Flying from Milan to Shanghai: what you need to know
You can choose from a range of airports when planning your flight from Milan to Shanghai. Explore your options for leaving Milan from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) and Milano Linate Airport (LIN).
When choosing where to land in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the major entry points.
Take a direct Milan to Shanghai flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 11 hours 20 minutes.
Shanghai is seven hours ahead of Milan and follows the UTC+8 timezone.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Milan to Shanghai with Air China at 11:30. If you prefer to get more out of your day before leaving, the last flight from MXP to PVG is with Air China at 12:30.
To ensure you don't miss your Milan to Shanghai flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Milan to Shanghai
To secure cheap Milan to Shanghai flights, reserve your trip two months ahead of your departure date.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Milan to Shanghai. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Milan to Shanghai is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Milan to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
You can book a direct flight from Milan to Shanghai leaving from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). Begin your trip at MXP and end it at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Air China is a well-known carrier that offers direct Milan to Shanghai plane tickets leaving from MXP.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for Milan to Shanghai flights departing from Milano Malpensa Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Travelling from central Milan to MXP takes around 55 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Milano Malpensa Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Milan to Shanghai or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to Milano Malpensa Airport's on-time performance, 68.23% of flights complete their journey on time.
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Break up your Milan to Shanghai flight with a stop so you can recharge or tick a new place off your list. Popular stopovers between Orio al Serio International Airport and Shanghai are:
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Milan to BGY in around 2 hours 20 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 1 hour.
It's your holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Orio al Serio International Airport the day before your flight from Milan to Shanghai:
Orio al Serio International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 67.49%. This figure provides insight into how frequently flights that depart from this airport land on schedule.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Lock in a ticket from Milan to Shanghai out of Milano Linate Airport (LIN) with a stop or two. Some popular stopovers between LIN and Shanghai include:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
From the centre of Milan, LIN is around 8 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 30 minutes to get to the airport by car and 45 minutes or so if you're on public transport.
Make catching an early Milan to Shanghai flight one of the easiest parts of your trip. Stay at one of these hotels near Milano Linate Airport and get to the check-in counter with plenty of time to spare:
The on-time performance rating of LIN is 79.56%. In other words, that's how frequently flights from this airport arrive at their final stop as planned.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is approximately 32 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Milan to Shanghai. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Venture beyond Shanghai and discover places that don't always get the spotlight with your own wheels. You can grab a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
To lock in the lowest rate, book your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead. Rates generally rise closer to your day of departure.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is about 13 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. Once you've hopped off your flight from Milan to Shanghai, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to SHA. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Milan to Shanghai:
Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and experience more with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from baggage claim, so you can hit the road without delay.
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from SHA in advance so you can just collect the keys and drive away.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the most popular month for flights from Milan to Shanghai. To avoid the crowds, visit Shanghai in April.
Lock in a Milan to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Milan to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC and 10ºC.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Milan to Shanghai, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Yu Garden are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Shanghai to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Shanghai Tower.
Explore more of China
You've seen Shanghai, now it's time to discover other corners of China. Travel around 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to check off its leading attractions. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in China, head for Suzhou, about 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are among its highlights.
