London to Shanghai flights

London to Shanghai flights land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), and a direct flight takes around 12 hours. British Airways, China Eastern Airlines and Air China fly direct from London, and connecting flights are also available.

Over the last few days, the cheapest London to Shanghai flight found on Opodo was £302. Comparing a few days around your trip can find you a lower price.

British Airways and China Eastern Airlines fly direct from Heathrow to Shanghai Pudong, and Air China flies direct from Gatwick. A direct flight is the quickest way to make the journey.

Connecting flights to Shanghai stop at a hub in Europe, the Middle East or elsewhere in China. When you compare them, look at the total journey time and the length of the stopover as well as the fare.

The best months for a trip from London to Shanghai depend on what you want from it:

• October and November: the most reliable weather of the year, with temperatures around 20°C and only four rainy days a month
• June: the rainiest month of the year, when an umbrella is essential
• Late January or February: Chinese New Year brings fireworks and colourful celebrations for the start of the lunar year, so pack warm clothes

Flights to Shanghai leave from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW).

Useful information about London Heathrow Airport

Heathrow lies about 25km west of central London, and British Airways flights to Shanghai leave from Terminal 5. How to get to the airport:

• By train: the Heathrow Express from London Paddington takes only 15 minutes, and the Elizabeth line also serves the airport
• By Underground: Piccadilly line trains take about 50 minutes from central London
• By taxi: around 45 minutes from central London, depending on traffic

Useful information about London Gatwick Airport

Gatwick lies about 47km south of central London, and its North and South terminals are linked by a shuttle train. How to get to the airport:

• By train: the Gatwick Express from Victoria takes about 30 minutes
• By coach: services from Victoria Coach Station
• By car: leave the M25 at junction 7 and follow the signs for Gatwick, with long and short-stay parking on site

Shanghai has two airports. International flights from London arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), on the western side of the city, mainly serves domestic and regional flights.

Useful information about Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Pudong airport lies south-east of the city centre, on a strip of land by the East China Sea, and has two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Ways into Shanghai:

• By metro: line 2 runs from the airport into the centre of Shanghai
• By Maglev: the magnetic levitation train runs to Longyang Road station, where you can change to the metro
• By bus: regular airport buses run into the city centre, a ride of about 70 minutes

Shanghai mixes a famous skyline with classical gardens, museums and street food. Things to do:

• Huangpu River: a cruise along the river shows off the skyline of the Bund and Pudong
• Shanghai Museum: a huge collection on Chinese history and culture
• Yuyuan Garden: a tranquil classical garden away from the crowds
• Shanghai World Financial Center: take the lift 100 floors up for views over the city
• Nanjing Road: the city's famous shopping street
• Street food: steamed crab, dumplings and braised pork ribs