Cheap Flights from London to Shanghai

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Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from London to Shanghai? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

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Find the cheapest month to fly from London to Shanghai

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

Direct flights from London to Shanghai

Alternative London to Shanghai routes

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

London to Shanghai: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found£379
Cheapest month to flyMay
Average flight time11 hrs, 47 mins
Most popular airlineChina Eastern
Average flights per week47

Finding cheap flights from London to Shanghai: Frequently asked questions

There are 2 airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong.
The best price we found for a return flight from London to Shanghai is £378. 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.
11 hours and 46 minutes is the average flight time from London to Shanghai.
China Eastern, China Southern and British Airways fly direct from London to Shanghai.
As of April 2024, there are 188 flights per week flying from London to Shanghai.
The cheapest month to fly from London to Shanghai is usually May.
If you're flying from London, the cheapest airport near Shanghai is Shanghai Pudong – which is 20.3 miles away from the centre of Shanghai. We've found flights into this airport from £378.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from London to Shanghai on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.
Yes – the average flight time is 11 hours and 46 minutes.
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 Shanghai 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.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Shanghai is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In April, the average temperature is usually around 14°C. August is typically the warmest month in Shanghai, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in December. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is June.
The cheapest airline that flies to Shanghai is China Southern. And the cheapest airline that flies to Shanghai Pudong Airport is Virgin Atlantic.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from London to Shanghai

To secure cheap flights from London to Shanghai, initiate your search with Skyscanner's Whole Month feature, which helps you compare fares across a broad range of travel dates. This is an ideal feature if your travel schedule is flexible. You may additionally set up a Price Alert to keep informed of fare fluctuations, ensuring you get all favourable rates.

For those prioritising speed and convenience, select the Direct Flights option to filter for non-stop journeys. This ensures a streamlined search focusing on the most direct route available, saving you time without the hassle of stopovers.

The cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai is typically in January, providing an ideal opportunity to plan and enjoy savings on your trip.

Handy information about London airport

London is connected to six airports. London City Airport, with its single terminal, is located near the city centre, offering a convenient gateway for business travellers to domestic and European destinations. The Docklands Light Railway provides easy access to this airport, along with other ground transport options.

Heathrow, London's major international airport, has four active terminals, connecting passengers to many destinations worldwide. The Heathrow Express train service and several other transport modes link the airport to the city and surrounding areas. Similarly, Gatwick, with two terminals, connects to many destinations and is easily accessible via the Gatwick Express and other rail and road services.

Stansted, favouring low-cost airlines, directs mostly to European locations while also serving a few intercontinental routes. The Stansted Express ensures a direct connection to London. Lastly, Luton and Southend, each featuring a single terminal, are best for low-cost European flights, with robust rail links and other ground transport services ensuring seamless travel to and from the city.

Shanghai airport: good to know

Shanghai is served by two primary airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Pudong Airport is a significant aviation hub with four terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are home to domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is equipped to handle international travel. Terminal 4 operates with low-cost carriers for both domestic and international journeys. Pudong is known for its comprehensive range of services, from shopping to dining, ensuring passengers have various options.

The more centrally located Hongqiao Airport operates from two terminals, with Terminal 1 dedicated to domestic routes and Terminal 2 catering to domestic and selected international flights. Convenient transportation links such as metro, bus, and taxi services make the transfer to the city swift for travellers. This airport provides essential facilities to accommodate the needs of its passengers, facilitating a smooth transit through Shanghai. Prepare for your flight from London to Shanghai by familiarising yourself with local customs, weather and airport travel options ahead of time.

Best time to fly from London to Shanghai

The best time to fly from London to Shanghai is spring or autumn when the climate is favourable. March to May offers a comfortable temperature range of 10°C to 20°C, ideal for exploring this vibrant metropolis. Similarly, September to November features pleasant temperatures, ranging from 14°C to 24°C, allowing for comfortable sightseeing. To avoid the city's hot and humid peak of summer and the chilly winter months, these transitional seasons provide an excellent travel window for your Shanghai adventure.

Reasons to visit Shanghai

When planning your trip to Shanghai, check out the city's various activities and attractions. Engage in the cultural celebration at the Shanghai International Film Festival, an event that draws cinema enthusiasts from around the globe. Wander along The Bund, where the historic architecture contrasts the modern skyline. Experience serenity at Yu Garden, a place of history and traditional Chinese design. Marvel at the architectural wonder of Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, providing visitors with panoramic views from its observation deck. Each attraction offers a unique perspective on this dynamic city.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your London to Shanghai flight

Planning your trip to Shanghai is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. You can book with trusted car hire providers such as Hertz for mobility within the city. Accommodation choices are abundant, too, with luxury and comfort at the forefront. Consider a stay at the iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel, or experience the lavish Pudong Shangri-La. If proximity to the Shanghai International Tourism Resort is a priority, the Maixinge International Hotel offers a compelling option. Rest assured, Skyscanner has your Shanghai travel needs covered.


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Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.