Flying from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
Shanghai is home to a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
When working out where to land in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) are the primary hubs.
A direct flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur takes on average 5 hours 38 minutes. Kuala Lumpur's timezone is UTC+8 — the same as Shanghai.
The busiest route for flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). You can choose from 165 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from PVG to KUL is the 00:10 Shanghai Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 19:20 with Shanghai Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to catch your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
You won't need a visa for Malaysia if you hold a passport from China and are travelling for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements are subject to change. So before booking your cheap flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local embassy or consulate for 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 Kuala Lumpur. From PVG, you can fly straight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Well-known carriers that have direct flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur out of PVG include:
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take around 49 minutes by car. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 56 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want a relaxed start to your vacation? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to refresh yourself with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, check out these options when heading out from Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to SHA from Shanghai's centre in about 21 minutes. The airport is roughly 14 kilometres away.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur? Check in to a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your break officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to the centre of Kuala Lumpur is around 1 hour and 3 minutes by car. It's approximately 64 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 4 hours and 29 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near KUL:
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) is about 24 kilometres from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. Following your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, expect a drive time of approximately 27 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You can also travel using public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 32 minutes.
You'll find some cozy hotels to call home for the night near SZB. Kick back after your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur at any of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur
C$159 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. A return flight starts from C$333. These fares may change based on demand.
Book 9 months before you travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur.
Organize your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have fallen. We'll let you know the moment the price changes.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. Simply enter your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. August is the busiest month to visit Kuala Lumpur. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Kuala Lumpur is March, with the temperature ranging between 21ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur in January when temperatures average between 21ºC and 32ºC.
More about Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Kuala Lumpur right here. Check out these hotels after you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur:
Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower Mini Zoo are just two of the major attractions to put on your Kuala Lumpur must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out KLCC Park.
Complete your Kuala Lumpur trip with a car rental
Browse our lineup of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. Whether you're after a compact ride, spacious sedan or something that makes a statement, you can easily compare companies in one go to find the best deal.
