Flying from Shanghai to Chengdu: what you need to know
Many great adventures start at one of Shanghai's main airports, Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). Explore the options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Chengdu departing from either of these.
When it comes to landing in Chengdu, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is a major gateway. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is another.
Hop on a direct Shanghai to Chengdu flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 3 hours 15 minutes.
Shanghai and Chengdu share the UTC+8 timezone. This means you won't have to change your watch on arrival.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 95 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Shanghai to Chengdu is with Chengdu Airlines at 22:00. Opt for the first PVG to CTU departure with Air China at 07:30 to fit in more activities on your first day in Chengdu.
To ensure you don't miss your Shanghai to Chengdu flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months like April, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Chengdu
Score cheap Shanghai to Chengdu flights by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for picking up a bargain.
June is the best month for landing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Chengdu. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Chengdu by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Shanghai to Chengdu flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Set out from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and fly right through to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). If you're searching for a direct flight from Shanghai to Chengdu out of PVG, those are your arrival options.
Direct Shanghai to Chengdu plane tickets are available from a good range of airlines at PVG. Get on board with any of these:
The journey from central Shanghai to PVG takes around 50 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Shanghai to Chengdu? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to Shanghai Pudong Airport:
Shanghai Pudong Airport maintains a solid on-time performance, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from PVG make it to their destination as scheduled 83% of the time.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Direct flights from Shanghai to Chengdu operate out of Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA), so consider departing from this hub. SHA offers nonstop connections to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
There are multiple airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Chengdu plane tickets. Compare your options below to find the best fit for your flight from SHA:
You can reach SHA from the centre of Shanghai in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport will take roughly 40 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres or so.
Start your vacation early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu, unwind in one of these hotels close to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
Most flights that depart Shanghai Hongqiao Airport touch down at their destination as expected. It maintains a high on-time performance rate of 85%.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to central Chengdu takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 1 hour.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Shanghai to Chengdu. Check in to one of these accommodation options near TFU instead:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Once your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu has landed, you can get to the city centre in about 35 minutes by car. Central Chengdu is roughly 11 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 45 minutes or so.
After your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu, unwind at a hotel close to CTU. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
You'll find Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at Airport Expressway Entrance.
Best time to go to Chengdu
March is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Chengdu, while December is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to go to Chengdu based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Shanghai to Chengdu ticket departing in August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chengdu to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 0ºC (32ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF). Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to Chengdu around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chengdu
Start your Chengdu trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Chengdu, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Sichuan Tower of China, Jinli Street and Sichuan Museum are leading attractions which should be on any good Chengdu itinerary.
Explore more of China
Chengdu has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of China just waiting to be explored. About 193 kilometres east of Chengdu, a trip to Nanchong will keep you busy. Don't miss top attractions like Lingyun Mountain Scenic Area, Nanchong Xishan Scenic Area - Wanjuanlou Scenic Area and Sichuan Nanchong Xishan Scenic Area Qileshan Scenic Area.
If you're looking to explore another side of China, head for Tianshui, roughly 467 kilometres north of Chengdu. Qimulin Mountain, Yuquanguan Scenic Area and Tianshui Shenjin Mountain Provincial Forest Park are key reasons to visit.































