Flying from Shanghai to Dubai: what you need to know
Shanghai has two main airports where you can kick off your trip. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Shanghai to Dubai departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Hop off your plane in Dubai at Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
9 hours 40 minutes is the average duration of a direct flight from Shanghai to Dubai. Based in the UTC+4 timezone, Dubai is 4 hours behind Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Dubai Airport (DXB) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 29 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Shanghai to Dubai is with Emirates at 23:00. Choose the first PVG to DXB departure with Emirates at 00:05 if you're more of an early bird.
For a stress-free journey, 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 board your flight from Shanghai to Dubai.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months such as July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
You will need a visa for United Arab Emirates if you have a passport from China and are visiting for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements can be subject to change. So before you book your cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai, check with your airline as well as the destination country's local embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
If you're after a direct flight from Shanghai to Dubai, you can catch one from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Fly from PVG to Dubai Airport (DXB) in one continuous trip.
When departing from PVG, you can catch a direct flight from Shanghai to Dubai with Emirates.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for flights from Shanghai to Dubai departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
To reach PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take around 49 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 56 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Planning to catch an early flight from Shanghai to Dubai? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by picking one of these stays close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Maximize your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Shanghai to Dubai. Visit friends or family or cross another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, here's where you can stop between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Dubai:
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
SHA is approximately 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. It'll take 21 minutes or so to reach the terminal driving from the city centre.
Kick off your vacation early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Shanghai to Dubai, take it easy in one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Dubai. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is about 16 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes about 49 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to DXB if you have a late flight from Shanghai to Dubai. Check in to one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is around 56 kilometres from central Dubai. After your flight from Shanghai to Dubai, allow for a drive time of approximately 45 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You can also opt for public transport, which typically takes 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to DWC. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Shanghai to Dubai:
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Dubai
Currently, C$306 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Dubai. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$547. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 8 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to secure cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai.
Schedule your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Dubai. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from checking for cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai every day.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Shanghai to Dubai. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Best time to go to Dubai
April is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Dubai, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Dubai based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Dubai is July, with the temperature ranging between 30ºC and 42ºC. Book your flights from Shanghai to Dubai in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Dubai in January when temperatures average between 14ºC and 25ºC.
More about Dubai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Dubai right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Dubai:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall Heart and Desert safari tourism are must-do's during your Dubai adventure.
Complete your Dubai trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Shanghai to Dubai isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Dubai and explore the city on your own terms. We find deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
