Flights Sydney to Shanghai Pudong

Shanghai serves up history and modern life on the same plate. From Michelin-star dumplings to buzzing street stalls, it’s a food lover’s dream. Add in neon-lit skylines, hidden art galleries, and shopping that goes from market stalls to mega malls, and you’ve got a destination with serious pull. Whether you’re heading there for work, wanderlust, or a bit of both, daily direct flights from Sydney to Shanghai make it easy to dive into the action. The hard part is fitting it all in.

Which airlines fly direct from Sydney to Shanghai? 

This route is covered daily by two solid options:

• China Eastern Airlines: Full-service carrier with checked bags, hot meals, in-flight entertainment, and Eastern Miles for frequent flyers.
• Juneyao Air: A full-service carrier with surprisingly competitive fares. Partnered with Star Alliance Connecting Program, so you can still rack up points depending on your status.

Flight time from Sydney to Shanghai?

When flying direct, it takes 10 hours and 20 minutes to fly from Sydney to Shanghai. Stick with morning flights if you’re chasing smoother skies and quicker check-ins. Looking for the best landing views? Sit on the right side for a possible glimpse of the Bund.

Average price of flights between Sydney and Shanghai

Want to land a better deal? Book six to eight weeks ahead and keep an eye on promo drops, especially around major sales or holidays.

Cheapest time to fly to Shanghai

Right now, February is the cheapest month to fly. You’ll also find solid deals in March, May, and August. Avoid December, January, and April as prices spike over the Christmas break and around Chinese New Year. Flights fill fast during big events like Golden Week (early October), so if you’re flexible, flying outside these windows = serious savings.

Where is the airport in Shanghai?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) sits around 45 kms from the city centre. Here’s how to get in:

• Airport transfer: Lock it in early for the smoothest option if you’re landing late or lugging gear.
• Taxi: About 45 mins to the city (more in peak traffic) for AU$32-40.
• Cheap, reliable, and often quicker during peak road traffic.
• Maglev train: The speedster. 8 minutes to Longyang Rd, then switch to Line 2.
• Airport shuttle bus: AU$4-7. Slower and harder to navigate if you don’t speak Mandarin, but an option if you’re not in a rush.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Shanghai

That said, Chinese authorities have final say at the border. If you’re unsure (or planning to stay longer), check with your nearest consulate and sort your visa before you fly.

Time difference between Sydney and Shanghai

Shanghai is two hours behind Sydney. But when daylight saving kicks in (October–April), the difference increases to three hours. Your flight arrival time already factors in the change, so no need to adjust anything manually.

Our tips for getting the best price on flights

Flights can get pricey if you leave it too late. Here’s how to outsmart the system:

• Set up a Price Alert on Traveloka to catch drops the moment they happen.
• Fly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday usually come with lower fares.
• Check Traveloka promos. We run deals all year round.
• Be flexible. Shifting your flight by a day or two can make a big difference.
• Compare one-way and return tickets. Sometimes it’s cheaper to mix and match.
• Book early. 6 - 8 weeks out is your sweet spot.
• Go light. If you can skip checked baggage, you’ll save heaps with budget carriers.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Travel booking can be a minefield. Traveloka keeps it simple, sorted, and stress-free.

• No hidden fees: What you see is what you pay.
• Full flight comparison: Pick your airline, fare type, and extras in a few taps.
• 24/7 support: Our customer service team is ready when you need them.
• Flexible options: Reschedule tools and refund support when plans change.
• Points and perks: Earn Traveloka Points on every booking.
• More than flights: Add hotels, transfers, and attractions in the same checkout.

We’ve been helping travellers across Southeast Asia since 2012. Now we’re here for Aussie flyers too—backed by the same tools, experience, and support.

Ready for your Shanghai adventure?

Your Shanghai trip starts with a flight, but it doesn’t end there. From five-star hotels to food tours, skip-the-line tickets to local SIM cards; we’ve got everything you need to hit the ground running.

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

• Flights from Sydney to Beijing
• Flights from Sydney to Guangzhou
• Flights from Sydney to Shenzhen
• Flights from Sydney to Chengdu
• Flights from Sydney to Xi’an
• Flights from Sydney to Chongqing

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

Other ways to fly this route

The same journey is also bookable at a different level of precision — by city for every airport, or by a specific airport:

• Sydney Shanghai (SYDA.SHAA)
• Sydney Shanghai (SYDA.PVG)
• Sydney Shanghai (SYD.SHAA)