Flying from Shanghai to San Diego: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering the departure point for your flight from Shanghai to San Diego. Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's main airports.
Touch down at San Diego's primary gateway, San Diego International Airport (SAN).
San Diego's timezone is UTC-8, making San Diego 16 hours behind Shanghai.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Shanghai to San Diego flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as April, it's best to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to San Diego
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Shanghai to San Diego flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Shanghai to San Diego.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Shanghai to San Diego by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Shanghai to San Diego flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for Shanghai to San Diego flights leaving from Shanghai Pudong Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
The journey from central Shanghai to PVG takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Shanghai Pudong Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Shanghai to San Diego, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Shanghai Pudong Airport has an excellent on-time record, so you're less likely to experience disruptions. Departures from PVG arrive at their destination as scheduled 83% of the time.
The address for PVG is 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). The journey on public transport will take roughly 40 minutes to travel the 13 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Shanghai to San Diego? Relax in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport before your trip officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport are known for their punctuality, with 85% of them landing right on cue.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 15 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 25 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to San Diego, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near SAN:
Pick up a San Diego International Airport rental car and explore San Diego and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are top outlets to choose from here.
Booking your ride from San Diego International Airport about two weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
The centre of San Diego is around 48 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). As soon as your flight from Shanghai to San Diego has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 35 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
After your flight from Shanghai to San Diego, unwind at a hotel near CLD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Budget, Hertz or Avis and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Avoid filling out forms at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from CLD ahead of time so you can just grab the keys and get going.
Best time to go to San Diego
March is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to San Diego, while August is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit San Diego based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Lock in your Shanghai to San Diego ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to San Diego in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF) on average.
More about San Diego
After booking your flight from Shanghai to San Diego, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring San Diego:
San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are just two of the big attractions to put on your San Diego itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to USS Midway Museum.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited San Diego, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Travel around 177 kilometres northwest to Los Angeles to tick off its popular sights. From Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Phoenix is another favourite destination in the United States and is around 483 kilometres east of San Diego. No trip is complete without a visit to Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum.