Cheap Flights to Shanghai from Australia
Best student & youth fares right now to Shanghai
We've got some awesome student and youth fares to Shanghai at the moment. These get updated every day, so do check back!
Student flights from Australia to Shanghai
If you’re looking for endless adventure on your next holiday, the most populated city in the world may be a good place to start. Shanghai is no longer just one of the financial capitals of the world. It’s also a hub of activity perfect for Australian students to enjoy. You’ll find cheap, local cuisine, the world’s second-largest skyscraper and its got cocktail bars to rival the likes of Melbourne and New York.
Tempted? We’re not surprised. Use the search box above and find out what student discounts to Shanghai we have for you today. And hey, we’ll let you into a little secret. If you want to get even more money off with us, sign up to become a member. You won’t have to spend a dollar and you’ll get exclusive promo codes and even more discounts too!
What are the main Shanghai airports, and how do I get from them to central Shanghai?
There are two main airports in Shanghai; Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). You’ll find that both airports have numerous transport options to central Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
If you’re arriving from an international flight you’re likely to land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It’s only 19 miles east of Central Shanghai and there are multiple transport options into the city centre. Journeys can cost anything between 2 and 30 CNY depending on the mode of transport. Choose from an airport shuttle, the Metro, a bus, a cab or the high-speed Maglev Train (the first in the world).
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is a mere eight miles west of central Shanghai. It's served by Metro lines 2 and 10 and a single ticket can cost between 3 and 9 CNY, depending on where in the city you want to go. There are also airport shuttles, public buses, taxis and car rental.
How to fly from Australia to Shanghai
Wherever you are in Australia, flying to Shanghai couldn’t be simpler. You can fly direct to Shanghai from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. But you can also catch indirect flights from Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and more. Some of the airlines that fly to Shanghai from Australia include Qantas, China Eastern and Air France. Want to see the flights we have on offer right now? Find out using the search box above.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)
Average flight duration
10 hours 20 minutes
Number of daily flights
There are 156 (direct) flights from Sydney and Shanghai Pudong per week. This averages to around 21 per day.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Melbourne (MEL)
Average flight duration
10 hours 40 minutes
Number of daily flights
There are 51 (direct) flights from Melbourne and Shanghai Pudong per week. This averages to around 7 per day.
Cheap flights to Shanghai
from Brisbane (BNE)
Average flight duration
10 hours 20 minutes
Number of daily flights
There are 24 (direct) flights from Brisbane and Shanghai Pudong per week. This averages to around 3 per day.
When is the best time to fly to Shanghai?
It’s worth visiting Shanghai at any time of year, but it’s worth noting that the city experiences four very split and distinct seasons. Its winters are cold and grey, and its summers are sticky, hot and super rainy. So if you’re looking to avoid the extreme weather your best bet would be to visit during the spring and autumn months.
You’ll find that some times of the year will be particularly busy and more expensive. These tend to fall around some of the popular festivals and public holidays, which of course are fun, but may not be best for that student budget. Some of these events include, but are not limited to, Chinese New Year (January/ February), the Cherry Blossom Festival (March/April), Qingming Festival (April), Dragon Boat Festival (June) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September).
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the Australia to Shanghai?
Prices based on bookings made 30-60 DAYS days prior to departure.
Why do Australian students love visiting Shanghai?
You may not think it, but Shanghai is a great destination for students to live, study and play in. There’s heaps to do (for free), budget accommodation options and you can get your hands on cheap eats fairly easily too.
Shanghai universities and campuses
Studying abroad in Asia, particularly in Shanghai, may not be on every Australian student's agenda. But it’s a choice to be considered. If you’re looking for one of the major hubs for higher education in China, look no further than Shanghai. It’s home to some of the most prestigious schools in the country and is a great place to spend a semester or two studying.
Some of the top universities that are located in Shanghai include Fudan University, East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiaotong University.
Shanghai lifestyle and culture
For those who have not yet visited Shanghai, you are in for a treat. This city is a fabulous fusion of the old, new and the future. As well as holding the title for the most populous city in Asia, as well as the world. It’s also an exciting mix of juxtaposing ideas and cultures. You could be visiting Buddhist temples and experiencing the traditional Chinese culture in the morning. And by the evening you could be grabbing drinks at a rooftop bar with sprawling views of skyscrapers to keep you company.
Exploring Shanghai on a student budget
You might find fancy hotels and pricey restaurants in Shanghai. But that doesn’t mean that visiting Shanghai can’t be done on a student budget. It’s actually heaps easy to do! Swap that luxury hotel for a bed in a budget hostel. And ditch those expensive dinners for a cheaper feed in a local restaurant.
There’s a lot to do for free in Shanghai, perfect for those trying to save a few dollars. Get a complete view of Shanghai’s skyline from the Bund. Or why not visit one of Shanghai’s free museums? There’s the Rockbund Art Museum for those art lovers among you. Culture vultures will just love the Shanghai Museum. And history buffs should take a trip to the Shanghai Natural History Museum.
Frequently asked questions about flying from Australia to Shanghai
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