£306 Cheap Flights to Shanghai

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Cheap round-trip flights to Shanghai

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at £306 for one-way flights and £397 for round trip, for the period specified. Be sure to select the 'Direct flights only' box above if you are looking for a non stop route. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Scandinavian Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
China Southern Airlines

Why You Should Take a Flight to Shanghai

One of the world’s truly great cities, Shanghai is brimming with culture, history and excitement. Art deco sits side by side with modern, towering sky scrapers and a burgeoning arts and nightlife scene mean there is always something for visitors to do. Plus, there is world class shopping and cuisine to get your teeth into.


When to Book Flights to Shanghai

Except for a few of the chillier months, Shanghai is almost always teeming with tourists. Peak season is between May and October but remember that July and August can be stiflingly hot. September and October are perhaps the ideal months for a more comfortable visit but competition for flights and rooms at this time means it can be a little more expensive.


How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Shanghai

You can find a choice of cheap flights to Shanghai with Expedia. Simply enter your chosen departure and arrival information, and dates of travel, into the relevant search bars and click through to see the best flight bargains available online. Refine your search using the filter options, including preferred airlines, refundable options and more. Or use the ‘Nearby airports’ and ‘Show flexible dates’ buttons to see even more cheap flights to Shanghai.


UK Departures to Shanghai

Direct and indirect bargain flights to Shanghai are available from several UK departure points, including:


Main Airports in Shanghai

There are two major international airports serving the city of Shanghai. Pudong International is located around 30km to the east of the city and serves around 65 million passengers a year, making it one of the busiest in the world. Hongqiao International is mostly for regional and domestic flights, with limited international services. It is slightly less busy, with around 40 million passengers passing through its doors each year.


Which Airlines Fly to Shanghai?

There is a choice of direct and stopping bargain flights to Shanghai from a number of major airlines, including:


How to Get to and Around Shanghai

Given its size and sheer volume of people, using public transport to get around Shanghai is a must for any visitor. Buses, taxis and the subway system are relatively inexpensive but can be a little confusing at first and traffic can be bad. The subway features 12 lines with another 10 in construction and it’s a good way of covering longer distances. The city boasts around 50,000 taxis but at rush hour these can be difficult to find so try and plan your journey.


What Are the Must-sees in Shanghai?

  • The Yuyuan is the only surviving Ming Dynasty garden in the city and is an oasis of calm, with colourful bridges and pagodas.
  • For the best view of the city, head to the top of the World Financial Center, the fifth tallest building on the planet.
  • Take a stroll around Watertown, catching a boat down the main canal.

Tips and Tricks for Traveling in Shanghai

You need a visa to visit China so you will need to apply at the embassy or online before you travel. It’s important not to overstay the duration of your visa as you may be fined.

Frequently asked questions

What is the name of Shanghai's airport?
Many visitors like to fly into Pudong Intl. Airport (PVG) when visiting the bustling city of Shanghai. However, there is more than one airport in the region, so keep that in mind when booking your flights.
How far is Shanghai Pudong Airport from central Shanghai?
Shanghai Pudong Airport is 20 mi from downtown Shanghai, so prepare yourself for a bit of a journey into the city centre.
What airport is best to fly into Shanghai?
Travellers heading to Shanghai can opt to hit the runway at two major airports. Shanghai Pudong Airport is 20 mi away from the centre of town. Shanghai Hongqiao Intl. Airport is 8 mi away.
How many airlines fly to Shanghai?
Shanghai is serviced by 53 air carriers from at least 144 airports across the globe.
Which airlines fly to Shanghai?
Shanghai receives the largest number of flights from China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines with China Eastern Airlines being the favourite choice of carrier. Shenzhen is the most popular city for travellers to jet off from.
How many nonstop flights are there to Shanghai?
With 6,153 nonstop flights every week, you’ll be touching down in Shanghai before you can say, “Are we there yet?”
Where are the most popular flights to Shanghai departing from?
Flights to Shanghai departing from Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing airports are always popular.
How long is the flight to Shanghai Airport?
If it’s Shenzhen you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the air for around 2 hours and 18 minutes before you arrive in Shanghai. Airport to airport from Guangzhou takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes and from Beijing, the flight time is 2 hours and 21 minutes.
How to book the cheapest flight to Shanghai?
We’ve all come across those lucky jet-setters who somehow score wonderfully cheap airfares whenever they fly. Want to know how to do it for your Shanghai holiday? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to lock in your flight. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and see if there is more than one airport at your destination. Fares often differ depending on which airport you go for. Don’t forget to compare prices across air carriers as well. Finally, be ready to secure your seat quickly if you find a great price. It might not be available for long. With a bit of know-how and a little good fortune, the ideal fare will be yours.
How to survive the flight to Shanghai?
We’ve pulled together all the info you need to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you’ll be speeding through airport security and enjoying Shanghai in next to no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

  • It’s easy — first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you’ll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

  • Check carefully that you don’t have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

  • The long, narrow aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pack a cardigan as the temperature can drop in the cabin. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a good choice.
  • Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are many ways to lower your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks, stay well hydrated and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

How to get through airport security fast when flying to Shanghai?
Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Shanghai a breeze. Below you’ll find some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

  • Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
  • Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
  • Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
  • Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
  • Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
  • Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board.

Flights to Shanghai information
Destination airport
Pudong Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
PVG
Destination city name
Shanghai
Return price
£145

Trending flights to Shanghai

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at £306 for one-way flights and £397 for round trip, for the period specified. Be sure to select the 'Direct flights only' box above if you are looking for a non stop route. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Scandinavian Airlines
*Available to Expedia members.