Flying from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Shanghai: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai and you'll be in the air for an average of 12 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8. The city is eight hours ahead of London, where London Gatwick Airport is located.
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 get more out of your day before you fly, the last departure from LGW to PVG is with China Eastern Airlines at 19:00.
To avoid missing your LGW to Shanghai flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
Direct London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai tickets are available for booking. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is where you'll complete your journey.
Take to the skies with China Eastern Airlines. This popular carrier operates direct flights from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and perhaps even tick a new city off your list. When searching for plane tickets from LGW to Shanghai, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The journey from central London to LGW takes about 30 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 1 hour 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to LGW:
When it comes to London Gatwick Airport's on-time performance, data shows 69.26% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Shanghai
379 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai flight. A return plane ticket right now is 641 €. 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 central Shanghai. If you're getting a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
If you have a late flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near PVG:
Grab a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car and discover corners of Shanghai that are off the usual tourist route. Find your perfect set of wheels with Hertz.
Reserve your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport several weeks in advance of your flight from LGW to Shanghai. If you're planning to travel during a busy period, book even earlier to get the lowest price.
The street address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is roughly 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. Following 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.
After stepping off your LGW to Shanghai flight, rest your head at a hotel near SHA. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and see and do more with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from your arrival gate, so you can hit the road without delay.
Get your ideal vehicle, not just what's left, by reserving your ride from SHA in advance. You can also avoid last-minute price surges, especially during busy airport times.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport can be found 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 plane 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 lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Shanghai right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Shanghai:
Yu Garden and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are just two of the leading attractions to add to your Shanghai itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Shanghai Tower.
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.