Travelling from Shanghai to Milan: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll catch your flight from Shanghai to Milan. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's main airports.
Step off the plane at one of Milan's major gateways like Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). Alternatively, arrive at this city landing at Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) or Milano Linate Airport (LIN).
The average length of a direct Shanghai to Milan flight is 12 hours 35 minutes.
Milan is seven hours behind Shanghai and follows the UTC+1 timezone.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Shanghai to Milan with Air China at 01:30. If you'd like to make the most of your day before leaving, the latest departure from PVG to MXP is with Air China at 01:45.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your Shanghai to Milan flight.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months such as April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Milan
Get cheap Shanghai to Milan flights by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
Organise your trip for April. That's the best month for landing a great bargain on plane tickets from Shanghai to Milan. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Milan.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Shanghai to Milan flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Milan jetting off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Begin your trip at PVG and arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP).
Look out for deals with Air China. This airline offers direct Shanghai to Milan plane tickets out of PVG.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Shanghai to Milan flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
PVG is around 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Catching an early flight from Shanghai to Milan? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
78.11% of flights leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport reach their destination on time.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Split up your Shanghai to Milan flight with a stop so you can recharge or cross a new place off your list. Popular stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Milan include:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to SHA from central Shanghai in about 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 13 kilometres away.
You're off on holiday, so why not extend it with an additional night away? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Milan:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has earned its reputation for punctuality. 85.58% of flights out of here land precisely when expected.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
The distance from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to central Milan is approximately 40 kilometres. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to Milan, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near MXP:
Grab a Milano Malpensa Airport rental car and discover Milan and beyond with your own wheels. Surprice, RentSmart24 and Noleggiare are popular outlets to choose from here.
To get the lowest price, book your vehicle from Milano Malpensa Airport around one week ahead of your Shanghai to Milan flight.
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) is around 48 kilometres from central Milan. Once you've hopped off your flight from Shanghai to Milan, it takes approximately 1 hour to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in around 2 hours 20 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to BGY. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Shanghai to Milan:
Surprice, RentSmart24 and Galdieri Rent make picking up an Orio al Serio International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from BGY two weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Shanghai to Milan has arrived. Central Milan is around 8 kilometres from Milano Linate Airport (LIN) and takes roughly 30 minutes to reach by car.
If you go by public transport, the journey time is about 45 minutes.
Stay at a hotel close to LIN and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're catching a late Shanghai to Milan flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Whether you want a mini just for you or a full-size SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the right Milano Linate Airport rental car for you. Check out wheels available from providers such as RentSmart24, Drivalia and Noleggiare.
If you're after a vehicle with specific features, lock in your ride from LIN about four weeks before your flight from Shanghai to Milan. This gives you a higher chance of getting the car you want, on top of a better deal.
Best time to go to Milan
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Shanghai to Milan. July is the most popular month to visit Milan. If you want a more relaxed vibe, go in January.
When booking your Shanghai to Milan tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Milan, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 35ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Milan in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 9ºC on average.
More about Milan
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Milan, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Milan:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano, Milan Cathedral and The Last Supper Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in Milan.
Explore more of Italy
Milan will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Italy just waiting to be explored. Around 483 kilometres south-east of Milan, a visit to Rome will keep you on the go. Start with leading sights like Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum.
Turin is another well-known destination in Italy and is around 129 kilometres west of Milan. No journey is complete without a visit to Galleria Sabauda (Palazzo Reale), Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace of Turin.
