Travelling from Shanghai to Los Angeles: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Shanghai. Explore your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when reserving your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles.
When working out where to arrive in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are the major entry points.
The average time for a direct flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles is 11 hours 43 minutes. Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-7, making Los Angeles 15 hours behind Shanghai.
The busiest route for flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Take your pick of 17 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off first thing, the earliest flight from PVG to LAX is the 13:05 China Eastern Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 20:25 with United Airlines.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're travelling during high season, so give yourself a little extra breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
To visit United States for tourism purposes, you'll need an embassy visa if you have a passport from China. However, visa rules are subject to change and other documentation may be needed depending on the duration and purpose of your stay. Always check the most recent guidelines before booking your cheap flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Start your trip at PVG and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
China Eastern Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles departing from PVG.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even explore another city. When searching for flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Haneda Airport (HND)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take about 49 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 56 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
After a leisurely start to your break? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Split up your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles with a stop so you can freshen up or tick a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Los Angeles include:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Haneda Airport (HND)
SHA is roughly 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. It'll take 21 minutes or so to reach the airport driving from the city centre.
You're going on vacation, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles:
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 32 kilometres. It'll take you around 32 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey of around 54 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near LAX:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Once your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 34 minutes by car. Central Los Angeles is approximately 32 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
You can also travel by public transport, which will take roughly 1 hour and 41 minutes.
There are some comfortable hotels ready to welcome you near VNY. Unwind after your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles
Right now, C$575 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Los Angeles. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$1,026. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book 9 months before your departure date. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles.
The cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Los Angeles is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Los Angeles couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has fallen.
Use filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by departure and arrival times, airline, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
It's time to figure out your trip dates for your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles. July is the most popular month to travel to Los Angeles. If you want a quieter vibe, go in May.
Before you book a flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles, think about the kind of weather you like. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 32ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Los Angeles right here. Check out these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are highlights which should be on every Los Angeles itinerary.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Los Angeles, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.