Flying from Shanghai to Frankfurt: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Shanghai. Explore your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when booking your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt.
When it comes to working out where to arrive in Frankfurt, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN) are the major hubs.
12 hours 43 minutes is the average time for a direct flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. Following the UTC+1 timezone, Frankfurt is 7 hours behind Shanghai.
With 35 weekly flights between the two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt with China Eastern Airlines at 00:05. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the last departure from PVG to FRA is with Lufthansa at 23:50.
To ensure you catch your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
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 domestic departures is a smart move.
You'll need an embassy visa for Germany if you have a passport from China and are travelling for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements can be subject to change. So before you lock in those cheap flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt, check with your airline as well as the destination country's local consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Jet off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on a nonstop flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. From PVG, you can fly directly to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
Top airlines that operate direct flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt out of PVG include:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Central Shanghai to PVG is approximately 56 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 49 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
After a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Make the most of your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your bucket list. Whatever you decide to do, check out these stops between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Frankfurt:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The drive from central Shanghai to SHA typically takes 21 minutes, depending on traffic. It's around 14 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt? Kick back in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
Arriving in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to the centre of Frankfurt is about 21 minutes by car. It's approximately 14 kilometres away.
It takes roughly 37 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to FRA if you're taking a late flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN)
The centre of Frankfurt is about 121 kilometres from Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN). Once your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 1 hour and 32 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some cozy hotels to call home for the night near HHN. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Frankfurt is C$452. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$989. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To secure cheap flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt, book your trip 10 months ahead of your planned departure.
June is the cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Frankfurt. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Finding a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Frankfurt is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Play around with filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Frankfurt
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. July is the most popular month for a trip to Frankfurt. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, go in February.
Before booking a flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Frankfurt, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 28ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Frankfurt in January when temperatures average between -4ºC and 7ºC.
More about Frankfurt
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Frankfurt:
Palmengarten and Goethe House are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Frankfurt travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Frankfurt Cathedral.
Complete your Frankfurt trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Frankfurt and explore at your own pace. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.