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Cheap flights to Shanghai, China

WAS — SHA
Apr 2 — Apr 91
1 adult
Tue 2/4
Tue 9/4

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Cheapflights users frequently choose these airlines when searching for flights to Shanghai, based on our search results.
Cheapflights users frequently choose these airlines when searching for flights to Shanghai, based on our search results.
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Flights to Shanghai, China in 2024

Find the latest flights to Shanghai in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 698 916 searches and data was last updated on 28 March 2024.

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

November

Average price

R20 293

Return from

R14 179

One-way from

R8 140
High demand for flights, 8% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 1% potential price drop
Average for return flights in March 2024
From Johannesburg to Shanghai
One-way flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Average price of flights to Shanghai by month

Plan your trip to Shanghai by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. The average price of a one-way flight to Shanghai is currently R0 while a return flight costs R0. Price data was last updated on 24 March 2024.

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Shanghai (average of R675). Flying to Shanghai in July will prove the most costly (average of R934). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

R13 175

February

R12 778

March

R13 024

April

R15 901

May

R17 454

June

R17 473

July

R17 681

August

R16 545

September

R16 394

October

R15 239

November

R14 652

December

R16 564

Peak season:

The peak season for touristic activities in Shanghai tends to fall between May and November, although flying to Shanghai during this time might not be the cheapest and might leave you feeling overwhelmed by the large crowds who flock here for the Chinese festivals.

Off season:

December through February is Shanghai’s off season, and the colder winter weather ushers in much thinner crowds and may also see you finding cheaper flight prices. March and April are the shoulder months for travel in Shanghai, which might mean that you’ll be able to find the lowest rates on both accommodation and flight prices.

Temperature and rainfall in Shanghai by month

Plan your trip to Shanghai by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month.

SHA

Temperature

4 - 28 °C

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Shanghai, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 28.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 4.0 C).

When is the best time to book a flight to Shanghai?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight to Shanghai. Price data was last updated on 28 January 2024.

The best time to book a flight to Shanghai might be between March and May, as long as you’re avoiding the Easter peak period. You may also want to consider booking a cheap flight to Shanghai from late September to early November, but hotel rates might be a little more expensive during this time of the year. If you’re not into crowds, try and avoid the Chinese New Year (late January or early February), May Holidays (during the first week of May), and National Day (which falls on the first week of October every year) since tourist attractions are crammed full on these days. Whichever dates you pick for your flight to Shanghai, make sure you book them well in advance to avoid any late booking penalties.

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When is the cheapest time to fly to Shanghai?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return to Shanghai. Price data was last updated on 24 March 2024.
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
All times are departure.
Users looking for the lowest fares to Shanghai should consider flying on Thursday mornings, when prices are typically cheapest. Budget-minded travellers will want to avoid Saturday evenings, when prices are usually at their highest.
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Reviews of airlines servicing Shanghai

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Shanghai. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Shanghai. Reviews last updated 28 March 2024.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Air and Emirates to Shanghai to help guide your decision. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews

Comfort

8,1

Overall

8,1

Boarding

8,2

Food

7,9

Entertainment

8,3

Crew

8,3

Reviews

1 / 10

Check in was poor, understaffed. ICE system old and no live channels. All in Emirates service is declining

8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews
8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews

Comfort

8,1

Overall

8,1

Boarding

8,2

Food

7,9

Entertainment

8,3

Crew

8,3

Reviews

1 / 10

Check in was poor, understaffed. ICE system old and no live channels. All in Emirates service is declining

7,9
Good
1 691 reviews
8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews

Comfort

8,1

Overall

8,1

Boarding

8,2

Food

7,9

Entertainment

8,3

Crew

8,3

Reviews

1 / 10

Check in was poor, understaffed. ICE system old and no live channels. All in Emirates service is declining

7,9
Good
1 198 reviews
8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews

Comfort

8,1

Overall

8,1

Boarding

8,2

Food

7,9

Entertainment

8,3

Crew

8,3

Reviews

1 / 10

Check in was poor, understaffed. ICE system old and no live channels. All in Emirates service is declining

7,7
Good
4 558 reviews
8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews

Comfort

8,1

Overall

8,1

Boarding

8,2

Food

7,9

Entertainment

8,3

Crew

8,3

Reviews

1 / 10

Check in was poor, understaffed. ICE system old and no live channels. All in Emirates service is declining

7,4
Good
813 reviews
8,1
Very Good
4 166 reviews

Comfort

8,1

Overall

8,1

Boarding

8,2

Food

7,9

Entertainment

8,3

Crew

8,3

Reviews

1 / 10

Check in was poor, understaffed. ICE system old and no live channels. All in Emirates service is declining

As China’s largest city, Shanghai is considered the manufactural hub of the Chinese economy, but there’s much more to it than just industrial activities. Think along the lines of the famed Yu Yuan Garden, the Jing’An Sculpture Park, and the Power Station of Art…things quickly start to look a lot more contemporary.

Home to the world’s second tallest skyscraper, some of the best shopping opportunities in the world, and some of the most extravagant Chinese New Year Celebrations, Shanghai offers a little something for everyone, and it might just steal your heart for good!

  • How long is the flight to Shanghai?

    Johannesburg to Shanghai - 16 hours Durban to Shanghai - 18 hours, 40 minutes Cape Town to Shanghai - 18 hours, 45 minutes

  • Which airlines operate flights to Shanghai?

    Air Mauritius, Kiwi International Airlines, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, China Eastern, and Jetstra Airways are among the major airlines operating cheap flights to and from Shanghai. While some of these airlines might offer you a cheaper flight ticket which better suits your budget, they might not offer the comfort you’ll require for a long flight. Airlines such as British Airways might be able to provide you with great comfort at a reasonable price, but whichever airline you decide to fly with, just make sure you book your tickets well in advance to get the cheapest fair prices to Shanghai!

  • How to get from the airport to the city center?

    When flying to Shanghai from South Africa you’ll either arrive at Shanghai Honh Oiao International Airport (SHA), or Pudong International Airport (PVG). SHA is closer to the city center than PVG, but getting to the city from the airport is relatively easy regardless of where you touch down. You can take the public bus which runs to the People’s Square and main railway station, but you can also write your hotel address down on a piece of paper and hand it to one of the taxi drivers outside of the airport, who will be able to get you to your destination quicker than the bus services.

  • What does SHA mean?

    Great question - SHA just means Shanghai Hongqiao Intl Airport. Now you’ll know what this unique code and ones like it mean when you look for flights! While you’re still figuring out your travel plans, it’s not a bad idea to learn the names and codes of other airports around these areas: Shanghai Pu Dong Airport (PVG), Hangzhou Airport (HGH), Wuxi Airport (WUX), Nantong Airport (NTG), Suzhou Airport (SZV).

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