Travelling from Shanghai to Nairobi: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Shanghai. Explore your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) when organising your flight from Shanghai to Nairobi.
When choosing where to land in Nairobi, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) are the chief entry points.
Nairobi's timezone is UTC+3, making Nairobi five hours behind Shanghai.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Shanghai to Nairobi flight.
During popular months such as April, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Nairobi
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Shanghai to Nairobi flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to Nairobi is easier if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to see the lowest fares across every month and bag a great deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Shanghai to Nairobi is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Shanghai to Nairobi flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for Shanghai to Nairobi flights departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Changsha Airport (CSX)
PVG is about 32 kms (20 miles) from central Shanghai. If you're catching a taxi, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Shanghai Pudong Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Shanghai to Nairobi, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
Shanghai Pudong Airport maintains a solid on-time record, so you're less likely to experience disruptions. Departures from PVG land at their destination as scheduled 83% of the time.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Break up your Shanghai to Nairobi flight with a stop at Guangzhou Airport (CAN). A major stopover between Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Nairobi, it's a great opportunity to recharge before the next leg of your journey.
You can reach SHA from central Shanghai in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes to travel the 13 kms (8 miles) or so.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Shanghai to Nairobi, stay in one of these hotels close to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has a solid reputation for punctual service. 85% of flights leaving here keep to their planned arrival schedule.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) is approximately 13 kms (8 miles) from central Nairobi. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near NBO if you have a late flight from Shanghai to Nairobi. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport rental car and explore Nairobi and beyond with your own wheels. Auto-Union, Green Motion and Hertz are well-known companies to choose from here.
Booking your vehicle from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport around three weeks in advance can help you get the lowest rate.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
After your flight from Shanghai to Nairobi has hit the runway, you can get to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Nairobi is approximately 3 kms (2 miles) from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL).
You can expect the journey to take roughly 35 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near WIL. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Shanghai to Nairobi:
Land, grab your Nairobi Wilson Airport rental car, and set off without skipping a beat. Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are well-known providers to take your pick of here.
Get your preferred vehicle, not just what's left over, by booking your ride from WIL ahead of time. You'll also avoid paying more than you need to, especially during busy airport times.
Best time to go to Nairobi
It's time to pick your travel dates for your flight from Shanghai to Nairobi. August is the busiest month to visit Nairobi. If you like a quieter atmosphere, go in March.
Before locking in your Shanghai to Nairobi tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. February is the warmest month in Nairobi, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Nairobi in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 12ºC and 24ºC on average.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Nairobi, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery, Giraffe manor and Mara Conservancy are top attractions which should feature on any good Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
Mombasa is just one of the many places in Kenya waiting to be explored once you've seen Nairobi. Around 434 kms (270 miles) to the southeast, its top attractions include Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve, Fort Jesus Museum and Mombasa Beach.
Around 137 kms (85 miles) northwest of Nairobi, Nakuru is another favourite stop in Kenya. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru and Rhino Point.