Travelling from Frankfurt to Shanghai: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN) are Frankfurt's main airports.
Touch down in Shanghai at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Jump on a direct Frankfurt to Shanghai flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 11 hours 30 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai seven hours ahead of Frankfurt.
With 22 weekly flights between the two airports, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines at 13:35. If you prefer to make the most of your day before leaving, the latest flight from FRA to PVG is with Lufthansa at 20:55.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Frankfurt to Shanghai flight.
Travelling during a peak month like April? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai
Get cheap Frankfurt to Shanghai flights by booking three months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Frankfurt to Shanghai. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Frankfurt to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai, you can leave from Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Get from FRA to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in one seamless trip.
Choose from a range of carriers offering direct Frankfurt to Shanghai plane tickets with departures from FRA, including:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing Frankfurt to Shanghai flights departing from Frankfurt Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Travelling from central Frankfurt to FRA takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a handy hotel near Frankfurt Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai, these accommodation options will have you moments from check-in:
Of the departures from Frankfurt Airport, 67.47% touch down on time at their destination.
Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN)
Consider adding a stop at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). It's a major stopover on a Frankfurt to Shanghai flight departing Frankfurt - Hahn Airport. Use a longer layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a quick break to visit an airport cafe.
With public transport, you can travel from central Frankfurt to HHN in around 2 hours 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 105 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 1 hour 30 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not spend another night away? Consider kicking back in one of these hotels near Frankfurt - Hahn Airport the day before your flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai:
53.13% of flights taking off from Frankfurt - Hahn Airport meet their expected arrival time.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
Consider staying in a hotel close to PVG if you have a late flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Set your own pace with a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Shanghai that most tourists miss.
To get the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks in advance. Rates typically rise closer to your day of departure.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is around 13 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. Following your flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SHA. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai:
Why run on someone else's schedule? Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and set your own course. Reserve your wheels here with Hertz.
Get your ideal vehicle, not just what's left, by booking your ride from SHA in advance. You'll also avoid paying more than you have to, especially when demand is high.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai, while April is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Shanghai based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Lock in your Frankfurt to Shanghai ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Look for cheap flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Shanghai right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are must-do's during your Shanghai adventure.
Explore more of China
Nanjing is just one of the many places in China waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres to the west, top sights here include Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
If you're ready to explore another major destination in China, head for Suzhou, roughly 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are among the biggest draws.
