How to find cheap flights to Shanghai
The lowest price we've found for a one-way flight to Shanghai is ₹ 13,879. A return ticket starts at ₹ 28,339.
Catch fare drops as they happen with Price Alerts delivered right to your app or inbox. Just sign up for these automatic notifications and book at the perfect time, every time.
Book your tickets as early as possible. You're more likely to land an awesome deal and have a wider selection of flights and departure times.
Click on 'Add nearby airports' during your search to better your chances of finding cheap flights to Shanghai. This will give you more choices for where to start and end your journey, along with different prices.
Taking an indirect route can help you save, so search for flights that include a stop. Once your results show up, use the 'Stops' filter to browse your options.
Best time to go to Shanghai
To find the cheapest month for flights, use the 'Whole month' tool. If you have flexible travel dates, search for the green prices on the calendar — they highlight the lowest fares available.
February sees the highest demand for flights. The city is typically in full swing, giving you no shortage of things to do.
March is the quietest time of year to visit if you want a slower pace. There's also a good chance you'll find cheaper prices on plane tickets to Shanghai then.
Check the weather before you go. August is the warmest time of year in Shanghai, averaging between 23ºC and 34ºC.
January is when temperatures hit their lowest, between -1ºC and 10ºC.
October often brings more sun than cloud. With three days of rain on average, this is the driest month in Shanghai.
The wettest time of year is July. Plan your trip then and you'll likely get around 13 days of rainfall.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Shanghai brings four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cool, crisp winters. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings crisp days around 10°C and chilly nights near 3°C. Pack warm layers and a good coat for these cooler months, which are among the best times to explore Shanghai's indoor attractions and cosy teahouses.
March – May: Spring brings mild weather with daytime highs around 23°C and nighttime lows near 13°C. You'll experience gentle warmth and occasional showers. Keep a light jacket handy for cooler evenings.
June – September: Summer brings warm, humid weather with daytime highs around 32°C and nighttime lows near 25°C. You'll enjoy outdoor sightseeing, walking through parks, and exploring street markets during the cooler morning and evening hours.
October – November: Autumn brings mild weather with daytime temperatures reaching 22°C and nights dropping to 13°C. You'll enjoy perfect conditions for exploring outdoor attractions, wandering through parks, and strolling along waterfront areas without feeling too warm or chilly.
Flying to Shanghai: what you need to know
When planning your Shanghai flight, you have a few choices for your arrival airport. Consider flying into Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Most incoming flights for the city are handled at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Offering direct flights to Shanghai, these leading airlines make reaching your destination easy:
When you touch down in Shanghai, you'll be in the UTC+8 timezone.
After booking your tickets, find a stay that's just right for your adventure. Here are some popular hotels to put on your short list:
What is the baggage allowance on flights to Shanghai?
Most airlines operating flights to Shanghai include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect with major airlines serving this route:
China Eastern Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x40x20cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), Terminal 1
Juneyao Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), Terminal 2
Shanghai Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 5kg cabin bag (55x40x20cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), Terminal 1
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all terminals, along with currency exchange services and ATMs for your convenience. You'll find numerous dining options ranging from local Chinese cuisine to international chains, plus extensive duty-free shopping areas. The airport also provides baby care facilities, medical services, and various lounges for a comfortable travel experience.
Getting to central Shanghai from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Central Shanghai is about 48 kilometres from PVG, the city's main airport.
If you're taking a taxi or ride-sharing after your flight to Shanghai, it'll take around 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the centre.
You can expect the trip to take about 50 minutes when using public transport.
Get some rest or quickly freshen up after your flight to Shanghai. These hotels near Shanghai Pudong International Airport offer the ideal place to relax and recharge:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves Shanghai and nearby areas in Shanghai, China.
Shanghai highlights
Put these major attractions at the top of your must-see list after stepping off your flight to Shanghai:
Shanghai Museum: Located in Huangpu around 0.32 kilometres southeast of the city centre, this landmark is an ideal spot to start your city tour.
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue: This is another good reason to visit this city. A top landmark, it's around 2 kilometres northeast of the heart of Shanghai in Huangpu.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Things to do in Shanghai: Stroll along the Bund waterfront promenade, about 2 kilometres northeast of the city centre, where you can watch ships navigate the Huangpu River and take photos of the skyline. Head to Yu Garden Bazaar, roughly 3 kilometres southeast, to browse traditional shops and sample street food in the old quarter. For fresh air and green space, walk through Zhongshan Park, approximately 8 kilometres west of downtown, where locals practice tai chi and families gather around the lake.
Cultural experiences: Browse contemporary art at the Power Station of Art in Huangpu District, about 3 kilometres south of the city centre, or catch a traditional Chinese opera performance at Shanghai Grand Theatre, roughly 2 kilometres northeast in People's Square. The French Concession area, around 4 kilometres southwest, houses galleries and tea houses in restored colonial buildings alongside local dumpling shops serving handmade xiaolongbao.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Shanghai International Film Festival in June when outdoor screenings fill the warm evenings. The Mid-Autumn Festival in September brings traditional lantern displays across the city's parks and waterfront areas. Spring months from March to May offer the best time to visit Shanghai with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the historic Bund and sampling street food at local markets.
Explore more of China
There's loads more to see and do in China, starting with Nanjing. Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall are must-sees in this city, which is around 274 kilometres west of Shanghai. Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is the major airport in Nanjing.
Suzhou is another top destination in China and is roughly 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Set your sights on top attractions like Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden and Pingjiang Road.
Or venture to Puyang, roughly 241 kilometres southwest of Shanghai. Xuanlushan Scenic Area, Xianhua Mountain and Minsheng Flower Sea are among the many reasons to visit.
Complete your trip with a Shanghai car hire
Rent a car in the city and drive off when you're ready. Check out the range of car rentals in Shanghai and find all the best prices in one easy search. You can also compare rental cars on everything from fuel policy to user reviews and booking flexibility.
