Cheap Flights to Shanghai from the USA

Shanghai is China's largest city and its financial capital, a place where Art Deco buildings line historic streets and ultra-modern skyscrapers define the skyline. The Bund waterfront, French Concession neighborhoods, and futuristic Pudong district offer contrasting glimpses of the city's past and future. With Mundo Trip, booking your flight to Shanghai is simple, connecting you to one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Top Airlines Flying from the USA to Shanghai

United Airlines

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

China Eastern

Air China

China Southern

Korean Air

Japan Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Flight deals to Shanghai from the USA

Korean Air

San Francisco (SFO) - Shanghai (SHA)

Korean Air

Shanghai (SHA) - San Francisco (SFO)

Economy

Fr.$790

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Cathay Pacific

Los Angeles (LAX) - Shanghai (SHA)

Cathay Pacific

Shanghai (SHA) - Los Angeles (LAX)

Economy

Fr.$819

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Korean Air

Los Angeles (LAX) - Shanghai (SHA)

Korean Air

Shanghai (SHA) - Los Angeles (LAX)

Economy

Fr.$854

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Cathay Pacific

San Francisco (SFO) - Shanghai (SHA)

Cathay Pacific

Shanghai (SHA) - San Francisco (SFO)

Economy

Fr.$898

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Main International Airport in Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the main international gateway to Shanghai, China. Located about 30 km from the city center, it serves as a major hub for both domestic and international travel, connecting passengers to destinations across the globe.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a modern facility with multiple terminals handling both international and domestic flights. The airport offers comprehensive services including duty-free shopping, lounges, dining options, currency exchange, and transportation links to the city center.

Lounges: Relax in premium lounges with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Duty-Free Shopping: Browse high-end brands, electronics, cosmetics, and local goods.
Dining: Choose from local and international restaurants and cafes.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

The Maglev train connects Pudong Airport to metro stations in 8 minutes for CNY 50 ($7). Metro Line 2 goes directly to city center in about an hour for CNY 7 ($1). Taxis cost around CNY 200-250 ($30-35) to central Shanghai.

Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements for China before travel. Many travelers can use visa-on-arrival or e-visa options.
Baggage Allowance: Check your airline's baggage policies to avoid excess charges.
Currency: Exchange currency at the airport or use ATMs for local money.
Security: Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights for check-in and security.

Flight Time to Shanghai from USA

Nonstop flights to Shanghai operate from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW), and Seattle (SEA). United Airlines flies from San Francisco and Los Angeles. American Airlines serves Dallas, and Delta operates from Seattle. Flight times range from 12-15 hours.

One-stop flights are available from most US cities via hubs in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong. Chinese carriers like China Eastern also operate flights with connections in other Chinese cities.

Opt for 2-4 hour layovers to minimize travel time.
Use layovers to stretch, hydrate, and relax in airport lounges.
Allow extra time for security checks.
Check visa requirements if leaving the airport during a long layover.

Shanghai follows China Standard Time (CST), UTC +8. Shanghai is 13 hours ahead of New York and 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Best Time to Book Flights to Shanghai

Off-Peak Season

March to May and September to November offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Avoid the weeks around Chinese New Year, National Day (October 1-7), and major holidays.

Peak Season

Summer (June-August) is hot and humid. Chinese New Year and National Day holiday weeks see the highest prices and most crowded conditions.

Best Days to Book

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book flights, as airlines release deals early in the week.
Booking 2-4 months in advance during off-peak months and mid-week will help you secure the best deals to Shanghai.

How to Find Cheap Flight Tickets to Shanghai from USA

Book in Advance: Secure the best prices by booking 2-4 months ahead of your trip.
Be Flexible with Dates: Fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and during off-peak months for cheaper fares.
Consider Connecting Flights: Flights with layovers through Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing often cost less than direct routes.
Compare Airlines: Use Mundo Trip to compare prices across multiple carriers.
Set Price Alerts: Track fares and book when prices drop.

Things To Do in Shanghai

Walk The Bund

Stroll along the famous waterfront promenade with views of colonial-era buildings and the Pudong skyline.

Visit the Shanghai Tower

Ride to the observation deck of China's tallest building for 360-degree views of the city.

Explore the French Concession

Wander tree-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, and well-preserved European architecture.

Tour Yu Garden

Visit this classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty in the heart of the Old City.

Shop on Nanjing Road

Walk one of the world's busiest shopping streets, stretching from the Bund to People's Square.

Flights to Shanghai

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Cheap Flights to Shanghai from the USA

Top Airlines Flying from the USA to Shanghai

Book Flights to Shanghai

Main International Airport in Shanghai

Flight Time to Shanghai from USA

Best Time to Book Flights to Shanghai

How to Find Cheap Flight Tickets to Shanghai from USA

Things To Do in Shanghai

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US Cities Have Direct Flights to Shanghai?

How Far in Advance Should I Book Shanghai Flights?

What Airlines Fly Direct from the USA to Shanghai?

How Can I Get the Best Flight Deals to Shanghai?

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