Travelling from Milan to Shanghai: what you need to know
You can choose from multiple airports when organising your flight from Milan to Shanghai. Explore your options for jetting out of Milan from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) and Milano Linate Airport (LIN).
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's chief entry points.
Take a direct Milan to Shanghai flight and you'll be flying for an average of 11 hours 20 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, making Shanghai seven hours ahead of Milan.
The busiest route for flights from Milan to Shanghai is from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). You can choose from seven weekly services between these two airports. If you want to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from MXP to PVG is the 11:30 Air China option. If you prefer to travel later, the latest available service is at 12:30 with Air China.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Milan to Shanghai flight.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Milan to Shanghai
To secure cheap Milan to Shanghai flights, reserve your trip two months ahead of your departure date.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Milan to Shanghai. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Milan to Shanghai is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Milan to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Milan to Shanghai, you can depart from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). Fly from MXP to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in one continuous trip.
Secure your Milan to Shanghai plane tickets with Air China. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from MXP.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Milan to Shanghai flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Milano Malpensa Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
MXP is about 40 kms (25 miles) from central Milan. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 55 minutes.
In search of a handy hotel near Milano Malpensa Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Milan to Shanghai, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Of all flights leaving Milano Malpensa Airport, 68.23% arrive on time at their destination.
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Break up your Milan to Shanghai flight with a stop so you can freshen up or cross a new place off your list. Some top stopovers between Orio al Serio International Airport and Shanghai are:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
BGY is around 48 kms (30 miles) from central Milan. It'll take 1 hour or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Milan to Shanghai? Check in to a hotel near Orio al Serio International Airport before your break officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
Orio al Serio International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 68%. This figure reflects how frequently flights that take off from this airport reach their destination on time.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Book a ticket from Milan to Shanghai out of Milano Linate Airport (LIN) with one or more stops. Some popular stopovers between LIN and Shanghai include:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
From central Milan, LIN is around 8 kms (5 miles) away. It'll take you roughly 30 minutes to get to the airport by car and 45 minutes or so if you're on public transport.
Make taking an early Milan to Shanghai flight the easiest part of your trip. Book a room at one of these hotels close to Milano Linate Airport and get to your boarding gate feeling relaxed and unhurried:
Flights departing from LIN make it to their destination within the scheduled time frame 79.56% of the time.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kms (20 miles) away.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you have a late flight from Milan to Shanghai, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:
Venture beyond Shanghai and explore places that don't make every travel guide with your own wheels. You can pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
To secure the best deal, book your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport several weeks in advance. Prices generally rise closer to your date of travel.
The street address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
The centre of Shanghai is around 13 kms (8 miles) from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). After your flight from Milan to Shanghai has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near SHA. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Milan to Shanghai:
Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and see and do more with your own wheels. Hertz is just moments from your arrival gate, ensuring a fast and easy pick-up.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just whatever's left, by reserving your ride from SHA ahead of time. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially during busy airport times.
You can find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the most popular month for flights from Milan to Shanghai. To avoid the crowds, visit Shanghai in April.
Lock in a Milan to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Milan to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Shanghai right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Milan to Shanghai:
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Yu Garden are just a couple of the major attractions to put on your Shanghai travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Shanghai Tower.
Explore more of China
You've seen Shanghai, now it's time to discover other corners of China. Travel around 170 miles west to Nanjing to check off its leading attractions. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in China, head for Suzhou, about 50 miles west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are among its highlights.