Flying from Moscow to Shanghai: what you need to know
You can choose from multiple airports when organising your flight from Moscow to Shanghai. Explore your options for departing Moscow from Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo Airport (VKO) and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME).
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's major gateways.
Jump on a direct Moscow to Shanghai flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 9 hours 5 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai five hours ahead of Moscow.
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 22 departures a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Moscow to Shanghai is with China Eastern Airlines at 20:45. Go for the first SVO to PVG departure operated by China Eastern Airlines at 16:45 to maximise your time in Shanghai.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Moscow to Shanghai flight.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Moscow to Shanghai
To pick up cheap Moscow to Shanghai flights, book early. Airlines tend to offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Moscow to Shanghai across the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Moscow to Shanghai by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Moscow to Shanghai flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
The drive from central Moscow to VKO typically takes 1 hour 5 minutes, depending on traffic. It's roughly 29 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Moscow to Shanghai, stay in one of these hotels close to Vnukovo Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Vnukovo Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 65%.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is approximately 32 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes about 40 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Moscow to Shanghai, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:
Pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car and discover parts of Shanghai that aren't on a typical itinerary. Find your ideal set of wheels with Hertz.
To get the lowest possible price, reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks in advance. Prices typically go up as your departure date approaches.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
After your flight from Moscow to Shanghai has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is roughly 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
There are some comfortable places to lay your head close to SHA. Unwind after your Moscow to Shanghai flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and unlock a world of freedom with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from arrivals, so you'll be on the road in a flash.
In general, the earlier you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Lock in your ride from SHA the moment you know your dates.
You can find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the busiest month for flights from Moscow to Shanghai. To avoid the crowds, go to Shanghai in April.
Before locking in your Moscow to Shanghai tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Shanghai, with temperatures ranging from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Moscow to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Moscow to Shanghai, check out our range of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are essential stops on your Shanghai itinerary.
Explore more of China
You've visited Shanghai, now it's time to explore other corners of China. Journey about 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to tick off its leading attractions. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai, Suzhou is another favourite stop in China. Start your sightseeing at Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower.