Cheap Flights to Shanghai from the UK
Best student & youth fares right now to Shanghai
Take a look at our below fares for the best flights to Shanghai right now. We update these every single day, so do keep checking back!
Student flights from the UK to Shanghai
If you’re going to Shanghai, you should know it is the most populated city in the entire world, and the chances for adventure in a place like this are endless.
Its many cocktail bars rival the likes of London and New York, it’s home to the world’s second-largest skyscraper and the food scene is not to be missed. So it’s a lucky thing that flights to Shanghai for students are low right now.
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What are the main Shanghai airports, and how do I get from them to central Shanghai?
Shanghai has two main airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both of which are served by a multitude of transport options into central Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Pudong International Airport is located around 19 miles east of central Shanghai and has a number of transport options for you to choose from. Take an airport shuttle, the Metro, a bus, a cab or the high-speed Maglev Train (the first in the world). Depending on where you’re travelling within the city the cost of your journey can vary from 2 to 30 CNY.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Lying only eight miles west of central Shanghai is Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. At this airport you can find the following transport options: airport shuttle and public buses, taxis, car rental and the Metro lines 2 and 10. A single ticket price from the airport into central Shanghai using the Metro can cost between 3 and 9 CNY.
How to fly from the UK to Shanghai
Flying to Shanghai from anywhere in the UK couldn’t be easier. You can get a direct flight from London Heathrow (LHR) straight into Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Or enjoy a stop-over when flying from other main UK airports. Air China, British Airways, China Eastern, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic are just some of the airlines that we partner with on flights to Shanghai. Want to see what’s on offer? Just use the search box above to find out.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from London Heathrow (LHR)
Average flight duration
11 hours, 30 minutes
Number of weekly flights
There are 58 (direct) flights from London Heathrow and Shanghai Pudong per week. This averages to around 8 per day..
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Manchester (MAN)
Average flight duration
13 hours, 30 minutes
Number of daily flights
No direct flights, but flights to connecting destinations depart daily.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Edinburgh (EDI)
Average flight duration
15 hours, 40 minutes
Number of daily flights
No direct flights, but flights to connecting destinations depart daily.
When is the best time to fly to Shanghai?
Shanghai is split into four very distinct seasons and it’s worth visiting at any time of the year. But due to it’s grey and cold winters and hot, sticky and rainy summers, your best bet would be to visit during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the busier and more expensive (yet fun) times to visit Shanghai will fall around popular festivals and public holidays. These include, but are not limited to, Chinese New Year (January/ February), the Cherry Blossom Festival (March/April), Qingming Festival (April), Dragon Boat Festival (June) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September).
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the UK to Shanghai?
Prices based on bookings made 30-60 DAYS days prior to departure.
Why do British students love visiting Shanghai?
Shanghai, although not obvious to everyone, is a great spot for students to visit on a trip to China. There is so much to see, do and eat on a student budget, making it a great student friendly destination.
Shanghai universities and campuses
Studying abroad in China may not be the typical choice for British students. But it is an option to be taken seriously. Especially when it comes to studying abroad in Shanghai. The city is a major hub for higher education in China and is home to some of the most prestigious schools in the country.
Some of the top universities in Shanghai that accept British students include Fudan University, East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiaotong University.
Shanghai lifestyle and culture
Shanghai is not only the most populous city in Asia but also in the world. For those who have not visited Shanghai before you’ll discover it’s a real East-meets-West experience. This fusion and juxtaposition between cultures are clearly apparent when exploring the city. One minute you’ll be walking among glamorous shopping malls and skyscrapers. And the next minute you’ll find yourself amongst Buddhist temples or experiencing traditional Chinese culture in the Old City.
Exploring Shanghai on a student budget
Shanghai is home to luxurious hotels and expensive restaurants. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore Shanghai on a student on a budget. In fact, it’s pretty easy to do so. Swap pricey accommodation for a budget hotel or hostel. And opt for meals in local restaurants if you want to save money when eating out.
There are also heaps of activities that you can take part in for free whilst in Shanghai. Take a walk along the Bund to capture the complete view of Shanghai’s skyline. Visit one of the cities free museums; Rockbund Art Museum for art lovers, Shanghai Natural History museum for dinosaur and fossil lovers and the Shanghai Museum is the perfect spot for the culture vultures among you.
Frequently asked questions about flying from the UK to Shanghai
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