Flights to Shanghai

  • Best fares
  • Student flights
  • Cheapest time to book
  • How to fly
  • Why visit?
  • FAQs

Best student & youth fares right now to Shanghai

Want to know how much it’ll cost you to fly to Shanghai? Take a look at the fares below to see some of our best deals right now. They’re updated every day so keep your eyes peeled!

Student flights from Canada to Shanghai

It’s the most populated city in the world, home to a historic port, full of traditional Chinese culture and it’s a financial and educational hub. Shanghai really has the possibility of endless adventures for everyone who travels here!

Lose yourself among the ancient streets of the Old City or grab a drink at one of the many cocktail bars that rival the likes of New York or London. If you’ve got time, catch a glimpse of the Shanghai Tower, the second-largest skyscraper in the world. (It’s nearly twice as tall as the Eiffel Tower!)

Looking to book your vacation to Shanghai right now? Just use the box above to search for our best flight deals right now. While you’re at it, why not sign up to become a member? Absolutely free. You’ll get exclusive promo codes and even more deals with us.

map of Shanghai showing major airports

What are the main Shanghai airport hubs?

If you’re flying into Shanghai, be aware that there are two main airports that serve the city: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both airports are well served by a multitude of transport options that can take you into central Shanghai.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

You’ll find Shanghai Pudong International Airport only 19 miles east of central Shanghai. To get into the central parts of the city, there's a number of available transportation options. These include an airport shuttle, the Metro, a bus, a cab or the high-speed Maglev Train, which is the first in the world. Journeys to central Shanghai can cost between 2-30 CNY ($0.30-$6) depending on the mode of transport you choose.

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is a mere 8 miles west of Shanghai, making it quick and easy to get into the city center. You can do so via an airport shuttle, public bus, taxi, car rental or via Metro lines 2 and 10. A single journey to or from the airport can cost between 3-9 CNY (less than $1).

How to fly from Canada to Shanghai

If you’re heading to Shanghai on holiday, home from university classes or for studying abroad, you've got plenty of options. If you're flying from Vancouver or Toronto, you can even score a direct flight! China may be a long way from Canada, but we have loads of airline partners to get you there asap and with a student discount. Our most popular airline partners who fly to Shanghai include Air China, Air Canada, China Eastern and more. Want to see what we have from your hometown? Use the search box above to find out.

Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Vancouver / YVR

Average flight duration

12 hours 10 minutes


Number of weekly flights

about 2 nonstop flights daily.

Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Toronto / YYZ

Average flight duration

14 hours 55 minutes


Number of weekly flights

about 2 nonstop flights daily.

Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Ottawa / YOW

Average flight duration

20 hours +


Number of weekly flights

no nonstop flights but connecting flights daily.

Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Calgary / YYC

Average flight duration

16 hours 40 minutes+


Number of weekly flights

no nonstop flights, but connecting flights daily.

When is the best time to fly to Shanghai?

Shanghai is well worth a visit at any time of year. But if you want to avoid the extremes of winter (grey and cold) and summer (hot, sticky and rainy), plan your trip for the spring or fall months.

You'll find that traveling at certain times of the year will be more expensive and a lot busier, so keep that in mind. Some of the events and festivals to be aware of include Chinese New Year (January/ February), the Cherry Blossom Festival (March/April), Qingming Festival (April), Dragon Boat Festival (June) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September). Visiting the festivals can be an amazing experience, but you’ll also experience more crowds.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from Canada to Shanghai?

Avgprice JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDate of search $700$800$900$1000$1100$1200$1300$1400$1500$1600$1700

Prices are in CAD and based on bookings made 60-90 days prior to departure.

Why do Canadian students love visiting Shanghai?

Shanghai is a super student-friendly destination in China. Besides being full of culture and history, you’ll find there is so much to see, do and eat in the city that won’t break the bank.


Shanghai universities and campuses

Shanghai universities and campuses

There are many great reasons for Canadian students to study abroad in Shanghai. You may not have Shanghai at the top of your study abroad list yet, but it should definitely be considered a contender. Shanghai is a major higher education hub in the country and is home to some of the most prestigious schools within China. Many of these universities accept Canadian students for a study abroad experience.

Some of the top universities in Shanghai that accept Canadian students include Fudan University, East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiaotong University. Many Canadian schools have exchange programmes with universities in China, so ask your home uni for more information about what might be available to you or see if your university participates in the Canadian Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) programme.


Shanghai lifestyle and culture

Shanghai lifestyle and culture

A visit to Shanghai is a real East-meets-West experience. One day you could find yourself wandering among Buddist Temples and learning more about traditional Chinese culture in the Old City. The next day you could find yourself atop one of Shanghai's many sprawling skyscrapers or shopping at one of the city's luxury malls. It’s the most populated city in Asia (and the world!) and with that comes a great fusion of lifestyles and cultures.


Exploring Shnaghai on a student budget

Exploring Shanghai on a student budget

Student-friendly may not be a term you associate with Shanghai at first glance. But fear not! Mixed among the luxury hotels and pricey restaurants you’ll find budget accommodation options and cheap, local restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

And if you’re looking for activities that won’t break the bank, you’ll find those in Shanghai too. The Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai Natural History Museum and the Shanghai Museum are just a few examples of the museums in Shanghai that you can visit for free. Or why not opt for a walk along the famous Bund and experience stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline?

Frequently asked questions about flying from Canada to Shanghai

Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?

What time zone is Shanghai and how does it compare to Canada?