Flights to Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s biggest city, and it’s here that tradition and modernity meet. The ancient Jing’an Temple sits next to the sleek skyscrapers of Nanjing Road and the soaring Jin Mao Tower. There’s so much to explore, from thrilling nightlife to futuristic architecture and a world-famous street food scene.
Our cheapest flights to Shanghai
China’s ultra-modern metropolis
Fly to Shanghai with British Airways and start the day with a laid-back cruise along the Huangpu River, past the Shanghai Tower and Waibaidu Bridge.
Discover an oasis of calm at the Garden of Happiness, where you can see traditional Chinese pagodas and lily pad-covered ponds. Marvel at the ornate gold statues at the sacred Jade Buddha Temple, then visit the Xujiahui Cathedral to see the Gothic arches and stone gargoyles.
When the sun sets, head to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Center for cocktails and views of this city’s glittering skyline. Book your flights to Shanghai now.
Flight time
11 hrs 45 mins
Time zone
GMT +8
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Shanghai FAQs
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.
Our cabins
All our cabins offer an excellent – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to First.
Economy
Our World Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.
Premium economy
Discover our World Traveller Plus cabin and treat yourself to a wider seat and more legroom in a separate, quieter cabin.
Business
Work or relax in our Club World cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and fully flat beds for a restful sleep.
First
Choose First to enjoy a range of comforts, from fine dining to your own private suite and access to our elegant departure lounges.
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Terms and conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
- Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
- Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply