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Price alerts on flights to Shanghai are quick and easy to set up on momondo. Simply perform a search and select the price alert feature. It is as simple as that.


An easier way to manage your Shanghai trip

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