If you’re looking for cheap flights from London to Shanghai, it’s worth considering the time of year you want to go – Shanghai’s seasons can be difficult to navigate. July and August are the hottest months of the year, while June and September are the wettest. October to November is the best time to visit Shanghai, when you can enjoy pleasant autumn temperatures and fewer crowds – and cheap flight prices. January is the coldest time to visit Shanghai, but this does increase your chances of finding a bargain.
Another way to track down cheap flights from London to Shanghai is to search by airport. You can fly from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN) or London City (LCY). Not only that, Shanghai has two airports – Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). Every week, there are around 6,517 flights from London to Shanghai, so you’re bound to find one that’s right for you.
If you don’t have a specific airport in mind, try comparing different airlines. A few airlines offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Shanghai, namely British Airways, China Eastern Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. Alternatively, you could consider indirect flights. This will give you a wider selection of airlines and airports – both in London and Shanghai – so you’ll have a better chance of finding a cheap deal.
FAQs about flights from London to Shanghai
Which airlines fly from London to Shanghai?
You can fly from London to Shanghai with a number of airlines – it just depends on your choice of airports. If you want direct flights from London to Shanghai, you’ll need to fly from Heathrow with British Airways, China Eastern Airlines or Virgin Atlantic. All direct flights land at Shanghai Pudong. Indirect flights are also available from Heathrow with Austrian Airlines, China Southern and Lufthansa, to name a few.
If you’re looking at Shanghai flights from Gatwick, your airline options include Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Qatar Airways. Emirates also offer indirect flights from Stansted, while KLM fly from London City – you’ll just need to have a stop in Amsterdam on the way.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Shanghai?
Air China, British Airways or China Southern Airlines often have the cheapest airfares.
Can I fly direct from London to Shanghai?
Yes – direct flights are available from London Heathrow to Shanghai Pudong.
Which London airport offers the cheapest direct flight to Shanghai?
Flights to Shanghai are usually cheapest from London Heathrow.
How long is the flight from London to Shanghai?
A direct flight from London to Shanghai takes just over 11 hours.
How do I get into Shanghai from Shanghai Pudong Airport?
Pudong Airport lies 30 kilometres east of Shanghai, but getting into the city is straightforward. Due to traffic, it’s best to travel by rail. You just need to take Shanghai Metro Line 2, which runs all the way from Airport Station to the city. The trains run every 8 minutes between 6am and 10pm, and a ticket costs less than £1. Alternatively, you could take a shuttle bus to the city centre – airport staff will be able to advise you on which bus is best for your hotel.
How do I get into Shanghai from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport?
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is just eight miles away from Downtown Shanghai. You could take the metro into the city, but it takes quite a while. For ease, we’d recommend either taking a shuttle bus – there are 10 different routes available – or hopping in a taxi. The cab journey to People’s Square takes about 45 minutes and shouldn’t cost any more than £12.
What are the top things to do in Shanghai?
There’s plenty to do in Shanghai. But one absolute must-do is The Bund. This riverside walkway is a living, breathing museum – expect to see everything from grand mansions to cute churches. Plus, you’ll have great views of the city’s iconic skyline. For a bird’s eye view of Shanghai, go to the top of the World Financial Centre – the fifth-tallest building in the world. And, of course, there’s Disneyland Park. Discover the magic of all six themed lands, as you zoom on the rides and meet your favourite characters.
Do I need a visa to travel to Shanghai?
British nationals need a visa to visit China. We’d suggest contacting the Chinese Embassy, or the China Visa Application Service Centre, who can guide you through the process. It’s best to start the process as soon as possible, as it can take a few weeks. You also need to make sure you have a return flight ticket booked – or an onward ticket to another destination – in order to prove that you’re planning to leave China.
