Flying from Chengdu to Shanghai: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the departure points for your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai. Explore your options for departing from Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), two of the city's main airports.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the primary hubs in Shanghai.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience longer lines during popular months such as July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
Once you've found cheap flights from Chengdu to Shanghai, get your travel documents ready. A visa or passport isn't necessary since you're flying within China. As long as you have another valid proof of identity, like an ID card or driver's licence, you're ready to go.
Flying from Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Direct flights from Chengdu to Shanghai frequently depart from Tianfu International Airport (TFU). TFU offers nonstop services to two Shanghai terminals, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Direct flights from Chengdu to Shanghai are available from a good selection of airlines at TFU. Book your seat with any of these:
To get to TFU from central Chengdu, it'll take about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 72 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want a leisurely start to your vacation? Stay near Tianfu International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chengdu to Shanghai or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Direct flights from Chengdu to Shanghai also operate out of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), so consider jetting off from this hub. CTU has nonstop services to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Multiple airlines have direct flights from Chengdu to Shanghai departing from CTU. Book your favourite aisle or window seat with any of these carriers and you'll get there before you realize it:
Give yourself a moment to stretch your legs during your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai with a stopover. Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) is a popular option between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Shanghai.
Driving from central Chengdu to CTU generally takes 31 minutes, depending on traffic. It's around 21 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Start your vacation early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, chill out in one of these hotels near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport:
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is roughly 56 kilometres. It'll take you about 49 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you have a late flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 21 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is approximately 14 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
After your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to SHA. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Shanghai
Currently, C$113 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chengdu to Shanghai. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$265. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
It's often best to book early if you want to get cheap flights from Chengdu to Shanghai. That's because airlines change prices based on demand, which tends to increase closer to the departure date.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when searching for your ticket from Chengdu to Shanghai.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll get notified straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you the hassle of checking for cheap flights from Chengdu to Shanghai every day.
Play around with filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Chengdu to Shanghai, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Shanghai
July is the busiest month for flights from Chengdu to Shanghai. To avoid the crowds, go to Shanghai in April.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Lock in your flights from Chengdu to Shanghai in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
Search for cheap flights from Chengdu to Shanghai in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Shanghai
After booking your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Shanghai:
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Yu Garden are just the start of the top attractions to add to your Shanghai travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Shanghai Tower.
Complete your Shanghai trip with a car rental
Explore our lineup of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Chengdu to Shanghai. Whether you want an SUV, a compact ride or even something that'll turn heads, you can compare companies in one go to find the perfect deal.