Flying from Tokyo to Shanghai: what you need to know
Begin planning your vacation by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Tokyo to Shanghai. Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are Tokyo's main airports.
Hop off your plane in Shanghai at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
The average time for a direct Tokyo to Shanghai flight is 3 hours 25 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai one hour behind Tokyo.
With 63 weekly flights between the two airports, Haneda Airport (HND) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Tokyo to Shanghai with Juneyao Airlines at 00:05. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the latest departure from HND to PVG is with ANA at 22:40.
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 Tokyo to Shanghai flight.
During popular months such as April, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're traveling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Shanghai
At the moment, $74 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Shanghai. The cheapest price for a return flight is $141. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Score cheap Tokyo to Shanghai flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for picking up a bargain.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Tokyo to Shanghai is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
There's no need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Tokyo to Shanghai.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Tokyo to Shanghai flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
You can find a direct flight from Tokyo to Shanghai jetting out of Haneda Airport (HND). Begin your trip at HND and then make your arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Direct Tokyo to Shanghai plane tickets are offered by a range of airlines at HND. Cruise the skies with one of these carriers:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Tokyo to Shanghai flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Haneda Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
To get to HND from central Tokyo, it takes about 15 minutes by car. It's roughly 9 miles from the airport to the city center.
After an easy start to your break? Stay near Haneda Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Tokyo to Shanghai or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of all flights leaving Haneda Airport, 73.52% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
The address for HND is 3丁目 Hanedakuko, Ota.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Prefer to fly from Narita International Airport (NRT)? This hub offers nonstop flights from Tokyo to Shanghai, seamlessly connecting to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
When departing from NRT, you can pick from numerous airlines that fly straight to your destination. Book a direct Tokyo to Shanghai plane ticket with one of these:
Break up your Tokyo to Shanghai flight with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some top stopovers between Narita International Airport and Shanghai include:
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
NRT is about 35 miles from central Tokyo. It'll take 1 hour or so to get to the airport driving from the city center.
Kick off your vacation early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Tokyo to Shanghai, kick back in one of these hotels close to Narita International Airport:
70.53% of flights departing Narita International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
You'll find NRT at 成田空港第2PTB(バス), Narita.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes about 50 minutes by car. The center is roughly 20 miles away.
Book a hotel near PVG if you're coming in on a late flight from Tokyo to Shanghai. Check in to one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Venture beyond Shanghai and discover places outside the usual tourist stops with your own set of wheels. You can grab a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
Book your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a few weeks in advance to lock in the best possible deal. If you're going away during peak season, it's a smart idea to book your Tokyo to Shanghai flight even earlier.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is roughly 8 miles from the center of Shanghai. Once you've hopped off your flight from Tokyo to Shanghai, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near SHA. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Tokyo to Shanghai:
Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and set off toward new discoveries with your own wheels. Hertz is just moments from baggage claim, so you can hit the road without delay.
Lock in the vehicle you want, not just what's left over, by booking your ride from SHA in advance. You can also avoid paying more than you need to, especially when demand is high.
You can find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Tokyo to Shanghai. April is the most popular month for a trip to Shanghai. If you like a more peaceful vibe, go in April.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 73ºF and 93ºF. Lock in your Tokyo to Shanghai ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Look for cheap flights from Tokyo to Shanghai in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 30ºF and 50ºF on average.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Tokyo to Shanghai, explore our range of hotels including:
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Yu Garden are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Shanghai must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Shanghai Tower.
Explore more of China
You've seen Shanghai, now it's time to discover more of China. Travel around 170 miles west to Nanjing to check off its leading sights. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Suzhou is another well-known destination in China and is around 50 miles west of Shanghai. No trip is complete without seeing Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower.
