Travelling from Shanghai to Beijing: what you need to know
Begin your travels at one of Shanghai's main airports, Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA). Explore your options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Beijing departing from either of these.
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) are the major arrival points in Beijing.
The average length of a direct Shanghai to Beijing flight is 2 hours 20 minutes.
Shanghai and Beijing are in the same timezone, UTC+8.
With 69 flights a week between the two airports, Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Shanghai to Beijing with Air China at 06:55. If you'd like to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from PVG to PKX is with Juneyao Airlines at 22:10.
To ensure you don't miss your Shanghai to Beijing flight, leave 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 travel rule.
During popular months like April, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Beijing
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Shanghai to Beijing flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird rates.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Shanghai to Beijing.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Shanghai to Beijing is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Shanghai to Beijing flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
You can find a direct flight from Shanghai to Beijing departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). Board your plane at PVG and then fly into Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX).
Direct Shanghai to Beijing plane tickets are offered by numerous airlines at PVG. Choose one of these and take to the skies:
Travelling from central Shanghai to PVG takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from Shanghai to Beijing? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels near Shanghai Pudong Airport:
Shanghai Pudong Airport maintains a solid on-time performance, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from PVG arrive on schedule 83% of the time.
PVG's address is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Looking for a direct flight from Shanghai to Beijing departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)? Fasten your seatbelt and fly nonstop from SHA to Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX).
A good selection of airlines offer direct Shanghai to Beijing plane tickets from SHA. Book your favourite seat with any of these carriers and you'll arrive before you know it:
You can get to SHA from central Shanghai in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport will take roughly 40 minutes to travel the 13 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Shanghai to Beijing, stay in one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has a strong track record for reliability and timeliness. 85% of flights leaving here make it to their final destination as planned.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Beijing
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is approximately 26 kilometres from the centre of Beijing. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 45 minutes.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Shanghai to Beijing, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near PEK:
Enjoy the freedom to roam with a Beijing Capital Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Beijing that don't always get the spotlight.
To get the lowest possible price, book your vehicle from Beijing Capital Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead. Prices typically go up closer to your departure date.
You'll find PEK at Capital Airport Rd.
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
Central Beijing is located around 40 kilometres from Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX). After your flight from Shanghai to Beijing has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 50 minutes.
The trip will take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near PKX. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Shanghai to Beijing:
Best time to go to Beijing
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Shanghai to Beijing. August is the most popular month to visit Beijing. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in Beijing is June, with temperatures ranging between 18ºC and 37ºC. Lock in your Shanghai to Beijing ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between -11ºC and 4ºC. Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Beijing around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Beijing
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Beijing right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Shanghai to Beijing:
The Palace Museum and Temple of Heaven are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Beijing travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Tiananmen Square.
Explore more of China
You've done Beijing, now it's time to explore other corners of China. Journey around 113 kilometres southeast to Tianjin to tick off its must-visit sights. From Hai River to China Ancient Castle and Tianjin World Financial Centre, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Tai'an is another essential stop in China and is around 418 kilometres south of Beijing. No journey is complete without a visit to Daguan Peak, Tai’an Fantawild Adventure and Taishan West Lake.
