Flying from Melbourne to Shanghai: what you need to know
Melbourne's main base, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is where many unforgettable trips begin. Explore the options for leaving from here when booking your flight from Melbourne to Shanghai.
When planning your arrival in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) are the chief entry points.
Take a direct Melbourne to Shanghai flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 10 hours 25 minutes.
Shanghai is three hours behind Melbourne and observes the UTC+8 timezone.
With 15 flights a week between the two airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Melbourne to Shanghai with Juneyao Airlines at 08:00. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the latest departure from MEL to PVG is with China Eastern Airlines at 22:30.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Melbourne to Shanghai flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a popular month like December? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Shanghai
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap Melbourne to Shanghai flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price in every month when looking for your plane ticket from Melbourne to Shanghai.
Finding a cheap flight from Melbourne to Shanghai is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Melbourne to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Set out from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) on a nonstop flight from Melbourne to Shanghai. From MEL, you can fly directly into Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).
China Eastern Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Melbourne to Shanghai plane tickets leaving from MEL.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing Melbourne to Shanghai flights departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Hong Kong Intl Airport (HKG)
Sydney Airport (SYD)
MEL is around 19 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
Have an early flight from Melbourne to Shanghai? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport:
Of all flights departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, 63% land on time at their destination.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes around 1 hour 5 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Melbourne to Shanghai. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Venture beyond Shanghai and discover places that usually fly under the radar with your own wheels. You can grab a Shanghai Pudong Airport rental car from Hertz.
Increase your chances of securing a great price by booking as soon as possible. Reserving your ride from Shanghai Pudong Airport at least a few weeks ahead is a smart move.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Central Shanghai is approximately 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). As soon as your flight from Melbourne to Shanghai has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 30 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 40 minutes.
You'll find some great places to call home for the night near SHA. Tuck yourself in after your Melbourne to Shanghai flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport rental car and unlock a world of freedom with your own wheels. Hertz is just moments from your arrival gate, so you can drive off in a flash.
Usually, the earlier you book, the more you save and the better your options. Lock in your ride from SHA the moment you know your dates.
You'll find Shanghai Hongqiao Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
March is the quietest month for flights from Melbourne to Shanghai, while April is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to Shanghai based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Melbourne to Shanghai tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Shanghai, with temperatures ranging from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for cheap flights from Melbourne to Shanghai around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Shanghai right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Melbourne to Shanghai:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are must-visits when exploring Shanghai.
Explore more of China
You've visited Shanghai, now it's time to discover other corners of China. Travel around 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to tick off its must-visit sights. From Nanjing City Wall to Zijin Tower and The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in China, consider Suzhou, roughly 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) and Pingjiang Road are among its highlights.