Travelling from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Shanghai: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 12 hours 35 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai.
Shanghai is eight hours ahead of London, where London Gatwick Airport is located. Shanghai runs on the UTC+8 timezone.
With 18 weekly flights between the two airports, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route. China Eastern Airlines operates the earliest flight at 10:30. If you prefer to make the most of your day before flying, the last departure from LGW to PVG is with China Eastern Airlines at 19:00.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your LGW to Shanghai flight.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai ticket. Begin your journey at LGW and end it at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
China Eastern Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai.
We make it simple to book flight tickets from LGW to Shanghai with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
LGW is around 40 kilometres from central London. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 1 hour 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 30 minutes.
Booked an early flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to LGW:
69.26% of flights that leave from London Gatwick Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Shanghai
C$484 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai flight. A return flight ticket right now is C$793. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from LGW to Shanghai if you book ahead. Airlines often have some great early bird rates.
Landing cheap tickets from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai is more likely if you're flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to access the lowest prices throughout the month and pick up an incredible deal.
Finding a cheap flight from LGW to Shanghai is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Save money on your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is around 56 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel near PVG if you're coming in on a late flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai. Choose one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car and explore parts of Shanghai that aren't on every traveller's list. Browse the options available from Hertz.
Reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks in advance of your flight from LGW to Shanghai. If you're planning to travel during a peak period, book even earlier to secure the best deal.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is roughly 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. Once you've hopped off your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
There are some comfortable places to drop your things at near SHA. Settle in and get cozy after your LGW to Shanghai flight at any of these well-located options:
Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and set off toward new discoveries with your own wheels. Hertz is just moments from baggage claim, so you can hit the road without delay.
Get your preferred vehicle, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from SHA ahead of time. You can also avoid paying more than you have to, especially when the airport is busy.
You can find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
Before booking your flights from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Shanghai offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season brings cheaper deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Lock in your London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from LGW to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Shanghai right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Yu Garden, The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Shanghai Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Shanghai.
Explore more of China
You've visited Shanghai, now it's time to explore other parts of China. Journey about 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to tick off its must-visit sights. From Nanjing City Wall to Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and Xuanwu Lake, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 241 kilometres south-west of Shanghai, Puyang is another essential stop in China. Experience major highlights starting with Denggao Lansheng Building, Baozhang Yougu Scenic Area and 元宝山探险乐园.