Flights to Shanghai
Best student & youth fares right now to Shanghai
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Student flights from the USA 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 almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building!)
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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-$4) 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 the USA to Shanghai
If you're heading to Shanghai on your vacation, flying from the USA couldn't be easier. Whether you book a nonstop or a connecting flight to Shanghai just depends on where your local airport is. Our airline partners who fly to Shanghai include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, 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 New York City (NYC)
Average flight duration
14 hours 15 minutes
Number of weekly flights
64+ (nonstop) flights weekly.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Chicago (ORD)
Average flight duration
14 hours 30 minutes
Number of weekly flights
11+ (nonstop) weekly flights.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Los Angeles (LAX)
Average flight duration
13 hours 45 minutes nonstop
Number of weekly flights
21+ (nonstop) weekly flights.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Boston (BOS)
Average flight duration
14 hours 40 minutes
Number of weekly flights
6+ (nonstop) weekly flights.
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 the USA to Shanghai?
Prices based on bookings made 30-60 days prior to departure.
Why do American 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
There are many great reasons for American 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 American students for a study abroad experience.
Some of the top universities in Shanghai that accept American students include Fudan University, East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiaotong University.
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 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 the USA to Shanghai
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