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Flights to China

Enriched with 5,000+ years of history, China is your ticket to the world’s richest cultural and historical experiences and ultra-modern cities unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. One day, you could be walking up one of the world’s Seven Wonders, the Great Wall of China in Beijing. Next, you’ll be exploring the tech-driven streets of Shanghai and Shenzhen. With breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and an unbeatable menu to suit every type of foodie, China is one of those destinations that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

How long is the flight to China

The direct flight length depends on where in Australia you’re flying from, as well as where in China you want to fly to.

If you’re flying from Sydney to…

• Beijing: 11 hours, 45 minutes
• Chengdu: 10 hours, 55 minutes
• Chongqing: 11 hours, 40 minutes
• Guangzhou: 9 hours, 40 minutes
• Haikou: 9 hours, 30 minutes
• Hangzhou: 11 hours, 25 minutes 
• Jinan: 11 hours, 50 minutes
• Nanjing: 11 hours, 20 minutes
• Shanghai:  10 hours, 15 minutes
• Shenzhen: 10 hours, 10 minutes
• Wuhan: 10 hours, 55 minutes
• Xiamen: 9 hours, 25 minutes

If you’re flying from Melbourne to…

• Beijing: 11 hours, 55 minutes
• Chengdu: 11 hours 
• Shanghai: 10 hours, 35 minutes
• Guangzhou: 9 hours,35 minutes
• Haikou: 10 hours
• Hangzhou: 10 hours, 50 minutes
• Nanjing: 11 hours, 10 minutes
• Qingdao: 11 hours, 50 minutes
• Xiamen: 9 hours, 20 minutes 

If you’re flying from Brisbane to…

• Guangzhou: 9 hours, 20 minutes
• Shanghai: 10 hours, 30 minutes

If you’re flying from Adelaide to…

• Guangzhou: 9 hours, 5 minutes

If you’re flying from Perth to…

• Guangzhou: 10 hours, 30 minutes

Airlines flying direct to China from Australia

From budget to full service, there are an array of airlines that service direct flights between China and Australia. Luckily, all the airlines flying direct between the two countries include checked baggage and meals in the fares.

• Air China
• China Southern Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Hainan Airlines
• Juneyao Air
• Sichuan Airlines
• Tianjin Airlines
• Xiamen Airlines

Which airlines fly the direct routes to China from Australia

There are direct flights available from major cities in Australia to China. 

Sydney to… 

• Beijing with Air China or China Southern Airlines
• Chengdu with Sichuan Airlines
• Chongqing with Tianjin Airlines
• Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines
• Haikou with Hainan Airlines
• Hangzhou with China Eastern Airlines 
• Jinan with China Eastern Airlines
• Nanjing with China Eastern Airlines
• Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines, Juneyao Air
• Shenzhen with China Southern Airlines
• Taiyuan with Hainan Airlines
• Wuhan with China Eastern Airlines
• Xiamen with Xiamen Airlines

Melbourne to… 

• Beijing with Air China or China Southern Airlines
• Chengdu with Sichuan Airlines
• Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines
• Haikou with Hainan Airlines
• Hangzhou with Beijing Capital Airlines
• Nanjing with China Eastern Airlines
• Qingdao with Beijing Capital Airlines
• Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines and Juneyao Air
• Xiamen with Xiamen Airlines

Brisbane to… 

• Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines
• Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines

Adelaide to…

• Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines

Perth to…

• Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines

If you’re based outside of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth you’ll need to book a connecting flight first before reaching China. 

Where is the airport in China?

Guangzhou

The main airport in Guangzhou is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located 28 kms north of central Guangzhou. While 28 kms from the city centre may seem far, the metro system in Guangzhou is fast, reliable, and easy to use — especially when navigating to the airport. It should take around 30-45 minutes from Tianhe District and cost roughly AU$3. 

Local taxis or ride-sharing apps like Didi are also popular, especially if you have a lot of bulky luggage. A taxi or Didi ride should cost around AU$30 — you can hail a taxi (literally) from the side of the street or book a ride via the Didi app. It’s important to note that Guangzhou (and any major city in China for that matter) can experience heavy traffic, especially during the morning and afternoon work rush hours, so it’s wise to plan your travel to the airport outside of the usual commute to work rush.  

Beijing

There are two airports in Beijing — Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Depending on where you want to go in Beijing, PEK is the closest to central Beijing and the famous Tiananmen Square. PEK is widely used for popular international flights into the city, like flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Beijing. Situated 32 kms from Central Beijing, the best way to get to the airport from the city (or vice versa) is via the Airport Express subway line. The subway system in Beijing is advanced, easy to use, and punctual — all things we love about public transport. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable at around AU$5 per subway ride.

Again, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Didi are used widely in Beijing also, and are great options for travellers with heavy luggage or travelling with children. A taxi or Didi ride should cost around AU$26.

Shanghai

There are two main airports in Shanghai — Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). For long-haul flights (much like ones from Sydney or Melbourne), PVG is likely the airport you’ll be arriving in, while SHA is more widely used for domestic flights or close-by international flights from places like Japan or Korea.

There are several ways to get to PVG if you’re coming from the city. You have the option to take a speedy 8-minute Shanghai Maglev Train, a high-speed magnetic levitation train that reaches a top speed of 431 kms per hour (yes, you read that right), from Longyang Road Station. It’s important to note that Longyan Road Station is still 16 kms out from the city centre, so you’ll need to get a metro here to begin your Maglev journey. The Maglev train alone will cost around AU$10.

You can also just hop onto the metro for the full journey to the airport as well. This will take around 80 minutes but will cost you as little as AU$1.50. 

Again, taxis and ride-sharing apps are popular, affordable, and just as reliable. Taxis or Didis are often the easiest, stress-free option for most travellers.

Chengdu

There are two airports in Chengdu — Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). TFU is primarily used for international flights while CTU is convenient for domestic flights. 

TFU is situated approximately 51 kms from Chengdu’s city centre, a 33-minute metro journey that’ll cost you around AU$2.20 — an absolute bargain if you ask us. Again, if you have a lot of luggage to carry with you, calling a taxi or booking a Didi will cost you around AU$30, and is often well worth it for the convenience and peace of mind. 

When is the cheapest time to fly to China

For most destinations, the cheapest time to fly is during off-peak travel seasons. For China in particular, late March to early June sees fewer crowds as it is just before the summer break rush, as well as mid-September to mid-November, which is just after the school holidays but before Golden Week.

There are a few of national holidays in China that attract both international and local travellers, such as Chinese New Year (which usually lands between late January to mid February). National Day, also known as Golden Week, (1-7 October) and Mid-Autumn Festival (around September or early October) are also popular with domestic travellers, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. So, if you want to avoid increased crowds, try booking you holiday away from major holidays and peak seasons. 

Visa/Passport requirements when flying to China

Travelling to China has never been easier for Australians. Australian passport holders can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family and friends or transit.

A visa is needed if you plan to stay longer than 30 days. If this is the case, you’ll need to apply for a Tourist Visa before your trip. A single-entry tourist visa to China from Australia is approximately AU$94.50. 

How early to arrive at the airport

Arrive 3 hours before your scheduled departure in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane airports. This will ensure you have plenty of time to go through the Check-In and Security process at the airport — plus, having a cheeky Maccas meal at the airport is a non-negotiable, so make sure you save enough time for that, too. 

Ready to discover what China has to offer? Not only can you find the best flight deals to China right here at Traveloka, you can also find deals and promotions on the best hotels, car hire and activity/tours, too.