Flying from Shanghai to Beijing: what you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of Shanghai's main airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Check out your options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Beijing jetting off from either of these.
When it comes to arriving in Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is a primary hub. Another is Daxing International Airport (PKX).
On average, direct flights from Shanghai to Beijing take 2 hours 23 minutes. Beijing and Shanghai are in the same timezone (UTC+8), so you won't have to adjust your watch when you arrive.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 49 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Shanghai to Beijing is with China Southern Airlines at 22:10. Go for the first PVG to PEK departure operated by China Southern Airlines at 07:20 if you want to get going early.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to catch your flight from Shanghai to Beijing.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
Once you've found cheap flights from Shanghai to Beijing, get your travel documents in order. A visa or passport isn't needed since you're flying within China. As long as you have another valid form of identification, like a driver's licence or an ID card, you're ready to go.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Beijing leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Set out from PVG, and then make your arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX).
A good selection of airlines at PVG operate direct flights from Shanghai to Beijing. They include:
We make it simple to plan a flight from Shanghai to Beijing that includes a stopover. To see your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Yantai Laishan International Airport (YNT)
Weihai International Airport (WEH)
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take about 49 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 56 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
In search of a convenient hotel near Shanghai Pudong International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Shanghai to Beijing, these stays will have you moments from your departure lounge:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Want a direct flight from Shanghai to Beijing departing from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)? Here's the great news — you can fly nonstop from SHA to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX).
When departing from SHA, you can pick from a good range of airlines that fly nonstop to your destination. Book a seat on a direct flight from Shanghai to Beijing with one of these options:
Break up your flight from Shanghai to Beijing with a stop so you can freshen up or cross another place off your list. Some top stopovers between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Beijing include:
Yantai Laishan International Airport (YNT)
Weihai International Airport (WEH)
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)
SHA is around 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. It takes 21 minutes or so to reach the airport driving from the city centre.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before boarding your flight from Shanghai to Beijing? Relax in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your vacation officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
Arriving in Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to central Beijing is approximately 31 kilometres. It'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Shanghai to Beijing. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PEK instead:
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
As soon as your flight from Shanghai to Beijing has landed, you can reach the city centre in around 1 hour and 3 minutes by car. Central Beijing is roughly 56 kilometres from Daxing International Airport (PKX).
After your flight from Shanghai to Beijing, tuck yourself in at a hotel near PKX. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Beijing
Right now, C$123 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Beijing. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$239. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 9 months before you travel. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap flights from Shanghai to Beijing.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Beijing. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Finding a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Beijing couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Shanghai to Beijing.
Best time to go to Beijing
February is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Beijing, while July is the busiest. Find the ideal time to go to Beijing based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before you book a flight from Shanghai to Beijing, think about the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Beijing, with the temperature ranging from 21ºC to 35ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to Beijing in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between -11ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Beijing
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Beijing right here. Explore these options once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Beijing:
Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are just the start of the leading attractions to add to your Beijing travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Tiananmen Square.
Complete your Beijing trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Shanghai to Beijing to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Beijing, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.