Travelling from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Shanghai: what you need to know
The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8. The city is 13 hours ahead of Washington DC, where Washington Dulles International Airport is located.
Leave plenty of time to make your IAD to Shanghai flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as June, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during high season in general.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing for plane tickets from IAD to Shanghai, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
The journey from central Washington DC to IAD takes about 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a hotel near IAD? If you're boarding an early flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
77% of flights taking off from Washington Dulles International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
You'll find IAD at 1 Saarinen Circle.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Shanghai
C$722 is currently the best price for a one-way Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai flight. Return plane tickets start from C$1,242. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
To pick up cheap flights from IAD to Shanghai, book in advance. Airlines typically offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai throughout the month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Snapping up a cheap flight from IAD to Shanghai couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a cheaper option becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes around 50 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai. Book one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks in advance of your flight from IAD to Shanghai. If you're going away during a busy period, book even earlier to get the best possible rate.
The address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
The centre of Shanghai is about 14 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). After your flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 30 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 40 minutes.
There are some great places to call home for the night near SHA. Kick back and get cozy after your IAD to Shanghai flight at one of these well-located options:
Lock in the vehicle you want, not just whatever's left, by securing your ride from SHA before your arrival. You'll also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially when the airport is busy.
The address for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
It's time to work out your dates for your flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai. February is the busiest month to visit Shanghai. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in December.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Book your Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from IAD to Shanghai around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Shanghai right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Shanghai:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are essential stops on your Shanghai itinerary.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of China you should also see. About 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a trip to Nanjing will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
If you're interested in discovering another major stop in China, head for Puyang, about 241 kilometres southwest of Shanghai. Xuanlushan Scenic Area, Xianhua Mountain and Minsheng Flower Sea are highlights.