Flying from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Shanghai: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai and you'll be in the air for around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which is the same as Beijing (the location of Beijing Capital International Airport).
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is the most popular route, with 263 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from PEK to SHA is with China Eastern Airlines at 21:30. Opt for the first departure with Hainan Airlines at 07:25 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Leave enough time to get on your PEK to Shanghai flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying over a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Begin your journey at PEK and fly straight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai tickets.
Choose from a variety of airlines operating direct flights from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai. Book your journey with one of these:
PEK is about 26 kilometres from central Beijing. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near PEK:
81% of flights leaving Beijing Capital International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule. Given its reliable on-time performance, disruptions are unlikely when jetting out of PEK.
PEK is located at Capital Airport Rd.
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Shanghai
The best price we've found for a one-way Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai flight is 68 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 156 €. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from PEK to Shanghai if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird discounts.
Finding cheap tickets from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai is more likely if you're flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to get the lowest fares across every month and score a sweet deal.
Picking up a cheap flight from PEK to Shanghai couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 50 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to PVG if you have a late flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai. Select one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from PEK to Shanghai. If you're travelling during a busy period, book even earlier to lock in the best possible deal.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai has touched down, you can reach the city centre in about 30 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is roughly 14 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
You can expect the journey to take about 40 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to rest your head close to SHA. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your PEK to Shanghai flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Avoid filling out forms on the spot and save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from SHA ahead of time so you can simply collect the keys and drive away.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
February is the busiest month for flights from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai. To skip the crowds, plan your trip to Shanghai in December.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Book your Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap tickets from PEK to Shanghai in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Shanghai right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Shanghai:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are must-visits when exploring Shanghai.
Explore more of China
You've done Shanghai, now it's time to explore other corners of China. Travel about 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to check off its leading sights. From Nanjing City Wall to Zijin Tower and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 241 kilometres southwest of Shanghai, Puyang is another favourite stop in China. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Xuanlushan Scenic Area, Xianhua Mountain and Minsheng Flower Sea.