Flying from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro: what you need to know
Shanghai has two main airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro flying out of Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Touch down at Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG), the chief entry point to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro's timezone is UTC-3, making Rio de Janeiro 11 hours behind Shanghai.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues in popular months like April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in every month when looking for your plane ticket from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Shanghai Pudong Airport. Break up the journey at one of these airports:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
PVG is around 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're catching a taxi, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
After an easy start to your trip? Stay near Shanghai Pudong Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
83% of flights leaving Shanghai Pudong Airport arrive at their destination according to schedule. Given its impressive on-time stats, disruptions are unlikely when jetting out of PVG.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
You can reach SHA from the centre of Shanghai in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes to travel the 13 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro, unwind in one of these hotels close to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport have a track record for punctuality, with 85% of them landing within the expected time frame.
The address for SHA is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) to central Rio de Janeiro takes around 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near GIG:
Pick up a Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport rental car and discover Rio de Janeiro and beyond with your own wheels. Foco, Localiza and Movida are leading providers you can book with here.
For the lowest price, book your ride from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport about four weeks ahead of your Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
The centre of Rio de Janeiro is about 2 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). After your flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 10 minutes.
The journey will take about 20 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to SDU. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro:
Foco, Localiza and Movida make picking up a Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from SDU three weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
March is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro, while December is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to visit Rio de Janeiro based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
The warmest month in Rio de Janeiro is February, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 36ºC (97ºF). Lock in your Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF) on average.
More about Rio de Janeiro
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Rio de Janeiro, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Rio de Janeiro:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Ipanema Beach are attractions you won't want to skip in Rio de Janeiro.
Explore more of Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of Brazil waiting to be discovered. About 354 kilometres west of Rio de Janeiro, a visit to Sao Paulo will keep your itinerary busy. Don't miss top attractions like Ibirapuera Park, Av. Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo.
Around 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte is another essential stop in Brazil. Experience major highlights starting with Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis.