Flying from Shanghai to Tokyo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Shanghai. Check out your options departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) when planning your flight from Shanghai to Tokyo.
Hop off your plane in Tokyo at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT).
The average length of a direct Shanghai to Tokyo flight is 2 hours 55 minutes.
Tokyo's timezone is UTC+9, which makes Tokyo one hour ahead of Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 87 departures a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Shanghai to Tokyo is with Spring Airlines Japan at 17:35. Opt for the first PVG to NRT departure with Jetstar Japan at 02:15 to maximise your time in Tokyo.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Shanghai to Tokyo flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as April, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Tokyo
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap Shanghai to Tokyo flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to Tokyo is easier if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to see the best prices throughout the month and snap up a sweet deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Shanghai to Tokyo is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Save money on your Shanghai to Tokyo flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Set off from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and fly right through to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). If you're looking for a direct flight from Shanghai to Tokyo out of PVG, those are your landing points.
There are plenty of airlines that offer direct Shanghai to Tokyo plane tickets out of PVG. Take off with any of these:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even explore another city. When searching for Shanghai to Tokyo flights leaving from Shanghai Pudong Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Kansai International (Osaka) Airport (KIX)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
PVG is around 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take you 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Looking for a handy hotel close to Shanghai Pudong Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Shanghai to Tokyo, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
83% of flights leaving Shanghai Pudong Airport land at their destination as planned. With its reliable on-time performance, you're unlikely to face delays when jetting out of PVG.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Prefer to fly from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)? This hub offers direct flights from Shanghai to Tokyo, seamlessly connecting you to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
You can take your pick of airlines offering direct Shanghai to Tokyo plane tickets from SHA. Jet off with any of these carriers and travel straight to your destination:
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Shanghai to Tokyo flight. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these stops between Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Tokyo:
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Hong Kong Intl Airport (HKG)
Qingdao Airport (TAO)
With public transport, you can travel from central Shanghai to SHA in around 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 13 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 30 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Shanghai to Tokyo, unwind in one of these hotels close to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
Most flights that leave Shanghai Hongqiao Airport touch down at their destination right on cue. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 85%.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Tokyo
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is approximately 16 kilometres from central Tokyo. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 25 minutes.
It typically takes 30 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Tokyo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near HND instead:
Grab a Tokyo Haneda Airport rental car and explore Tokyo and beyond with your own wheels. Europcar, Nissan Rent a Car and Times are well-known companies to choose from here.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle from Tokyo Haneda Airport around three weeks before your departure date.
You'll find HND at 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
The centre of Tokyo is about 64 kilometres from Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). Once your flight from Shanghai to Tokyo has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 1 hour 5 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour or so.
After your flight from Shanghai to Tokyo, kick back at a hotel close to NRT. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or long taxi queues. Grab a Tokyo Narita Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare offers from Airport Car Rental, JDM Rent a car and Miki Car Rental.
Get the pick of the lot. Securing your ride from NRT four weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Tokyo Narita Airport is located at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Best time to go to Tokyo
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Shanghai to Tokyo. April is the most popular month for a trip to Tokyo. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in March.
The warmest month in Tokyo is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 29ºC. Book your Shanghai to Tokyo ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Tokyo in January when temperatures average between 9ºC and 15ºC.
More about Tokyo
Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Tokyo, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Tokyo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. TOKYO SKYTREE, Sensho-ji and Ginza Central Street are top sights which should be on any well-planned Tokyo itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
You've seen Tokyo, now it's time to discover other parts of Japan. Travel about 402 kilometres west to Osaka to check off its leading sights. From Dotonbori to Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 257 kilometres west of Tokyo, Nagoya is another essential stop in Japan. Experience major highlights starting with Nagoya Castle, Sky Promenade and Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium.