Cheap Flights to Shanghai
Find today's best flight deals, with flights to Shanghai from as low as $46!
Top airlines fly to Shanghai
China Eastern Airlines 
Air China 
Spring Airlines 
China Southern Airlines 
Juneyao Airlines 
Shanghai Airlines 
Hainan Airlines 
Korean Air 
Shenzhen Airlines 
Cathay Pacific 
Xiamen Airlines 
Hong Kong Airlines 
United Airlines 
Sichuan Airlines 
Delta Air Lines 
Asiana Airlines 
EVA Air 
Spring Airlines Japan 
China Airlines 
Shandong Airlines Latest Flight Deals to Shanghai
These are the best offers on flights to Shanghai you’ll find over the next 60 days, with savings of up to $348. Don’t miss out!
9 Air
China United Airlines
Suparna Airlines Spring Airlines Suparna Airlines Hainan Airlines Spring Airlines Spring Airlines
Jetstar JapanRound-trip fights to Shanghai
Whether it's a quick getaway or a business trip to remember, our 3–7 day round trips are perfect for experiencing Shanghai affordably.
Useful info for your flights to Shanghai from the United States
| Cheapest one-way flight price | $54 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest round-trip ticket price | $116 |
| Cheapest month | April |
| Peak season for travel | July |
| Flight distance | 1,169.9 km |
| Average flight time | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Popular airline | China Eastern Airlines |
Flights to Shanghai (SHA): What You Need to Know
Shanghai is a vital global gateway in China. It’s renowned for a fusion of West and East, the Bund night view, and laid-back cosmopolitan energy. Americans should apply for a tourist visa to visit China, which requires a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), an application form, a photo, and proof of travel plans. Note that Shanghai is 12 hours ahead of New York. You can adjust your sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure to reduce the physical discomfort.
Direct flights from the U.S. to Shanghai are available mainly from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Most flights typically land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), while a few flights also serve Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). There’re also connecting flights (with stops at Tokyo, Taipei, or Hong Kong).
Top U.S. Cities to SHA | Average Flight Duration | Common Stopover Hubs |
18-22 hours | Beijing (PEK), Seoul (ICN) | |
17-22 hours | Tokyo (HND), Hong Kong (HKG) | |
18-19 hours | Tokyo (HND), Seattle (SEA) |
What’s the Cheapest Time to Fly to Shanghai?
Knowing the cheapest time to fly to Shanghai, with an average price for a round trip.
Period | Average Cost | Why? |
Cheapest (Late Jan-Mar, Nov) | ~$400-$600 | Post-holiday, low demand |
Moderate (Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct) | ~$600-$900 | Shoulder seasons with mild weather |
Most Expensive (Jul-Aug, Dec) | ~$1000-$1500 | Summer vacations, Christmas/New Year |
Booking Tips:
- Fly midweek (Tue/Wed) for cheaper fares!
- Book 1-2 months in advance to maximize the best price and seats.
- Choosing connecting flights saves you more~
Low-Cost Airlines Flying to Shanghai
Check out these low-cost airlines, listed with the cost & stopover hubs.
Airlines | One-Way Fares (Lowest) | Stopover Hubs |
~$500 | Seoul (ICN) | |
~$400 | Hong Kong (HKG), Los Angeles (LAX) | |
~$490 | Hong Kong (HKG), Bangkok (BKK) |
About Shanghai Airports – PVG & SHA
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
PVG is a key transit for global visitors in Shanghai. It has two terminals (T1 & T2). Main facilities: duty-free shopping, free Wi-Fi, dining options, and bank counters.
Getting to downtown Shanghai from PVG:
- Maglev Train: ~$6.9 one way; 8 mins to Longyang Road + transfer to Metro Line 2 (~30 mins in total); fastest choice; show your flight ticket for ~$1.3 discount!
- Metro Line 2: ~$0.9-$2 (depending on distance); 40-60 mins to downtown.
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing: ~$20-$40; 30-50 mins (traffic dependent); use ride-hailing (like Didi) for fixed fares.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
SHA is the city’s domestic-focused hub with good proximity to the city center – closer than Pudong. It features two terminals connecting with high-speed rail!
Getting to downtown Shanghai from SHA:
- Metro Line 2/10: ~$0.7-$0.9; 30-50 mins to downtown; avoid rush hour (7-9 am/5-7 pm)
- Airport Shuttle Bus: ~$0.2-$4; 40-60 mins; night bus (316) operates 11:00 pm-5:00 am
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing: ~$13-$20 (higher in late-night); 20-45 mins; follow signs for (online car-hailing)
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is in Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov). With an average temperature of around 20°C (68°F), enjoy your visit to the waterfront Bund and Yu Garden with blooming peonies and beautiful lantern festivals.
- Peak Seasons (Spring, Summer, and Oct): hotels and flights are higher than usual; blossoms, festivals, and holidays.
- Shoulder Seasons: (early Sep & late Nov): summer crowd fades; post-Qingming with fewer rains.
- Off-Season (Jan-Feb, Jul): freezing weather, but with lunar new year vibes; July is with downpours and humid air.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Shanghai
What is the average flight ticket price from United States to Shanghai?
The average ticket price to Shanghai is $869. Please use this price as a reference only.How long is the flight to Shanghai?
- Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes to fly from Guangzhou to Shanghai.
- Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes to fly from Beijing to Shanghai.
- Approx. 2 hours 34 minutes to fly from Hong Kong to Shanghai.
- Approx. 2 hours 23 minutes to fly from Shenzhen to Shanghai.
How to get cheap flights to Shanghai?
You can book cheaper flights in the following ways:- Search for tickets to a city or airport near Shanghai.
- Look up different airlines that have flights to Shanghai.
- Browse different departure dates from the same month.
- Filter for different departure times from the same day.
- Check for discount information on various social media sites.
- Explore deals and discounts on airline websites.
What is the most popular month to visit Shanghai?
Understanding peak and off travel seasons to Shanghai can help you arrange your travel plans accordingly. The most popular month to visit Shanghai is February. The average price of flight tickets to Shanghai in February is $493.When are the cheapest flights to Shanghai?
Flight tickets to Shanghai are the cheapest in April compared to other months, the average price is $400.How many airports in Shanghai?
Which popular airlines have flights to Shanghai?
Popular airlines with flights to Shanghai: China Eastern Airlines , Spring Airlines , and Air China .