Flying from Chengdu to Shanghai: what you need to know
Embark on your next adventure from one of Chengdu's main airports, Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Explore the options for booking a flight from Chengdu to Shanghai taking off from either of these bases.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the major entry points to Shanghai.
Around 2 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Chengdu to Shanghai flight.
Chengdu and Shanghai are in the UTC+8 timezone. This means there's no time difference to adjust for.
With 87 weekly flights between the two airports, Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Chengdu to Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines at 07:00. If you prefer to get more out of your day before leaving, the last flight from TFU to PVG is with Air China at 21:10.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Chengdu to Shanghai flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Shanghai
Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap Chengdu to Shanghai flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Chengdu to Shanghai.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Chengdu to Shanghai by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chengdu to Shanghai flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
You can book a direct flight from Chengdu to Shanghai leaving from Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Board your plane at TFU and then land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
These are some of the major airlines offering direct Chengdu to Shanghai plane tickets with departures from TFU:
TFU is about 48 kilometres from central Chengdu. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 1 hour 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Chengdu to Shanghai? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Tianfu International Airport:
Tianfu International Airport maintains a strong on-time record, so flight disruptions are less likely. Departures from TFU arrive on schedule 86.59% 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 connections to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
When leaving from CTU, you can pick from numerous airlines that fly nonstop to your destination. Book a direct Chengdu to Shanghai plane ticket with one of these options:
Driving from central Chengdu to CTU typically takes 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It's roughly 16 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
You're going on holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport the day before your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is known for its commitment to punctuality. 90% of flights taking off from here make it to their final destination as planned.
The street address for CTU is Airport Expressway Entrance.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 50 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you roughly 40 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:
Go beyond Shanghai and explore places that don't make every travel guide with your own wheels. You can pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
To get the lowest possible price, book your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance. Prices typically go up closer to your date of travel.
The address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is approximately 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
After your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, tuck yourself in at a hotel near SHA. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Why work around someone else's schedule? Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and call the shots on your own adventure. Reserve a set of wheels here with Hertz.
Lock in the vehicle you want, not just whatever's left, by reserving your ride from SHA ahead of time. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
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 Chengdu to Shanghai. To avoid the crowds, head to Shanghai in April.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Book your Chengdu to Shanghai ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC and 10ºC. Look for cheap flights from Chengdu to Shanghai around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
After booking your flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Shanghai:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are must-visits when exploring Shanghai.
Explore more of China
Shanghai will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of China waiting to be discovered. About 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a trip to Nanjing will keep your itinerary packed. Check out popular attractions like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
Around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai, Suzhou is another essential stop in China. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower.