Travelling from Shanghai to Washington DC: what you need to know
Shanghai has a couple of airports where you can kick off your trip. Check out your options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Washington DC departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
When arriving in Washington DC, get off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another gateway to this city.
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4, which is 12 hours behind Shanghai.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Shanghai to Washington DC flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Washington DC
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Shanghai to Washington DC flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Shanghai to Washington DC across each month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Washington DC by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Shanghai to Washington DC flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing Shanghai to Washington DC flights leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Central Shanghai to PVG is around 32 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 50 minutes to reach there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
After an easy start to your holiday? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Shanghai to Washington DC or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the flights that depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 78.11% land on time at their destination.
PVG's address is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Break up your Shanghai to Washington DC flight with a stop at Haneda Airport (HND). A main stopover between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Washington DC, it's the perfect opportunity to relax before the next leg of your journey.
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 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC? Unwind in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your break officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has earned its reputation for punctuality. 86% of flights departing here make it to their final destination as planned.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 5 kilometres. It'll take you around 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you roughly 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Shanghai to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Grab a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and explore Washington DC and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are well-known companies to choose from here.
Reserving your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC, unwind at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and be off and running.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD will help you save.
Washington Dulles International Airport is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC and go straight to your hotel or start taking in the sights right away. Central Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and typically takes 50 minutes to drive there.
Public transport will get you there in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make your way to the centre, head for a hotel near BWI. Make yourself comfy at one of these stays after your Shanghai to Washington DC flight:
Take control of the next leg of your trip with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget will get you on the road.
Around two weeks before your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC is a good time to secure your vehicle from BWI. You're more likely to lock in a better rate or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC. February is the most popular month to travel to Washington DC. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in May.
Lock in a Shanghai to Washington DC ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 19ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC and 10ºC. Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Washington DC around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are top sights which should be on any well-planned Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Washington DC, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey about 322 kilometres north-east to New York to tick off its leading attractions. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another side of United States, consider Philadelphia, roughly 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are the start of reasons to visit.
