13 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Fly from Shanghai in 2025

Living in Shanghai means having all of Asia at your doorstep, and I’ve found some ridiculous flight deals you won’t believe. After months of tracking prices from Pudong and Hongqiao (while stuffing my face with xiaolongbao at Jia Jia Tang Bao), I’ve discovered the best places in Shanghai to catch cheap flights that’ll take you anywhere from pristine beaches to ancient temples.

Want to trade the Bund views for a weekend lounging on Bali’s Nusa Dua beach? Or swap your soup dumplings for fresh sushi in Tokyo’s vibrant Shimokitazawa neighborhood? I just spotted round-trip flights under ¥2000 to both. No joke. These deals are real, and I’m about to show you exactly how to snag them before they disappear.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Shanghai

Looking for cheap places to fly from Shanghai? Here’s a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. PVG or SHA) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $225 roundtrip fare from Miami to London. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Shanghai

Looking for destinations with cheap flights from Shanghai? Visit Beijing for historic landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, Hangzhou for the scenic West Lake and ancient temples, Nanjing for rich cultural heritage and stunning city walls, and Guangzhou for vibrant markets and delicious Cantonese cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer affordable getaways from Shanghai.

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

1. Shanghai to Beijing ($251–$390 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, Air China, China Southern (multiple daily direct flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for mild weather and fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, foodies 🍜, culture seekers 🏮

Beijing is the ultimate Chinese bucket-list city that somehow delivers way more than the touristy highlights you’ve seen online. This ancient-meets-ultramodern capital city packs thousands of years of history alongside cutting-edge architecture and food so legit you’ll question everything you thought you knew about Chinese cuisine.

The Forbidden City isn’t just another tourist trap—it’s literally 180 acres of imperial vibes where you can wander for hours through courtyards that housed emperors for 500+ years. Skip the crowded sections and head to the less-visited northern areas for all the photos without all the selfie sticks. Just outside the city, the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections offer the perfect balance of accessibility and those epic mountain views you actually came for. After dark, hit up the Wangfujing Night Market for street food that will have you posting food pics that make your friends genuinely jealous.

China Eastern frequently drops fares below $300 roundtrip for midweek flights when booked 1-2 months ahead. May and late September deliver that perfect Beijing weather without the summer heat or winter freeze. 

2. Shanghai to Hangzhou ($313–$420 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Airlines (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant weather and natural beauty
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🌿, tea enthusiasts 🍵, photography buffs 📸

Hangzhou is that impossibly gorgeous city that ancient Chinese poets wouldn’t shut up about for a reason. Just a quick flight from Shanghai, this place delivers elite-level natural beauty with its iconic lake, rolling tea fields, and mountain temples that look straight out of a fantasy film set. Marco Polo literally called it “the finest and most splendid city in the world” and honestly, he wasn’t exaggerating.

West Lake is the city’s crown jewel, a UNESCO-listed body of water surrounded by pagodas, gardens, and walking paths that hit different with each season. The Longjing Tea Terraces offer those dream-worthy green rows of tea plants where you can sample the freshest Dragon Well tea straight from the source while locals show you how it’s harvested. For serious wanderlust vibes, Lingyin Temple serves ancient Buddhist architecture nestled against limestone peaks, with giant stone Buddhas carved directly into the mountainside that’ll make your Instagram followers zoom in for a closer look.

Shanghai Airlines offers the best value at around $330 roundtrip when booked 3-4 weeks ahead, although taking the high-speed train can also be optional. Visit during April to catch the peach blossoms or October when the lake reflects autumn colors without the summer crowds and humidity. 

3. Shanghai to Nanjing ($159–$280 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, Air China, Juneyao Airlines (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History enthusiasts 🏛️, city explorers 🏙️, photography lovers 📸

Nanjing is that rare city that serves serious historical depth without the overwhelming tourist crowds. This former capital gives ancient dynasty vibes while somehow feeling totally modern and livable. It’s like Beijing’s cooler, more laid-back cousin where you can actually enjoy the historical sites without being crushed by tour groups.

The Purple Mountain area is basically an outdoor museum complex where you can hike between incredible sites like the massive Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum with its 392 steps (worth every sweaty second for the views) and the hidden Linggu Temple with its stunning architecture tucked among the trees. Downtown, the Nanjing City Wall stretches 35km with sections you can bike along for epic skyline views. 

China Eastern regularly drops fares below $170 roundtrip for midweek flights when booked 3-4 weeks ahead. Time your visit in April for stunning cherry blossoms, while October offers perfect temperatures without summer’s brutal humidity. 

4. Shanghai to Guangzhou ($179–$300 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Southern, Spring Airlines, China Eastern (20+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to December 🍂 and March to May 🌸 for mild temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food lovers 🍲, urban explorers 🏙️, shopping enthusiasts 🛍️

Guangzhou is China’s ultimate food paradise that serious travelers know not to skip. This southern metropolis brings next-level Cantonese cuisine, ultramodern architecture, and tropical vibes that feel worlds away from Shanghai. It’s basically the gateway to understanding why Cantonese food conquered the globe while still keeping its best secrets for locals.

The Canton Tower isn’t just another city observation deck. This 600-meter twisting structure lights up with wild LED displays at night and has a glass-bottom walkway that will literally test your fear of heights. For food adventures, skip the tourist spots and head straight to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street where you can sample everything from dim sum to wok-fried specialties that redefine what you thought Chinese food could be. When the urban intensity gets too much, Baiyun Mountain offers lush hiking trails and sweeping city views, while the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall brings traditional architecture and incredible folk art without the usual tourist crowds.

November and March give you perfect subtropical weather without summer’s intense heat and humidity. For flights from Shanghai, Spring Airlines offers the best value with fares starting around $179 roundtrip when booked 4-6 weeks ahead.

5. Shanghai to Shenzhen ($213–$340 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Southern, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to December 🍁 and March to April 🌼 for comfortable weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts 💻, design lovers 🎨, border hoppers 🌉

Shenzhen is literally the fastest-growing city you’ve never properly considered. This former fishing village transformed into China’s Silicon Valley in just four decades, creating a playground of futuristic architecture, cutting-edge tech, and a design scene that’s reshaping global trends. It’s where tomorrow’s gadgets get made today.

OCT Loft delivers serious creative district energy with converted industrial spaces now filled with design studios, art galleries, and coffee shops where China’s digital nomads tap away on laptops. For mind-blowing shopping, Huaqiangbei Electronics Market spans multiple buildings packed with every tech component imaginable, from smartphone parts to DIY drone kits at prices that’ll make you question everything you’ve ever paid for electronics. When you need nature vibes, Lianhuashan Park offers hilltop views of the impressive skyline, while Window of the World brings hilariously scaled-down versions of global landmarks that are somehow both tacky and totally worth visiting.

Shenzhen Airlines frequently offers fares around $240 roundtrip when booked 2-3 months ahead, with best deals on Tuesday and Wednesday departures. November hits the sweet spot with perfect temperatures and clear skies for cityscape photos. 

6. Shanghai to Chengdu ($266–$390 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Air China (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for mild weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Panda lovers 🐼, food adventurers 🌶️, culture seekers 🏮

Chengdu is that rare city where ancient traditions and modern chill vibes perfectly coexist. This Sichuan capital delivers the iconic panda experience you secretly came to China for, plus food so intensely flavorful it will literally numb your face and a teahouse culture that elevates relaxation to an art form.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding isn’t just another zoo experience. Arrive at opening time to catch these iconic bears at their most active, climbing trees and actually doing things besides sleeping. For food that will reset your spice tolerance, Jinli Ancient Street offers everything from classic hotpot to bizarre street snacks like rabbit heads (yes, really) in a lantern-lit setting that feels straight out of a movie set. 

Sichuan Airlines offers direct flights starting around $280 roundtrip when booked 6-8 weeks ahead. April brings perfect weather for panda viewing without summer crowds, while October offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Avoid Chinese New Year unless you enjoy paying triple for everything. 

7. Shanghai to Xi’an ($240–$360 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Spring Airlines (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History obsessives 🏛️, food adventurers 🍜, ancient culture fans 🏮

Xi’an is the OG imperial city that makes every other ancient capital look like a startup. This former terminus of the Silk Road delivers bucket-list historical sites that actually live up to the hype, food culture that will have you questioning why you haven’t been eating more northwestern Chinese cuisine, and city walls so perfectly preserved you can bike their entire 14km circuit.

The Terracotta Warriors aren’t just some tourist trap. This literal army of 8,000+ unique clay soldiers was buried for over 2,000 years before farmers accidentally discovered them in 1974. For food that will blow your mind, the Muslim Quarter serves up hand-pulled noodles, cumin-spiced lamb skewers, and persimmon cakes in a street food paradise where recipes haven’t changed in centuries. When you’re ready to walk off all that food, the Ancient City Wall offers bike rentals for cruising above the city with views that perfectly contrast old and new Xi’an.

Hainan Airlines regularly drops fares below $260 roundtrip for midweek flights when booked 2-3 months ahead. Visit around April for stunning spring weather without summer crowds, or October for perfect outdoor temperatures.

8. Shanghai to Qingdao ($155–$260 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, Juneyao Airlines, Qingdao Airlines (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🌞 for beach weather and seafood season
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, beer enthusiasts 🍺, seafood fanatics 🦞

Qingdao is China’s unexpected coastal gem that somehow combines German colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and beer culture into one seriously underrated package. This seaside city brings harbor views that could pass for Europe, seafood so fresh it was swimming hours ago, and a laid-back vibe that feels miles away from China’s megacities.

The Badaguan Scenic Area showcases stunning European-style villas from the German occupation era, set among tree-lined streets that burst with color during wisteria season. When temperatures rise, No. 1 Bathing Beach delivers golden sand and surprisingly clean water where you can cool off alongside locals who flock here during summer months. Beer lovers can’t miss the Tsingtao Brewery Museum, where China’s most famous beer was born in 1903 and where you can sample unpasteurized versions straight from the source that taste nothing like what you get in restaurants abroad.

Qingdao Airlines offers seasonal deals as low as $155 roundtrip during shoulder months when booked 4-6 weeks out. Summer brings perfect beach weather but expect weekend crowds escaping Shanghai’s heat. Early October serves up the famous Qingdao International Beer Festival (think Chinese Oktoberfest) with beer tents, live music, and endless food stalls. 

9. Shanghai to Wuhan ($214–$330 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Juneyao Airlines (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, college town explorers 🎓, river culture fans 🚢

Wuhan is that off-the-beaten-path city where three towns merged into one epic metropolis straddling the mighty Yangtze River. This university hub gives serious cultural depth without the tourist crowds, with stunning lakes, revolutionary history, and a spicy food scene that rivals Chengdu but somehow still flies under the radar.

East Lake serves premium natural vibes with its massive scenic area spanning 33 square kilometers, where you’ll find cherry blossoms in spring that give Japan a run for its money. For history that hits different, the Yellow Crane Tower delivers those classic Chinese pagoda views you’ve been craving, perched on Snake Hill with panoramas across the entire city. When night falls, Hubu Alley transforms into a buzzing street food paradise where locals feast on “hot dry noodles” (the city’s signature breakfast dish that’s actually perfect anytime) and spicy duck necks that might become your new obsession.

Juneyao Airlines typically offers the best deals around $220 roundtrip when booked 2-3 months in advance. 

10. Shanghai to Chongqing ($199–$310 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Spring Airlines (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to April 🌸 and October to November 🍂 for clear skies
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, spicy food lovers 🌶️, river cruise enthusiasts 🚢

Chongqing is China’s vertical city that literally looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. This mountain metropolis built on impossibly steep terrain brings next-level urban landscapes, hotpot that will recalibrate your spice tolerance, and river views where the mighty Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet in spectacular fashion.

Hongyadong gives major cyberpunk vibes with its 11-story stilt house complex built into the mountainside, lit up at night in ways that break your camera’s HDR settings. For those insane city views you’ve seen on social media, Liziba Station is where subway trains actually pass through the middle of a residential building, while Raffles City offers glass-bottomed sky bridges connecting six skyscrapers 250 meters above ground. 

Spring Airlines regularly drops fares to around $220 roundtrip when you target midweek departures and book 1-2 months ahead. Plan your visit for November when the notorious Chongqing fog lifts enough to actually see the dramatic cityscape without summer’s sweltering humidity. 

11. Shanghai to Kunming ($210–$320 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Eastern, Lucky Air, Spring Airlines (7+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June 🌼 and September to November 🍂 for ideal exploring weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts 🏞️, ethnic culture seekers 🏮, photography lovers 📸

Kunming is China’s best-kept secret that should be way more famous than it is. This chilled-out city sits at the perfect elevation where it’s never too hot or too cold, surrounded by insane landscapes that look photoshopped and cultural diversity that makes the rest of China seem boring. It’s usually where Chinese people vacation when they’re tired of crowds and want perfect weather.

Stone Forest isn’t your typical rock formation. This otherworldly landscape of limestone pillars stretches across 400 square kilometers, creating maze-like passages where you’ll swear you’ve stepped onto another planet. For serious flower power, Green Lake Park transforms each winter when thousands of seagulls migrate here from Siberia, creating perfect moments for photos with locals practicing tai chi or playing traditional instruments. 

Lucky Air typically offers the most wallet-friendly fares hovering around $230 roundtrip when you lock in prices 6-8 weeks before departure. Consider exploring in late March when pink cherry blossoms blanket the city or target mid-October when crystal clear skies create perfect conditions for those Stone Forest photos. 

12. Shanghai to Taipei ($289–$420 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: China Airlines, EVA Air, Spring Airlines (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🍂 for pleasant temperatures and fewer rain showers
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food adventurers 🍜, night market enthusiasts 🏮, culture seekers 🏛️

Taipei is that perfect-sized city that hits different from anywhere else in the Chinese-speaking world. This food-obsessed capital delivers night markets that will ruin street food for you forever, a skyline anchored by that iconic bamboo-shaped skyscraper, and cultural vibes that blend Chinese traditions with Japanese influences and its own unique identity.

Taipei 101 isn’t just another tall building to check off your list. This architectural marvel shaped like a bamboo stalk comes with the world’s fastest elevator and a massive wind damper that looks like something out of a sci-fi film. After dark, Shilin Night Market transforms into a sensory overload paradise where you can sample everything from the infamous stinky tofu (yes, it smells like hot garbage but tastes amazing) to bubble tea from the city that invented it. 

EVA Air offers the most reliable service with fares starting around $310 roundtrip, though budget hunters should watch for Spring Airlines deals that occasionally drop below $300 when booked 2-3 months ahead. Score the best weather between November and February when Taipei chills out with comfortable temperatures and significantly less rainfall than its notoriously wet summers. 

13. Shanghai to Seoul ($211–$350 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Korean Air, China Eastern, Asiana Airlines (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to November 🍁 for mild weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: K-culture fanatics 🎭, shopping addicts 🛍️, food scene explorers 🍜

Seoul is that electric fusion city where centuries-old tradition crashes into cutting-edge tech on every street corner. This K-wave epicenter delivers a fashion scene so forward-thinking your Instagram will feel dated before you even post, a food culture that ranges from royal court cuisines to late-night pojangmacha tents, and a beauty industry that’s literally years ahead of everyone else.

Changdeokgung Palace isn’t just another historic site but a UNESCO gem with its secret garden that changes dramatically with each season. When hunger strikes, Gwangjang Market serves up authentic street food where you can watch grandmas who’ve been making the same perfect bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) for decades. For K-culture immersion, Hongdae buzzes with underground music venues, quirky cafés, and street performers creating that perfect Seoul energy that makes time disappear until you suddenly realize it’s 3am.

T’way Air and Juneyao Airlines battle for the budget crown with occasional fare drops below $220 roundtrip during shoulder season. Hit town during cherry blossom madness in early April when the city transforms into a pink wonderland, or target early November when fall foliage creates golden backdrops for your palace photos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Shanghai

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Shanghai? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Shanghai to anywhere.

Which destinations are the cheapest to fly to from Shanghai?

A variety of destinations offer cost-effective flights from Shanghai. Domestic cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, and Nanjing are popular choices. On the international front, Taipei, Seoul, and Chongqing are frequently sought-after due to their affordability and proximity.

Why are some destinations cheaper than others?

Flight prices are influenced by a myriad of factors. The distance between the origin and destination, the level of competition among airlines on a particular route, the demand for flights to that destination, and seasonal variations can all impact ticket prices.

Where does Shanghai fly to?

Shanghai serves as a major international hub, offering flights to a wide range of destinations both domestically and internationally. The city has two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).

1. Domestic Destinations: You can fly to almost all major cities in China from Shanghai, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and many more.
2. Asian Destinations: Shanghai offers numerous flights to other major cities in Asia like Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur, among others.
3. European Destinations: Major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Madrid are well-connected to Shanghai.
4. North American Destinations: You can fly directly to cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto, and Vancouver.
5. Other Continents: Shanghai also has flights to cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne), Africa (Johannesburg), and South America (Sao Paulo), though these are less frequent.
6. Regional Flights: Hongqiao Airport mainly handles domestic flights and a few short-haul international flights, such as to Tokyo and Seoul.

Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from Shanghai?

While budget airlines like Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines are known for their competitive prices, major carriers such as China Eastern and Air China also roll out promotional deals and seasonal discounts that can be quite affordable.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Shanghai?

The cheapest way to travel in Shanghai is generally by using public transportation, particularly the metro and buses. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Metro: Shanghai Metro is one of the most extensive metro systems in the world and is usually the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. Fares are relatively cheap, starting at around 3 RMB (less than 1 USD) for short distances.
2. Public Buses: Buses are even cheaper than the metro, with fares starting at 2 RMB. However, buses can be slower due to traffic congestion.
3. Bike-Sharing: Shanghai has a robust bike-sharing system. Services like Mobike and Ofo provide bikes that can be rented for short periods at low costs, usually around 1 RMB per 30 minutes.
4. Walking: For short distances, walking is free and allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
5. Ferry: If you need to cross the Huangpu River, ferries are an economical option, usually costing around 2 RMB.
6. Taxi and Didi: While taxis and Didi (China’s version of Uber) are more expensive than public transport, they can be relatively cheap compared to Western standards, especially if you’re traveling with a group to split the fare.

How can I find the best deals on flights from Shanghai?

Early booking often secures the best prices. Being flexible with your travel dates allows you to capitalize on low-demand periods. Utilizing flight comparison websites and apps can give you a broad view of available options. Additionally, subscribing to airline newsletters or loyalty programs can provide early access to sales and promotions.

Is it cheaper to book a round trip or two one-way tickets?

The cost difference can vary significantly based on the airline, route, and current promotions. It’s prudent to compare both round trip and one-way ticket prices before finalizing your booking.

How does the time of year affect flight prices from Shanghai?

Flight prices can surge during peak travel seasons like the Chinese New Year, Golden Week, or summer holidays. Conversely, traveling during off-peak seasons, such as late winter or early spring, might offer more wallet-friendly rates.

What airlines fly out of Shanghai?

Shanghai is served by two major airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both airports host a variety of airlines, offering a wide range of flight options. Here are some airlines that operate out of these airports:

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

1. China Eastern Airlines: Major Chinese airline with numerous domestic and international routes.
2. Air China: Another significant Chinese airline offering both domestic and international flights.
3. Shanghai Airlines: A subsidiary of China Eastern, mainly serving domestic destinations.
4. Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-based airline with frequent flights to Hong Kong and beyond.
5. Delta Air Lines: Offers flights to several U.S. cities.
6. Emirates: Connects Shanghai to Dubai and other international destinations.
7. Lufthansa: German airline with flights to European cities.
8. Singapore Airlines: Offers flights to Singapore and other Southeast Asian destinations.
9. Qantas: Australian airline with flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
10. British Airways: Connects Shanghai to London and other European cities.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

1. China Eastern Airlines: Predominantly domestic routes but also some short-haul international flights.
2. Shanghai Airlines: Mainly domestic flights.
3. Air China: Domestic routes and a few international ones.
4. Spring Airlines: A low-cost Chinese airline with domestic and some international routes.
5. Juneyao Airlines: Another Shanghai-based airline mainly serving domestic destinations.

Are last-minute flights from Shanghai cheaper?

While some airlines might offer discounted last-minute deals to fill up remaining seats, this strategy is often more unpredictable and potentially pricier than booking well in advance.

Which airports in Shanghai offer the cheapest flights?

Shanghai boasts two primary airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Depending on the destination and airline, one might offer more economical options than the other. It’s always beneficial to compare flights departing from both airports.

Do budget airlines from Shanghai fly to international destinations?

Absolutely. Several budget airlines operating from Shanghai provide international routes. However, it’s essential to note that while they might offer cheaper ticket prices, amenities and in-flight services might be more limited compared to full-service airlines.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when booking cheap flights?

Budget airlines often have a la carte pricing models. This means that while the base ticket price might be low, there could be additional charges for services like checked baggage, seat selection, in-flight meals, and even printing your boarding pass. It’s crucial to review all terms and conditions and be fully aware of what your ticket includes.

When seeking a cheap flight, it’s essential to strike a balance between cost and convenience. While a low ticket price is appealing, factors like flight duration, layovers, and overall travel experience should also be considered to ensure a memorable and hassle-free journey.