Cheap Flights from Beijing to Shanghai

This information is correct as of April 2016

Airlines that fly from Beijing to Shanghai

Air China, Hainan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines all fly direct from Beijing-Capital International Airport to Shanghai–Hongqiao and Shanghai–Pudong airports. China Southern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, XiamenAir and Juneyao Airlines only fly to Shanghai-Hongqiao from Beijing-Capital.

China United Airlines flies to both Shanghai airports from Beijing-Nanyuan Airport.

There are currently no direct flights to Shanghai from Beijing-Daxing International Airport.

Terminal Information – Departing

This is only a guideline. Always check your boarding pass for up-to-date terminal information.

From Beijing-Capital International Airport: Hainan Airlines flights depart from terminal 1. China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, XiamenAir and China Southern Airlines flights depart from terminal 2. Air China and Juneyao Airlines flights depart from terminal 3. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and all of the terminals have a wide range of fast-food restaurants (Western and Asian) as well as shops where you can buy souvenirs and last-minute travel essentials.

From Beijing-Nanyuan Airport: This small airport is mainly used for domestic flights. It doesn't have as many amenities at the larger airport, but still has a few places where you can grab a snack or a souvenir before boarding.

Terminal Information – Arriving

At Shanghai–Hongqiao: Xiamen Airlines, China United Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Hainan Airlines and China Southern flights usually land at terminal 2. Air China, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines flights land at both terminals. The airport is served by express shuttles, public buses, metro lines 2 and 10, high speed rail and metered taxis.

At Shanghai–Pudong: Shanghai's main airport is 25 miles away from the city centre. Hainan Airlines and China Eastern flights usually land at terminal 1. Air China flights usually land at terminal 2. You can easily walk between the two terminals, but there's a free shuttle bus if you're in a hurry. The fastest way to reach the city is by Maglev train: tickets cost ¥50* (about £5.30) for a single or ¥80* (just under £8.50) for a round trip. The train takes just seven minutes to reach Longyang Road Metro Station. From there you can find onward transport to the city centre. The Maglev station is in between the airport's two terminals. Other transport options include metro, bus, and taxi. 

Practical Information

You will need your passport to fly on this route, even although it is domestic. Your official photographic identification is required for security purposes. In exceptional circumstances (for example if you've lost your passport or have had to leave it at a visa office) the airport PSB may be able to issue you with a temporary ID for boarding the aeroplane. We recommend arriving at the airport 90 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart.

What to expect in Shanghai

There is no time difference between Beijing and Shanghai. Shanghai has a warmer year-round temperature than Beijing. You can expect average temperatures of 29°C during July and August, with temperatures frequently rising above 30°C. Winters are mild: January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 4°C (although it can get as warm as 8°C).

*Prices subject to change