Flying from Shanghai to Chengdu: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the departure points for your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu. Explore the options for taking off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), two of the city's main airports.
Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) are the major arrival points in Chengdu.
Around 3 hours 15 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Shanghai to Chengdu flight.
Shanghai and Chengdu are both in the UTC+8 timezone. That means you won't need to account for any time differences.
The most popular route for flights from Shanghai to Chengdu is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Take your pick of 95 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from PVG to CTU is the 07:30 Air China option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 22:00 with Chengdu Airlines.
To ensure you make your Shanghai to Chengdu flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like April, it's best to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Chengdu
Get cheap Shanghai to Chengdu flights by booking three months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for landing a bargain.
June is the best month for nabbing an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Chengdu. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Shanghai to Chengdu by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save on your Shanghai to Chengdu flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Chengdu departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Start your trip at PVG and then make your arrival at Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
You'll find a good range of airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Chengdu plane tickets out of PVG. Take off with any of these:
PVG is about 20 miles from central Shanghai. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Shanghai Pudong International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Shanghai to Chengdu, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
Of the flights that depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 78.11% arrive on time at their destination.
PVG's address is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Thinking of jetting off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)? You can catch a direct flight from Shanghai to Chengdu out of this hub. Land at Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) without any detours.
There are multiple airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Chengdu plane tickets. Compare your options below to find the best carrier for your flight from SHA:
SHA is around 8 miles from central Shanghai. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with another night away? Consider kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a reputation for punctuality, with 85.58% of them touching down on schedule.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to central Chengdu takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 30 miles away.
Book a hotel close to TFU if you're coming in on a late flight from Shanghai to Chengdu. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is about 7 miles from central Chengdu. Following your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu, it takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near CTU. Kick back after your Shanghai to Chengdu flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located at Airport Expressway Entrance.
Best time to go to Chengdu
April is the most popular month for flights from Shanghai to Chengdu. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Chengdu in January.
When booking your Shanghai to Chengdu tickets, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Chengdu, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 0ºC (32ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF). Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Chengdu around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Chengdu
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Chengdu right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Shrine and Sichuan Opera Troupe are top sights which should feature on any good Chengdu itinerary.
Explore more of China
Nanchong is just one of the many cities in China waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Chengdu. Around 120 miles to the east, top sights here include 小西街, 六合丝博园 and Yinxiang Jialingjiang Wetland Park.
Around 290 miles north of Chengdu, Tianshui is another essential stop in China. Experience major highlights starting with 伏羲祭祀广场, 成纪儿童公园 and 天水古城.