When planning your London to Shanghai flights, it's important to consider all costs, not just the ticket price. Think about transportation to and from the airports, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you might need. By factoring in these expenses, you can budget accurately and make smart choices, ensuring you get the best deals and save money.
London to Shanghai: Departure from London Airports
London offers convenient flight options to Shanghai from several airports. Airlines such as British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Wizz Air, and Air China operate flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Luton Airports, providing travellers with a choice of departure points. After checking the transportation details and flight prices, you can compare and choose the most suitable departure point according to your preference and convenience.
Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.
| Main Transportation Options to LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £49.00 |
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Shanghai (SHA)
When comparing London-Shanghai flight prices in November 2024, there is only a negligible price difference among the three London airports. The lowest price is £212 from London Luton Airport, while the highest price is £264.50 from London Heathrow Airport.
| Flight to Shanghai from London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| Heathrow (LHR-PVG) | £259.00 | £5.50 | £264.50 |
| Gatwick (LGW-PVG) | £222.00 | £8.00 | £230.00 |
| Luton (LTN-PVG) | £207.00 | £5.00 | £212.00 |
*Based on flight prices in November 2024, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.
London to Shanghai: Arrival at Shanghai Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of the busiest airports in China and the main international airport in Shanghai, offering a wide range of flights from around the world. The airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, both serving domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 provides a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities for travellers to enjoy during their time at the airport. Terminal 2 offers a modern and spacious environment with a great selection of duty-free shops, dining options, and car rental services. The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to downtown is about 33km, by taxi about 50 minutes.
London to Shanghai: Airline Deals
Several airlines, such as China Southern Airlines, Wizz Air, Hainan Airlines, and Air China, offer low-cost flights from London to Shanghai on Trip.com. Low-cost airlines typically offer competitive prices, but may depart from suburban airports and do not always include free checked baggage.
Reviews of airlines servicing London-Shanghai
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Shanghai?
In November 2024, Wizz Air and Hainan Airlines offer the cheapest overall option at £212 (LTN-PVG), while Air China provides the cheapest direct flight at £313 (LGW-PVG).
| Flight to Shanghai | China Southern Airlines | Wizz Air, Hainan Airlines | Air China |
| Route | LGW - PVG | LTN - PVG | LGW - PVG |
| flight tickets | £242 | £207 | £305 |
| transportation to airports | £8.00 | £5.00 | £8.00 |
| Total | £250 (3h 55m in Zhengzhou) | £212 (Self-transfer) | £313 (Cheapest direct) |
*Based on flight prices in November 2024, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Shanghai?
Let's have a closer look at the actual costs you may incur when flying from London to Shanghai. While budget airlines may initially offer the cheapest flight tickets, it's important to consider the overall costs. Surprisingly, China Southern Airlines actually provides the lowest price at £249.68, followed by Wizz Air, Hainan Airlines at £290.20. Air China at £312.78 (Cheapest Nonstop Flights). By selecting the appropriate flights, a family of four can potentially save over £250 on their travel expenses.
| Flight to Shanghai | China Southern Airlines | Wizz Air, Hainan Airlines | Air China |
| Route | LGW - PVG | LTN - PVG | LGW - PVG |
| flight tickets | £241.68 | £206.90 | £304.78 |
| transportation to airports | £8.00 | £5.00 | £8.00 |
| check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg) | Free (1×23kg) | 1st £78.30 (1×20kg) 2nd Free (1×23kg) | Free (1×23kg) |
| Seat reservation | Free | Free | Free |
| Total | £249.68 (3h 55m in Zhengzhou) | £290.20 (2 stops in Budapest, Shenzhen) | £312.78 (Cheapest direct) |
*Based on flight prices in November 2024, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
London to Shanghai: Flight Search & Book Flights
London to Shanghai: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule
| Cheapest one-way flight price | £256 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £420 |
| Off-season travel month | May |
| Peak season for travel | June |
| Flight distance | 9,203.98km |
| Average flight time | 11 hours 47 minutes |
| Popular airline | Air China |
CA630
Air China
20:45
LGW
14:50
PVG
-M-W-F-CA552
Air China
20:45
LGW
14:50
PVG
-M-W-F-MU552
China Eastern Airlines
21:20
LHR
15:40
PVG
SMTWTFSMU202
China Eastern Airlines
11:35
LGW
05:55
PVG
SMTWTFSMU214
China Eastern Airlines
17:00
LGW
12:25
PVG
SMTWTFSCA848
Air China
11:15
LGW
05:45
PVG
SMTWTFSIB3777
Iberia
12:10
LHR
07:55
PVG
SMTWTFSBA169
British Airways
12:10
LHR
07:55
PVG
SMTWTFSCZ7226
China Southern Airlines
12:15
LHR
09:10
PVG
SMTWTFS
London to Shanghai: Cheapest Time to Book Flights
Choosing the best time to book flights for the Shanghai to London route can be influenced by several factors. Generally, it is recommended to book your Shanghai to London flights in advance to secure better deals and availability. This is especially true if you wish to travel in peak season, for example, Chinese New Year, summer, National Day holiday, and school holidays. As a rule of thumb, aim to book your tickets at least 2–3 months before your desired travel dates. Additionally, consider avoiding peak travel seasons or holidays when prices tend to be higher. Monitoring flight prices regularly and setting up price alerts can also help you snag the best deals.
This table can help you plan your trip by showing the most affordable months to fly. March offers the cheapest flights, while September is the most expensive. By choosing your travel dates wisely, you can save a significant amount on airfare.
| Month in 2025 | Cheapest London to Shanghai flight tickets |
| January | £414 |
| February | £412 |
| March | £411 |
| April | £468 |
| May | £419 |
| June | £419 |
| July | £501 |
| August | £497 |
| September | £700 |
London to Shanghai: Discover Shanghai
Perched on the eastern coast of China, flights to Shanghai are sought after all year round. This dynamic city has become a major tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Offering an enticing mix of towering skyscrapers, ancient temples, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse culinary scene, it’s no surprise that so many people flock to the city. And with a variety of airlines providing affordable flights to Shanghai from around the world, there’s never been a better time to add it to your travel itinerary.
Shanghai’s skyline, featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, showcases its modernity and rapid development. However, the city also offers a glimpse into its rich history with attractions such as the Bund, a picturesque waterfront area, and the Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. For those interested in culture and history, the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum are must-visits, displaying an impressive array of artefacts and contemporary art. Meanwhile, food enthusiasts can savour the city's renowned street food and upscale dining options, making Shanghai a true haven for gourmets. Whether you’re seeking a cosmopolitan adventure or a cultural exploration, Shanghai has something for everyone, making it a destination worth discovering.
Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Shanghai
After booking your flights, focus on finding accommodation and local transport in Shanghai. Search for affordable hotels, hostels, or rentals near major attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer various options for different budgets. Trip.com's Travel Guides can also give useful tips on where to stay and what to do. Think about the costs and convenience of public transport, taxis, or car rentals for getting around. Planning ahead can help you save money and make your trip easier.
Recommended Hotels in Shanghai [2024]
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Discover Dining and Entertainment in Shanghai
To enjoy Shanghai without spending too much, check out the local food and entertainment. Visit markets, street food stalls, and affordable restaurants to enjoy authentic Chinese dishes without overspending. Many attractions like museums and historical sites offer discounts or free entry on certain days, so it's good to check their schedules. You can also enjoy free or cheap activities like visiting parks, taking walking tours, and exploring the city's lively neighbourhoods. By keeping an eye on your budget, you can have a fun and affordable trip to Shanghai.
Forecast weather and best time to visit Shanghai
Shanghai experiences a temperate climate, making it pleasant to visit throughout the year. However, the most popular time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These times offer a great balance between comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Additionally, certain events like the Shanghai International Film Festival in June and the Shanghai Tourism Festival in September make these months particularly vibrant in Shanghai. Ultimately, it's recommended to consider your preferred weather conditions and the activities you wish to partake in when deciding the best time for your visit.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Airfare (￡) | Average Hotel Price (￡) | Important Holiday |
| January | 1 ~ 8 | 414 | 100 | New Year's Day |
| February | 3 ~ 10 | 412 | 120 | Chinese New Year |
| March | 7 ~ 14 | 411 | 110 | International Women's Day |
| April | 12 ~ 20 | 468 | 130 | Qingming Festival |
| May | 17 ~ 25 | 419 | 140 | Labor Day |
| June | 22 ~ 28 | 419 | 150 | Dragon Boat Festival |
| July | 26 ~ 33 | 501 | 160 | None |
| August | 20 ~ 29 | 497 | 150 | Qixi Festival |
| September | 21 ~ 28 | 700 | 140 | Mid-Autumn Festival |
| October | 16 ~ 23 | 368 | 130 | National Day |
| November | 9 ~ 17 | 369 | 120 | Singles' Day |
| December | 3 ~ 11 | 376 | 110 | Winter Solstice |
Note:
- Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
- Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
- Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
- Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Shanghai, with prices ranging from £6 to £100.