Cheapest time to fly to Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
The best deals on flights to Shanghai will vary throughout the year, but the demand for direct flights to Shanghai Pudong airport peaks during the spring, and once again in the autumn. Look for cheap flights to Shanghai in the summer and winter to get the cheapest deals. Last-minute flights can offer amazing prices, so why not search around the Chinese New Year to experience Shanghai in full celebration mode.
Flying to Shanghai Pudong PVG
Shanghai Pudong airport handles a lot of passenger traffic on its four runways and two passenger terminals. It is located just 20 miles from the city. Direct flights to Shanghai Pudong airport are offered by Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and China Eastern Airlines from London Heathrow. Indirect flights to Shanghai Pudong are also available from other UK airports like Manchester with airlines such as AirFrance, China Southern Airlines, and KLM.
On arrival and getting around PVG
Purpose built highways connect Shanghai Pudong’s two passenger terminals, and free shuttle buses run regularly between them – making getting between the two terminals speedy and simple. The vast terminal buildings are full of shops and cafes that are open until 11pm, and there are plenty of seating areas. However, make sure you arrive in plenty of time to catch your flight as there have known to be long security checks before boarding.
Getting to the city from the airport
There are abundant transport options available to take you from Shanghai Pudong Airport to the city. One of the cheapest options is to take the Metro Line 2 from the airport into the city centre – you can get all the way to People’s Square in just over an hour. Nine different shuttle buses will take you to various destinations across the city – if you know exactly where you are going they can be very convenient. For a different experience you could plump for the high-speed Maglev Train which will get you to Longyang Road metro station in just eight minutes. From Longyang Road you can take Metro Lines 2, 7 or 16.
Don't forget before you fly
If your 2024 / 2025holiday in Shanghai is for longer than six days, you will need to apply for a visa from the Chinese Embassy, and you need to make sure that you have return flights or onwards flights booked. If you are looking at last minute flights, you are best contacting the China Visa Application Service Centre for assistance. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi – remember to exchange your pounds before you leave.
