Travelling from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Shanghai. Check out your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when booking your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur.
Step off your plane in Kuala Lumpur at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).
Around 5 hours 35 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur flight.
Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur follow the same timezone, UTC+8.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 49 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur is with China Eastern Airlines at 19:15. Go for the first PVG to KUL departure with Shanghai Airlines at 00:10 to make the most of your arrival in Kuala Lumpur.
To ensure you catch your Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak month like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur
Book two months before you want to travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur flights.
May is the best month for nabbing an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's a better deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, you can leave from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Get from PVG to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in one continuous trip.
Leading airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur plane tickets from PVG include:
We make it a breeze to book a Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it takes about 50 minutes if you're going by car. It's roughly 32 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
After a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, data shows 78.11% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Break up your Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur flight with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some great stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Kuala Lumpur include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
You can get to SHA from the centre of Shanghai in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport will take roughly 40 minutes to travel the 13 kilometres or so.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, unwind in one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has a reputation for reliability and timeliness. 86% of flights out of here keep to their planned arrival schedule.
The street address for SHA is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
The distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 1 hour.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. Stay at one of these accommodation options near KUL instead:
Grab a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car and discover Kuala Lumpur and beyond with your own wheels. ASIA CAR, Paradise and GoSoCar are well-known companies you can book with here.
Reserving your ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport around four weeks in advance can help you get the best possible rate.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
The centre of Kuala Lumpur is approximately 16 kilometres from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). Once your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 25 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near SZB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur:
Sixt, WAHDAH and Agtran make collecting a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Snap up the best price by booking your ride from SZB one week in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
It's time to choose your dates for your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur. August is the most popular month for a trip to Kuala Lumpur. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in February.
Before locking in your Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur tickets, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Kuala Lumpur, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Kuala Lumpur right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square and Central Market Cultural Performances are must-visits when exploring Kuala Lumpur.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kota Bharu is just one of the many cities in Malaysia waiting to be explored after you've seen Kuala Lumpur. Around 338 kilometres to the north, popular attractions include Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan.
Have time for another stop? Set off for Kampung Baru Subang. It's located about 18 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur and home to highlights like Simflightkl.