Are direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai always the best option?

Direct flights offer convenience by reducing travel time and avoiding layovers. However, they are not always the most budget-friendly choice. Flights with connections can sometimes be more affordable, depending on the route and airline.

Can flexible travel dates help on Johannesburg to Shanghai flights?

Being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact flight prices. Mid-week travel or flying during off-peak seasons often results in lower fares. Adjusting your departure or return by a few days may unlock better deals.

What extra costs should I check before booking Johannesburg to Shanghai flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight services. Some airlines may also charge for printing boarding passes or for certain payment methods. Understanding these fees helps in calculating the total travel expense.

Flights From Johannesburg

To Shanghai

Cheap Flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Browse current best options from Johannesburg. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Johannesburg

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Shanghai

Prices updated today

462 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Sep 15, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Johannesburg to Shanghai

2027-02-01 – 2027-02-14
JNB - Shanghai
91% AI deal score
$949
$750
Round trip
2026-11-04 – 2026-11-23
JNB - Shanghai
90% AI deal score
$950
$801
Round trip
2026-12-02 – 2026-12-10
JNB - Shanghai
93% AI deal score
$1,304
$821
Round trip
2026-10-14 – 2026-10-22
JNB - Shanghai
90% AI deal score
$1,136
$827
Round trip
2026-10-14 – 2026-10-31
JNB - Shanghai
89% AI deal score
$1,106
$827
Round trip
2026-11-16 – 2026-11-24
JNB - Shanghai
89% AI deal score
$984
$832
Round trip
2026-11-01 – 2026-11-07
JNB - Shanghai
90% AI deal score
$994
$832
Round trip
2026-10-25 – 2026-11-07
JNB - Shanghai
91% AI deal score
$1,114
$832
Round trip
2026-11-02 – 2026-11-12
JNB - Shanghai
85% AI deal score
$966
$833
Round trip
2026-10-01 – 2026-10-14
JNB - Shanghai
91% AI deal score
$1,123
$833
Round trip

Johannesburg to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai cover a substantial distance of 11,786 km, classifying this as a long-haul journey. This extended travel typically involves multiple connections, making the overall trip duration a significant factor for travelers.

For those seeking cheap flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai, fares typically range from $1009 to $2063, with a median price of $1647. Right now, current fares are below the typical level. Approximately 17% of recent fares for this route were classified as a good price, indicating that competitive deals do appear regularly. New deals appear almost daily, so setting up a price alert can help you catch them.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai? The data indicates that June is typically the most affordable month, with a median fare of $879. Following closely are July, with a median fare of $975, and November, where the median fare is $987. Planning your trip during these months could lead to significant savings.

Most itineraries for this route connect at least once, as 0% of recent fares were for direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai. When connecting, the typical number of stopovers is 2. This means that travelers should anticipate a journey that includes at least two intermediate stops before reaching Shanghai.

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai? A typical journey, including connections, takes approximately 45h 50m. Given that most itineraries involve multiple stopovers, this duration accounts for the time spent in transit and during layovers, reflecting the comprehensive travel time for this long-haul route.

How much is a round trip from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Regular price: $993 - $1,757

Prices are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai is $993 to $1757. The current lowest deal is $827 with Air China for travel from Oct 14-Oct 22.

now $827

Low $993

High $1,757

The cheapest time to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

The cheapest month to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai is June, with a median price of $879. The most expensive month is February, with a median price of $2144. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

June

Cheapest

Flights from $879

February

Most Expensive

Flights from $2,144

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Etihad Airways

Cathay Pacific

Qatar Airways

Air China

Last-minute flights going from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Tue, Sep 15

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,277

$968

One-way

Thu, Sep 17

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,176

$990

One-way

Thu, Sep 17

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (SHA)

Cathay Pacific

$1,294

$990

One-way

Sun, Sep 20

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,163

$1,049

One-way

Mon, Sep 28

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,250

$968

One-way

Mon, Sep 28

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,125

$994

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

8 nights

Oct 21 - Oct 29

$1,242 → $859

31%

10 nights

Oct 21 - Oct 31

$1,229 → $861

30%

2 nights

Oct 29 - Oct 31

$1,170 → $834

29%

6 nights

Oct 25 - Oct 31

$1,159 → $830

28%

Popular Airports to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Johannesburg - Shanghai route insights

💸 Price insights

Fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Johannesburg to Shanghai are below the typical level at $827.

📅 Best time to fly

Cheapest months are June, July, and November

Historically, the cheapest months to fly are June ($879), July ($975), and November ($987).

⏱️ Flight duration

Median flight time is 45h 50m

The median flight time for connecting flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai is 45h 50m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights are dominant on this route, with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Etihad Airways offers many deals

Etihad Airways has 56 direct deals, making it a frequent option for this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals from Johannesburg to Shanghai are frequent, appearing often over a 30-day window.

Johannesburg main airports to depart from

O. R. Tambo International (JNB)

Cheapest

O. R. Tambo International is a primary departure point for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

📍 ~21 km from city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~$785

Lanseria International (HLA)

Lanseria International offers an alternative departure option for your journey from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

📍 ~32 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$1,277

Shanghai main airports to arrive at

Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)

Cheapest

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a good option for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

📍 ~33 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$839

Airports nearby Shanghai used as alternative

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International is a major international hub with extensive networks, offering competitive pricing.

📍 ~175 km from Shanghai (reachable by high-speed rail)

💸 Flights from ~$966

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Shanghai

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

Elite

Best Elite deals to Shanghai

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From JNB

Elite

Oct 30

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$4,164

$2,382

Save $1,782

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 16

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$4,012

$2,385

Save $1,627

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 13

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$3,982

$2,385

Save $1,597

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 02

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$3,927

$2,385

Save $1,542

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 14

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$3,985

$2,385

Save $1,600

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 14

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$4,011

$2,385

Save $1,626

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 11

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$3,982

$2,385

Save $1,597

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Oct 26

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$4,191

$2,385

Save $1,806

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 10

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$3,982

$2,402

Save $1,580

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Oct 29

Shanghai, China

94% AI deal score

$4,189

$2,402

Save $1,787

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 04

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$3,940

$2,810

Save $1,130

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From JNB

Elite

Nov 03

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,110

$2,810

Save $1,300

Etihad Airways

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Comparing prices across different airlines and booking platforms can also help you discover better deals. Looking into flights with layovers may sometimes present lower-cost options.

Booking flights in advance often provides more competitive prices, though the ideal booking window can vary. Prices may fluctuate based on demand and seasonality. It's usually beneficial to monitor fare trends before making a purchase.

Comparing nearby airports at both your origin and destination can sometimes reveal different flight options and prices. While it may add to your ground travel, it could potentially lead to savings on airfare. Always consider the total cost and convenience.

Related routes

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Flights to Shanghai from other cities

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Johannesburg to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

How much is a round trip from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Regular price: $993 - $1,757

Prices are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai is $993 to $1757. The current lowest deal is $827 with Air China for travel from Oct 14-Oct 22.

now $827

Low $993

High $1,757

The cheapest time to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

June

Cheapest

Flights from $879

February

Most Expensive

Flights from $2,144

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Etihad Airways

Cathay Pacific

Qatar Airways

Air China

Last-minute flights going from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Tue, Sep 15

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,277

$968

One-way

Thu, Sep 17

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,176

$990

One-way

Thu, Sep 17

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (SHA)

Cathay Pacific

$1,294

$990

One-way

Sun, Sep 20

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,163

$1,049

One-way

Mon, Sep 28

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,250

$968

One-way

Mon, Sep 28

⌛ Last-Minute

JNB - Shanghai

Johannesburg (JNB) - Shanghai (PVG)

Cathay Pacific

$1,125

$994

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

8 nights

Oct 21 - Oct 29

$1,242 → $859

31%

10 nights

Oct 21 - Oct 31

$1,229 → $861

30%

2 nights

Oct 29 - Oct 31

$1,170 → $834

29%

6 nights

Oct 25 - Oct 31

$1,159 → $830

28%

Popular Airports to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Johannesburg - Shanghai route insights

💸 Price insights

Fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Johannesburg to Shanghai are below the typical level at $827.

📅 Best time to fly

Cheapest months are June, July, and November

Historically, the cheapest months to fly are June ($879), July ($975), and November ($987).

⏱️ Flight duration

Median flight time is 45h 50m

The median flight time for connecting flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai is 45h 50m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights are dominant on this route, with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Etihad Airways offers many deals

Etihad Airways has 56 direct deals, making it a frequent option for this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals from Johannesburg to Shanghai are frequent, appearing often over a 30-day window.

Johannesburg main airports to depart from

O. R. Tambo International (JNB)

Cheapest

O. R. Tambo International is a primary departure point for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

📍 ~21 km from city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~$785

Lanseria International (HLA)

Lanseria International offers an alternative departure option for your journey from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

📍 ~32 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$1,277

Shanghai main airports to arrive at

Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)

Cheapest

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a good option for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

📍 ~33 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$839

Airports nearby Shanghai used as alternative

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International is a major international hub with extensive networks, offering competitive pricing.

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,110

$2,810

Save $1,300

Etihad Airways

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

Cheap Flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Today’s best flight deals from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Johannesburg to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

How much is a round trip from Johannesburg to Shanghai

The cheapest time to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Last-minute flights going from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Popular Airports to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Johannesburg - Shanghai route insights

Fares are below the typical level

Cheapest months are June, July, and November

Median flight time is 45h 50m

Connecting flights are dominant

Etihad Airways offers many deals

Deals are frequent on this route

Johannesburg main airports to depart from

Shanghai main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Shanghai used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Shanghai

Best Elite deals to Shanghai

Oct 30

Nov 16

Nov 13

Nov 02

Nov 14

Nov 14

Nov 11

Oct 26

Nov 10

Oct 29

Nov 04

Nov 03

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

How can I find cheap flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai?

When should I book flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai?

Should I compare nearby airports for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai?

Are direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai always the best option?

Can flexible travel dates help on Johannesburg to Shanghai flights?

What extra costs should I check before booking Johannesburg to Shanghai flights?

Related routes

More routes from Johannesburg

Flights to Shanghai from other cities

Johannesburg to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

How much is a round trip from Johannesburg to Shanghai

The cheapest time to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Direct flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Last-minute flights going from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Popular Airports to fly from Johannesburg to Shanghai

Johannesburg - Shanghai route insights

Fares are below the typical level

Cheapest months are June, July, and November

Median flight time is 45h 50m

Connecting flights are dominant

Etihad Airways offers many deals

Deals are frequent on this route

Johannesburg main airports to depart from

Shanghai main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Shanghai used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Shanghai

Best Elite deals to Shanghai

Oct 30

Nov 16

Nov 13

Nov 02

Nov 14

Nov 14

Nov 11

Oct 26

Nov 10

Oct 29

Nov 04

Nov 03

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

How can I find cheap flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai?

When should I book flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai?

Should I compare nearby airports for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai?