Flights to Shanghai

A flight from London to Shanghai Pudong International Airport takes around 11 hours and 45 minutes.

Shanghai is most popular during spring and autumn, so you could save by visiting the city at a different time of year. Have a look at our low fare finder to find the cheapest time to book your trip.

If you’re planning to visit Shanghai, there are lots of ways to make your trip fit your budget. Shanghai has a very efficient subway system, which can be an affordable way to get around the city. There’s also an abundance of street food here, from scallion pancakes to soup dumplings, so you can enjoy an array of delicious local food at pocket-friendly prices .

Shanghai is a very well-connected city, so you can get from the airport to the city centre – known locally as downtown – by taxi, bus or the metro. If you opt for a taxi, the journey takes around 45 minutes, whereas the metro takes just over an hour. Travel bus is around an hour and 30 minutes.

Within the city, you can get around quickly and easily using the ultra-efficient metro system. There’s also an extensive bus service to get you where you need to go.

There are so many reasons to visit Shanghai, from its hip neighbourhoods to its world-class shopping. While you’re here, wander to Yuyuan Old Street to browse local wares like traditional jewellery and unique sets of chopsticks. Head to Xintiandi to get a taste of 1920s Shanghai, with old-fashioned buildings and traditional Shikumen houses. Have dinner at one of Shanghai’s sleek upscale restaurants, or feast on some Shanghai-style fried noodles at the junction of Xinzha Lu and Wanhangdu Lu instead.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders require a visa to visit. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags in the cabin free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.