Bursting with energy, Shanghai is a vibrant sensory rollercoaster, and one of China's most popular destinations. It is one of the most influential economical, financial, commercial and cultural centres in China. Gleaming skyscrapers, shopping and glitzy nightlife represent modern Shanghai, while enchantment lies in the temples and gardens of the Old City, art-deco buildings along the Bund and the leafy French Concession. This mix of old and new alongside western and Chinese traditions gives the city a unique and evocative atmosphere, while commercial and financial centres sit abreast ancient Shikumen architecture to form Shanghai's remarkable skyline. Check out our offers flight + hotel to Shanghai!

Things to do and places to see in Shanghai

People embarking on trips to Shanghai will find there is such a wealth of things to see and do that it can be difficult to know where to begin. You can soak up the atmosphere of the Old City (encompassing the Bund), People's Square and Yu Garden, and then stroll through the leafy French Concession. Head to Pudong to visit the iconic Oriental Pearl television tower, Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center and then browse the endless array of shops along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets.

When visiting Shanghai, be sure to:

Step back into Shanghai's past by strolling down The Bund
Embrace the atmosphere of the French Concession and see why Shanghai was dubbed the "Paris of the East"
Wander through the spectacular Yu Garden
Savour Shanghai snacks along Wujiang Road
Visit the stunning Jade Buddha Temple, which houses two Shakyamuni statues
Enjoy breathtaking city views from the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower
Shop until you drop along Nanjing Road
Visit the People's Square, home to the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai City Hall and the Grand Theatre
See the Longhua Temple, the oldest temple in Shanghai
Dive into the mesmerising aquatic world of Aquaria 21, Shanghai's aquarium

Shanghai airports

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Pudong handles 60% of the city's domestic and international flights to Shanghai, while Hongqiao handles 40%, mainly domestic. Hongqiao is closer to the city centre. Both airports handle low-cost airlines that operate cheap flights to Shanghai.

Hongqiao International Airport

Top airlines

Top carriers at Hongqiao International Airport include: Spring Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

Location

Hongqiao International Airport is 8 miles from the city centre.

Transport options

Several buses provide transport to the city centre, as well as metro lines 2 and 10. Taxis are also available.
Pudong International Airport

Top airlines

Top carriers at Pudong International Airport include: China Eastern Airlines, Air China et British Airways.

Location

Pudong International Airport is about 19 miles east of the city centre.

Transport options

Several shuttle buses connect with the city centre. The Maglev Train (SMT) runs to Longyang Road linking with the metro to downtown. Metro Line 2 runs from the airport to the city centre with stops at Nanjing Road and Hongqiao Airport. Taxis are also available.

FAQ's about Shanghai

How can I find cheap flights to Shanghai at eDreams?

At eDreams you can find flights from £53 to Shanghai. Our offers are the result of a combination of different technologies, machine learning algorithms and real searches form our customers in our platform, so you can get the options that better suits your needs when flying to Shanghai.

🖱️ When's the best time to book flights to Shanghai?

The top month to book flights to Shanghai is September, based on our Opodo UK customers. The next most popular booking period for Shanghai flights is July. In third place: August. By this we mean when travellers book their tickets. For the best time to actually travel to Shanghai, read on.

📅 When's the best time to go to Shanghai?

We checked our customers' flight searches, and the winner of best time to fly to Shanghai is... September. The next best month to travel to Shanghai is October. And let's not forget December, the third top choice for when to go to Shanghai. However if you prefer things on the less busy side, we can also tell you (quietly) that the least popular month for flights to Shanghai is February.

🕑 How long before a flight to Shanghai should I be at the airport?

If you want to be on time for your flight to Shanghai, make sure to be at the airport at least two to three hours in advance. Check-ins, security controls, customs and boarding the airplane can take some time. At Opodo you can find the best deals for flights to Shanghai departing from over 23 cities and choose from a variety of services that will improve your time at the airport and guarantee a much better travel experience, such as priority boarding and additional luggage. For more convenience, when booking your flight to Shanghai at Opodo you can also add insurance or opt for a refundable fare and have a problem-free trip!

🛄 What is the name of Shanghai’s airport?

Shanghai is served by 2 airport[s]. Shanghai Pudong International Airport operates flights towards both domestic and international destinations within 23 cities, such as London, Manchester and Tokyo, the most popular routes.

📌 How far is Shanghai’s airport from the city centre?

Shanghai’s airport Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located 21 miles from the city centre.

💶 How much is the trip from the airport to Shanghai’s city centre?

By Public transport: The price for the trip is about 0.38 GBP per person. By taxi: If you have more budget and prefer to take a taxi from Shanghai Pudong International Airport , for example, the average price for the ride to Shanghai centre is around 1.52 GBP per km. By car: For more convenience and freedom during your stay, Opodo has the best offers of car rentals in Shanghai. Pick your preferred car type and get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai city centre on your own terms.

🗺️ How to get from the airport to Shanghai city centre?

There are many ways to get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to central Shanghai:

🚗 Driving:

If you go by car or decide to take a taxi, be aware of traffic. The average travel time from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai city centre when driving is 45 mins, but it may vary depending on the time of the day.

💳 How much should I budget for a trip to Shanghai?

If you are going to Shanghai, here is a list with an average price of some goods: