Travelling from Istanbul to Shanghai: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's main airports.
Touch down in Shanghai at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Take a direct Istanbul to Shanghai flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 10 hours 20 minutes.
Shanghai is five hours ahead of Istanbul and observes the UTC+8 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Istanbul to Shanghai is from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). You can select from 16 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to PVG is the 01:20 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 14:00 with China Eastern Airlines.
To ensure you make it on your Istanbul to Shanghai flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Travelling during a popular month such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Shanghai
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap Istanbul to Shanghai flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Shanghai is easier if you're flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to see the lowest fares throughout the month and walk away with an incredible deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Istanbul to Shanghai is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Istanbul to Shanghai flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, you can leave from Istanbul Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) without making any stops.
Check out the deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Shanghai plane tickets out of IST.
We make it a breeze to find a Istanbul to Shanghai flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Istanbul Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Need a convenient hotel near Istanbul Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Shanghai flight. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these options between Istanbul Sabiha Airport and Shanghai:
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
You can reach SAW from the centre of Istanbul in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to cover the 31 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai? Unwind in a hotel near Istanbul Sabiha Airport before your holiday officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
68% of all departures from Istanbul Sabiha Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It typically takes 50 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:
Venture beyond Shanghai and discover places outside the usual tourist stops with your own set of wheels. You can grab a Shanghai Pudong Airport rental car from Hertz.
To secure the best deal, book your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong Airport several weeks in advance. Prices typically go up closer to your departure date.
PVG is situated at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 30 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is approximately 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
If you hop on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 40 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SHA. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai:
Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport rental car and unlock a world of freedom with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from baggage claim, so you can drive off without missing a beat.
In general, the earlier you book, the better the deals and selection of vehicles. Lock in your ride from SHA as soon as your plans are confirmed.
The address for Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Shanghai. To skip the crowds, head to Shanghai in March.
Book a Istanbul to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Shanghai in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Shanghai
After booking your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Shanghai:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are must-visits when exploring Shanghai.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of China waiting to be discovered. About 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a visit to Nanjing will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading attractions like Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
If you're interested in discovering another side of China, head for Suzhou, about 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) and Pingjiang Road are among its highlights.