Cheap Flights from Shanghai (CSHA) to Istanbul (ISTA)

Compare Shanghai to Istanbul flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Istanbul

Book the best Istanbul fare with no extra fees

Flight deals from Shanghai to Istanbul

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Shanghai to Istanbul? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from £376. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Istanbul.£176 per passenger.Departing Sun, 4 Oct.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Sun, 4 Oct, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Price includes taxes and charges.From £176, select.

Istanbul.£182 per passenger.Departing Mon, 9 Nov.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Mon, 9 Nov, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Price includes taxes and charges.From £182, select.

Istanbul.£182 per passenger.Departing Sun, 17 Jan.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Sun, 17 Jan, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Price includes taxes and charges.From £182, select.

Istanbul.£182 per passenger.Departing Mon, 1 Mar.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Mon, 1 Mar, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Price includes taxes and charges.From £182, select.

Istanbul.£182 per passenger.Departing Wed, 7 Apr.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Wed, 7 Apr, arriving in Istanbul Sabiha.Price includes taxes and charges.From £182, select.

Istanbul.£221 per passenger.Departing Wed, 16 Dec.One-way flight with China Southern.Outbound indirect flight with China Southern, departs from Shanghai Hongqiao on Wed, 16 Dec, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £221, select.

Istanbul.£231 per passenger.Departing Tue, 9 Feb.One-way flight with Scat Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Scat Airlines, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Tue, 9 Feb, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £231, select.

Istanbul.£243 per passenger.Departing Sun, 13 Sep.One-way flight with Hainan Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Hainan Airlines, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Sun, 13 Sep, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £243, select.

Istanbul.£244 per passenger.Departing Fri, 14 Aug.One-way flight with China Southern.Outbound indirect flight with China Southern, departs from Shanghai Hongqiao on Fri, 14 Aug, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £244, select.

Istanbul.£270 per passenger.Departing Sat, 26 Jun.One-way flight with Etihad Airways.Outbound indirect flight with Etihad Airways, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Sat, 26 Jun, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £270, select.

Istanbul.£270 per passenger.Departing Tue, 11 May.One-way flight with Etihad Airways.Outbound indirect flight with Etihad Airways, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Tue, 11 May, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £270, select.

Istanbul.£272 per passenger.Departing Tue, 6 Jul.One-way flight with Etihad Airways.Outbound indirect flight with Etihad Airways, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Tue, 6 Jul, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £272, select.

Istanbul.£314 per passenger.Departing Fri, 31 Jul.One-way flight with Scat Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Scat Airlines, departs from Shanghai Pudong on Fri, 31 Jul, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £314, select.

Istanbul.£361 per passenger.Departing Sun, 24 Jan.One-way flight with China Eastern.Outbound direct flight with China Eastern departs from Shanghai Pudong on Sun, 24 Jan, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £361, select.

Istanbul.£370 per passenger.Departing Fri, 11 Sep.One-way flight with China Eastern.Outbound direct flight with China Eastern departs from Shanghai Pudong on Fri, 11 Sep, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £370, select.

Istanbul.£387 per passenger.Departing Sun, 1 Nov.One-way flight with China Eastern.Outbound direct flight with China Eastern departs from Shanghai Pudong on Sun, 1 Nov, arriving in Istanbul.Price includes taxes and charges.From £387, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Shanghai to Istanbul flights are currently cheapest in October.

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul

Alternative Shanghai to Istanbul routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Shanghai to Istanbul? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Istanbul Sabiha

19 miles from central Istanbul

ClosestCheapest

from £176

Search flights

Istanbul

21 miles from central Istanbul

from £218

Search flights

Shanghai to Istanbul: Flight information

The things to know before you go.

Cheapest flight found	£176
Cheapest month to fly	October
Average flight time	11 hrs, 49 mins
Most popular airline	Turkish Airlines
Average flights per week	28

Finding cheap flights from Shanghai to Istanbul: Frequently asked questions

How many airports are there in Istanbul?

There are 2 airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Sabiha and Istanbul.

How much are return flights from Shanghai to Istanbul?

The best price we found for a return flight from Shanghai to Istanbul is £355. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.

How long does it take to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul?

11 hours and 49 minutes is the average flight time from Shanghai to Istanbul.

Which airlines fly direct from Shanghai to Istanbul?

Turkish Airlines and China Eastern fly direct from Shanghai to Istanbul.

How many flights are there a week from Shanghai to Istanbul?

As of July 2026, there are 27 flights per week flying from Shanghai to Istanbul.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul?

The cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul is usually October.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Istanbul?

If you're flying from Shanghai, the cheapest airport near Istanbul is Istanbul Sabiha – which is 18.9 miles away from the centre of Istanbul. We've found flights into this airport from £355.

Which upcoming date is cheapest to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul on?

After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

Can I get a direct flight from Shanghai to Istanbul?

Yes – the average flight time is 11 hours and 49 minutes.

How can I get the best flight deal from Shanghai to Istanbul?

We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Istanbul but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.

When is the best time to book flights to Istanbul?

We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Istanbul is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.

What’s the weather like in Istanbul?

In July, the average temperature is usually around 24°C. August is typically the warmest month in Istanbul, when it usually averages around 27°C. You can expect the least rain in August. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is December.

Which is the cheapest airline to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul with?

The cheapest airline that flies to Istanbul is AirAsia X. And the cheapest airline that flies to Istanbul Airport is Turkish Airlines.

Travelling from Shanghai to Istanbul: what you need to know

Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll catch your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul. Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) are the main airports in Shanghai.
When planning your arrival in Istanbul, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the major entry points.
The average duration of a direct Shanghai to Istanbul flight is 11 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is five hours behind Shanghai.
With 16 flights a week between the two airports, Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Istanbul Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Shanghai to Istanbul with China Eastern Airlines at 00:55. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the last departure from PVG to IST is with Turkish Airlines at 23:00.
To ensure you board your Shanghai to Istanbul flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as April, it's a good idea 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 travelling during a peak period in general.

How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Istanbul

Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap Shanghai to Istanbul flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more it could cost you.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Shanghai to Istanbul.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Shanghai to Istanbul is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Save on your Shanghai to Istanbul flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.

Flying from Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)

Take off from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) on a nonstop flight from Shanghai to Istanbul. From PVG, you can land directly at Istanbul Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct Shanghai to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from PVG.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even explore a different city. When browsing Shanghai to Istanbul flights departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
- Dubai Airport (DXB)
- Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
- Athens International Airport (ATH)
Located around 32 kms (20 miles) from the centre of Shanghai, PVG can be reached in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 50 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Shanghai Pudong Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Shanghai to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Shanghai Pudong Airport has a strong on-time performance, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from PVG arrive at their destination as scheduled 83% of the time.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

Visit family or friends or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Shanghai to Istanbul flight, browse these options when taking off from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
- Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
- Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Shanghai to SHA in around 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 13 kms (8 miles) away. Driving will take you about 30 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not spend an additional night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul:
Most flights that depart Shanghai Hongqiao Airport reach their destination within the expected time frame. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 85%.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.

Arriving in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kms (20 miles) away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to Istanbul, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near IST:
Pick up a Istanbul Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are leading providers you can book with here.
To get the lowest price, book your vehicle from Istanbul Airport about two weeks in advance of your Shanghai to Istanbul flight.

Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)

The centre of Istanbul is located around 31 kms (19 miles) from Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW). As soon as your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SAW. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting forever for a taxi. Pick up a Istanbul Sabiha Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.

Best time to go to Istanbul

March is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Figure out the best time to visit Istanbul based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Shanghai to Istanbul ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 21ºC to 30ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.

More about Istanbul

When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Istanbul right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Hagia Sophia, Historic Areas of Istanbul and Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.

Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)

You've visited Istanbul, now it's time to discover other corners of Türkiye (Turkey). Travel about 354 kms (220 miles) east to Ankara to tick off its top attractions. From The Roman Theatre to Kocatepe Mosque and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Türkiye (Turkey), consider Izmir, about 322 kms (200 miles) southwest of Istanbul. Aegean Coast, Smyrna Basilika and Ataturk Konak Square are the start of reasons to visit.