Flying from Chicago to Shanghai: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering the departure point for your flight from Chicago to Shanghai. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the main airports in Chicago.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct flight from Chicago to Shanghai is 14 hours 30 minutes. Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, making Shanghai 13 hours ahead of Chicago.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Shanghai is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). There are 7 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off first thing, the earliest flight from ORD to PVG is the 10:05 United Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 10:05 with United Airlines.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your flight from Chicago to Shanghai. As a general rule, turn up 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 August and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
If you hold a passport from United States, you'll need an embassy visa to enter China. This applies if you're booking a cheap flight from Chicago to Shanghai for tourism purposes. Requirements may be different if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always check the visa rules before you book and definitely before flying.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're after a direct flight from Chicago to Shanghai, you can catch one from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Get from ORD to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in one continuous trip.
United Airlines is a leading airline that operates direct flights from Chicago to Shanghai departing from ORD.
We make it easy to book a flight from Chicago to Shanghai that includes a stopover. To see your options departing from O'Hare International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
ORD is about 40 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be approximately 54 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Shanghai, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Split up your flight from Chicago to Shanghai with a stop so you can recharge or cross another place off your list. Some great stopovers between O'Hare International Airport and Shanghai are:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 46 minutes. The airport is roughly 19 kilometres away, and making the trip by car will take approximately 21 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Shanghai? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is approximately 56 kilometres. It'll take you around 49 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Reserve a hotel close to PVG if you're taking a late flight from Chicago to Shanghai. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is about 14 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. Once you've hopped off your flight from Chicago to Shanghai, expect a drive time of approximately 21 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
After your flight from Chicago to Shanghai, unwind at a hotel near SHA. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Shanghai
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Shanghai is C$715. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$1,232. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
It's usually smart to book early if you want to get cheap flights from Chicago to Shanghai. That's because airlines adjust prices based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
Getting cheap flights from Chicago to Shanghai is easier if you're flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to see the best prices across each month and bag a great deal.
Create a Price Alert for cheap flights from Chicago to Shanghai. There's no need to search every day to see if fares have dropped. We'll notify you when there's a change in price.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Chicago to Shanghai.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Shanghai, while July is the busiest. Figure out the best time to go to Shanghai based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Schedule your flight from Chicago to Shanghai for August if you'd like to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Chicago to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC and 10ºC.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Shanghai right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Chicago to Shanghai:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are essential stops on your Shanghai itinerary.
Complete your Shanghai trip with a car rental
Explore our lineup of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Chicago to Shanghai. Whether you're after an economy ride, a standard vehicle or something with all the extras, you can compare companies in one go to find the best deal.