Cheap flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Shanghai (PVG)

Shanghai is one of those cities that keeps you on your toes, in the best way. One minute you're sipping tea in a 400-year-old garden, the next you're riding a maglev train at 300 km/h. With direct flights from Melbourne every day, it's easy to trade laneways for lantern-lit streets and high-rise views. 

Whether you're going for work, food, shopping, or just the thrill of something new, Shanghai packs it all into one city. And with flight times under 11 hours, you’ll be out of the airport and into the action before jet lag kicks in.

Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne to Shanghai? 

Skip the stopovers. These airlines fly direct from Melbourne to Shanghai daily:

• China Eastern Airlines: Full-service comfort with meals, entertainment, and 23kg checked baggage included. Part of SkyTeam, so frequent flyers can stack those points.
• Juneyao Air: Another full-service option with strong value for money. Checked baggage is included, and the airline links up with Star Alliance through its Connecting Partner status.

Flight time from Melbourne to Shanghai?

When flying direct, it takes 10 hours and 0 minutes to fly from Melbourne to Shanghai. Evening departures are common—clock off work, head to the airport, and wake up in China.

Average price of flights between Melbourne and Shanghai

Fares usually fall between AU$580 and AU$2,000 one way, depending on the season. The cheapest seats right now start from just . For the best shot at low fares, book 6 - 8 weeks out and keep an eye on sales from both carriers around March and August.

Cheapest time to fly to Shanghai

Want max value? The cheapest month right now is February. March, May, August, and October are also strong contenders.

Avoid December, January, and April unless you’re locked in for Chinese New Year or school holidays when prices spike. If you're flexible, flying just before or after peak times can make a serious dent in your costs.

Where is the airport in Shanghai?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is about 45 kms from downtown. Getting to the city is easy, here’s how:

• Taxi: Expect a trip around 45 minutes for AU$32-40.
• Airport transfer: The easiest option, especially with bags or kids.
• Subway: Line 2 gets you to People’s Square in just over an hour for AU$1.50. Quickest during peak traffic.
• Maglev: Hits 300 km/h and cuts the journey to Longyang Road to 8 minutes. Great for the bragging rights, too.
• Airport shuttle: 10 bus lines run into town, AU$4-7. Not ideal if you don’t speak Mandarin, but cheap if you do.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Shanghai

Australians can now visit China visa-free for up to 30 days between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2025 if it’s for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. Just bring a valid Aussie passport. 

Entry is still at the discretion of the Chinese border officials, so double-check details with your nearest Chinese consulate before flying. Staying longer or doing something different? You’ll need a visa sorted before you leave.

Time difference between Melbourne and Shanghai

Melbourne runs two hours ahead of Shanghai most of the year. During Aussie daylight saving, it increases to three hours ahead. Your arrival time already includes the difference, so no mental maths needed.

Our tips for getting the best price on flights

Flights to Shanghai don’t have to break the bank. Use these smart tricks to keep your trip on budget:

• Turn on Traveloka Price Alerts: We’ll watch the fares for you.
• Book 6 - 8 weeks ahead: That’s the sweet spot for long-haul flights.
• Fly mid-week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the best deals.
• Check our promo page: New codes and deals drop often.
• Split your flights: One airline there, another back? Sometimes cheaper.
• Shift your dates: A day either side could save you hundreds.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Travel plans should be exciting, not stressful. Here’s why Aussie travellers are booking their international trips with us:

• Upfront pricing: No hidden costs or checkout surprises.
• Fast booking process: Get it done in a few taps, not a few hours.
• Traveloka Points: Every booking earns you something back.
• Local 24/7 support: Speak to real people, not robots.
• Regular travel deals: Find savings every time you browse.
• Perks that make life easier: Think airport transfers, activity bookings, and extras all in one place.

Ready for your Shanghai adventure?

Book your flight, then let us help with the rest. From stays in the French Concession to tickets to the Huangpu River Cruise or a day trip to Suzhou, Traveloka helps you do more, with less hassle.

Other popular destinations in China from Melbourne you might want to check out:

• Melbourne to Beijing
• Melbourne to Guangzhou
• Melbourne to Shenzhen
• Melbourne to Chengdu
• Melbourne to Xi’an
• Melbourne to Chongqing

Flying in the other direction? Here's all the information you need about the reverse journey from Shanghai to Melbourne.