Travelling from Chengdu to Shanghai: what you need to know
Start your travels at one of Chengdu's main airports, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chengdu to Shanghai departing from either of these.
The major gateways to Shanghai are Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Jump on a direct Chengdu to Shanghai flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 2 hours 40 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which is the same as Chengdu.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 101 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Chengdu to Shanghai is with Air China at 21:10. Opt for the first TFU to PVG departure operated by China Eastern Airlines at 07:00 to make the most of your arrival in Shanghai.
For stress-free travel, arrive 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 Chengdu to Shanghai flight.
During popular months such as December, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Shanghai
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Chengdu to Shanghai flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird discounts.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Chengdu to Shanghai is easy if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to see the best prices across every month and land a fantastic deal.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chengdu to Shanghai is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Chengdu to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Begin your trip at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), which offers a range of direct flights from Chengdu to Shanghai. From TFU, you can fly seamlessly to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
These are some of the top airlines offering direct Chengdu to Shanghai plane tickets out of TFU:
The journey from central Chengdu to TFU takes about 1 hour by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 48 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chengdu to Shanghai or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport maintains a solid on-time performance, making delays less likely. Departures from TFU arrive on schedule 85% of the time.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Direct flights from Chengdu to Shanghai operate out of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), so consider departing from this popular hub. CTU has nonstop services to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
A good selection of airlines offer direct Chengdu to Shanghai plane tickets from CTU. Book your favourite aisle (or window) seat with one of these carriers and you'll be there before you know it:
On public transport, you can travel from central Chengdu to CTU in around 45 minutes. The airport is roughly 11 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 35 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport the day before your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai:
The majority of flights that depart Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport get to their destination as expected. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 84%.
CTU is located at Airport Expressway Entrance.
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.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 50 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chengdu to Shanghai. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Pick up a Shanghai Pudong Airport rental car and explore parts of Shanghai that aren't in every guidebook. Book your wheels with Hertz.
Reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong Airport at least a few weeks in advance to get the lowest price. If you're travelling during a peak period, it's a good idea to book your Chengdu to Shanghai flight even earlier.
The street address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
The centre of Shanghai is around 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). After your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 30 minutes.
The journey will take roughly 40 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near SHA. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai:
Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport rental car and experience more with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from baggage claim, ensuring a fast and easy pick-up.
Get your preferred vehicle, not just what's left over, by securing your ride from SHA before your arrival. You can also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport can be found at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai. April is the busiest month for a trip to Shanghai. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in March.
Book a Chengdu to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chengdu to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC and 10ºC.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Shanghai right here. Browse these options once you've booked your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai:
Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Tower are just a couple of the popular attractions to add to your Shanghai travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out The Bund Sightseeing Avenue.
Explore more of China
Nanjing is just one of the many cities in China waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres to the west, its top attractions include Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
Around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai, Suzhou is another favourite stop in China. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) and Pingjiang Road.