What percentage of London to Shanghai flights are direct?

In the trailing 90 days, approximately 15.2% of flights from London to Shanghai have been direct. This indicates that a significant majority of travelers on this route typically involve at least one stopover. For those connecting flights, the median number of stopovers observed has been 2. Travelers should account for potential layovers when planning their journey.

What's the flight time from London to Shanghai?

The typical direct flight time from London to Shanghai is approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes, covering a distance of 9252 kilometers. For flights with one stop, the median duration historically extends to about 17 hours and 20 minutes. This difference highlights the significant time savings associated with direct routes compared to those involving a layover.

How often do London to Shanghai flight prices drop?

Historically, flight prices for the London to Shanghai route have shown frequent drops. This suggests that travelers may have regular opportunities to find more affordable fares. Monitoring price trends over time can be beneficial for securing a better deal on this route. The frequent nature of these price adjustments can make it worthwhile to track fares.

Flights From London

To Shanghai

Cheap Flights from London to Shanghai

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

Deals from

London

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

Prices updated 1 day ago

461 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 14, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from London to Shanghai

Explore current cheapest deals departing from London to Shanghai

2026-12-04 – 2026-12-16
LON - Shanghai
94% AI deal score
£681
£383
Round trip
2026-12-01 – 2026-12-31
LON - Shanghai
94% AI deal score
£672
£387
Round trip
2026-12-01 – 2026-12-07
LON - Shanghai
93% AI deal score
£629
£387
Round trip
2026-11-07 – 2026-11-21
LON - Shanghai
76% AI deal score
£403
£402
Round trip
2026-11-17 – 2026-11-24
LON - Shanghai
78% AI deal score
£421
£403
Round trip
2026-11-10 – 2026-11-19
LON - Shanghai
77% AI deal score
£410
£405
Round trip
2026-11-14 – 2026-11-20
LON - Shanghai
78% AI deal score
£418
£405
Round trip
2026-11-07 – 2026-11-11
LON - Shanghai
80% AI deal score
£435
£405
Round trip
2026-11-17 – 2026-11-23
LON - Shanghai
78% AI deal score
£421
£405
Round trip
2026-11-07 – 2026-11-13
LON - Shanghai
78% AI deal score
£418
£405
Round trip

London to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from London to Shanghai

A typical journey from London to Shanghai takes about 11h 20m, including connections. Given that most itineraries connect at least once, this median duration accounts for the layovers involved. For connecting flights specifically, the median journey time extends to 17h 50m.

Right now, if you are looking for cheap flights from London to Shanghai, fares are below the typical level. Recent fares for this route typically range from $750–$1637, with a median of $1218. Approximately 8% of recent fares were classified as a good price, indicating that competitive offers can be found.

The cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai is often in April, with a median fare of $665. Other cost-effective months include May, where the median fare is $684, and January, with a median fare of $699. These months present opportunities for more budget-friendly travel.

For flights from London to Shanghai, most itineraries connect at least once, with only 15.2% of recent fares being non-stop. For those itineraries that include connections, the typical number of stopovers is 2. This means travelers should anticipate at least one layover on the majority of journeys.

The distance between London and Shanghai is approximately 9252 kilometers, classifying this as a long-haul route. This considerable distance typically involves extended flight times and often necessitates connecting flights.

How much is a round trip from London to Shanghai

Regular price: £369 - £774

Prices are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from London to Shanghai is 369 GBP to 774 GBP. The current lowest deal is 402 GBP with China Southern Airlines, for travel from Nov 7-Nov 21.

now £402

Low £369

High £774

The cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai

The cheapest month to fly from London to Shanghai is April, with a median price of $607. The most expensive month is July, with a median price of $1667. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

April

Cheapest

Flights from £607

July

Most Expensive

Flights from £1,667

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from London to Shanghai

Air China

Last-minute flights going from London to Shanghai

Wed, Sep 23

⌛ Last-Minute

LGW - Shanghai

London (LGW) - Shanghai (SHA)

China Southern Airlines

£549

£436

One-way

Fri, Sep 25

⌛ Last-Minute

LGW - Shanghai

London (LGW) - Shanghai (PVG)

China Southern Airlines

£542

£408

One-way

Wed, Sep 30

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

Hainan Airlines

£527

£436

One-way

Wed, Sep 30

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

Hainan Airlines

£570

£436

One-way

Wed, Sep 30

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

Hainan Airlines

£536

£436

One-way

Sun, Nov 1

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

China Southern Airlines

£520

£436

One-way

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

5 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 6

£711 → £431

39%

9 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 10

£677 → £403

40%

3 nights

Dec 4 - Dec 7

£721 → £455

37%

2 nights

Dec 4 - Dec 6

£727 → £462

37%

Popular Airports to fly from London to Shanghai

London - Shanghai route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from London to Shanghai are below the typical level for this route.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in April for the best prices

Historically, April, May, and January offer the lowest median prices for this route.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 11h 20m

Direct flights typically take 11h 20m, while connecting flights average 17h 50m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights make up the majority of options, with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Air China offers direct flights

Air China is one airline that provides direct flight options on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals for flights from London to Shanghai are frequently available.

London main airports to depart from

Gatwick (LGW)

Cheapest

London Gatwick offers flights to Shanghai, with prices from 406 GBP, making it a good value option.

📍 ~40 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£406

Heathrow (LHR)

London Heathrow is a major hub for flights to Shanghai, with prices from 426 GBP.

📍 ~23 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£426

London City (LCY)

London City Airport provides a convenient option for flights to Shanghai, with prices from 533 GBP.

📍 ~13 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£533

London Southend (SEN)

London Southend offers flights to Shanghai, with prices from 576 GBP.

📍 ~57 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£576

London Stansted (STN)

London Stansted is an option for flights to Shanghai, with prices from 478 GBP.

📍 ~49 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£478

Luton (LTN)

Luton Airport provides flights to Shanghai, with prices from 472 GBP.

📍 ~44 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£472

Shanghai main airports to arrive at

Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA)

Cheapest

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is a good option for flights from London to Shanghai.

📍 ~14 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~£408

Airports nearby Shanghai used as alternative

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International is a major international hub with excellent high-speed rail connectivity to Shanghai.

📍 ~160 km from Shanghai (reachable by high-speed rail)

💸 Flights from ~£429

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Shanghai

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

Elite

Best Elite deals to Shanghai

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

From LHR

Elite

Nov 19

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$4,709

$2,831

Save $1,878

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 18

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$4,602

$2,831

Save $1,771

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 01

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$4,511

$2,898

Save $1,613

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 14

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$4,516

$2,898

Save $1,618

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 09

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$4,574

$2,898

Save $1,676

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LGW

Elite

Oct 01

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$6,173

$3,113

Save $3,060

Air China

Business Class

From LGW

Elite

Oct 01

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$6,166

$3,113

Save $3,053

Air China

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 23

Shanghai, China

93% AI deal score

$11,083

$5,057

Save $6,026

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 27

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,485

$2,898

Save $1,587

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 27

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,478

$2,966

Save $1,512

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 25

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,595

$2,972

Save $1,623

Etihad Airways

Business Class

From LHR

Elite

Nov 29

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,664

$2,972

Save $1,692

Etihad Airways

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

Historically, the optimal booking window for flights from London to Shanghai is typically 14-27 days before departure. During this period, the average price for a ticket has been observed at around $756. Prices tend to be higher outside this window, with tickets booked 7-13 days out averaging $1101, and those booked 28-59 days in advance averaging $1475. Even last-minute bookings (0-6 days out) are typically more expensive, with an average price of $916.

Across the trailing quarter, a flight from London to Shanghai is generally considered a good deal if the price is $750 or less. This threshold represents the lower quartile of prices observed over a 90-day period. The median price for this route has historically been $1218, while prices in the upper quartile can reach $1637 or more. Comparing potential fares to these benchmarks can help identify value.

Historically, the cheapest months to fly from London to Shanghai have been April, May, and January. In April, the median price was around $665, while May saw a median of $684. January also offered competitive fares with a median price of $699. These figures are notably lower than the annual median price for this route, which stands at $1218, indicating significant potential savings during these periods.

Related routes

More routes from London

Flights from London to Salvador Flights from London to San Jose Flights from London to Shannon, County Clare Flights from London to Sharm El Sheikh Flights from London to Shenyang Flights from London to Sialkot Flights from London to Singapore Flights from London to Sofia Flights from London to Southampton Flights from London to Split Flights from London to Thessaloniki Flights from London to Xi'an

Flights to Shanghai from other cities

Flights from Chennai to Shanghai Flights from Luang Prabang to Shanghai Flights from Macau to Shanghai Flights from Madrid to Shanghai Flights from Manchester to Shanghai Flights from Manila to Shanghai Flights from Melbourne to Shanghai Flights from Memphis to Shanghai Flights from Milan to Shanghai Flights from Minneapolis to Shanghai Flights from Monterrey to Shanghai Flights from Muscat to Shanghai

London to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from London to Shanghai

How much is a round trip from London to Shanghai

Regular price: £369 - £774

Prices are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from London to Shanghai is 369 GBP to 774 GBP. The current lowest deal is 402 GBP with China Southern Airlines, for travel from Nov 7-Nov 21.

now £402

Low £369

High £774

The cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai

April

Cheapest

Flights from £607

July

Most Expensive

Flights from £1,667

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from London to Shanghai

Air China

Last-minute flights going from London to Shanghai

Wed, Sep 23

⌛ Last-Minute

LGW - Shanghai

London (LGW) - Shanghai (SHA)

China Southern Airlines

£549

£436

One-way

Fri, Sep 25

⌛ Last-Minute

LGW - Shanghai

London (LGW) - Shanghai (PVG)

China Southern Airlines

£542

£408

One-way

Wed, Sep 30

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

Hainan Airlines

£527

£436

One-way

Wed, Sep 30

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

Hainan Airlines

£570

£436

One-way

Wed, Sep 30

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

Hainan Airlines

£536

£436

One-way

Sun, Nov 1

⌛ Last-Minute

LHR - Shanghai

London (LHR) - Shanghai (SHA)

China Southern Airlines

£520

£436

One-way

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

5 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 6

£711 → £431

39%

9 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 10

£677 → £403

40%

3 nights

Dec 4 - Dec 7

£721 → £455

37%

2 nights

Dec 4 - Dec 6

£727 → £462

37%

Popular Airports to fly from London to Shanghai

London - Shanghai route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from London to Shanghai are below the typical level for this route.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in April for the best prices

Historically, April, May, and January offer the lowest median prices for this route.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 11h 20m

Direct flights typically take 11h 20m, while connecting flights average 17h 50m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights make up the majority of options, with a median of 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Air China offers direct flights

Air China is one airline that provides direct flight options on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals for flights from London to Shanghai are frequently available.

London main airports to depart from

Gatwick (LGW)

Cheapest

London Gatwick offers flights to Shanghai, with prices from 406 GBP, making it a good value option.

📍 ~40 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£406

Heathrow (LHR)

London Heathrow is a major hub for flights to Shanghai, with prices from 426 GBP.

📍 ~23 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£426

London City (LCY)

London City Airport provides a convenient option for flights to Shanghai, with prices from 533 GBP.

📍 ~13 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£533

London Southend (SEN)

London Southend offers flights to Shanghai, with prices from 576 GBP.

📍 ~57 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£576

London Stansted (STN)

London Stansted is an option for flights to Shanghai, with prices from 478 GBP.

📍 ~49 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£478

Luton (LTN)

Luton Airport provides flights to Shanghai, with prices from 472 GBP.

📍 ~44 km from London city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~£472

Shanghai main airports to arrive at

Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA)

Cheapest

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is a good option for flights from London to Shanghai.

📍 ~14 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~£408

Airports nearby Shanghai used as alternative

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International is a major international hub with excellent high-speed rail connectivity to Shanghai.

Shanghai, China

92% AI deal score

$4,664

$2,972

Save $1,692

Etihad Airways

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

Cheap Flights from London to Shanghai

Today’s best flight deals from London to Shanghai

London to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from London to Shanghai

How much is a round trip from London to Shanghai

The cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai

Direct flights from London to Shanghai

Last-minute flights going from London to Shanghai

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

Popular Airports to fly from London to Shanghai

London - Shanghai route insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Fly in April for the best prices

Direct flights average 11h 20m

Connecting flights are dominant

Air China offers direct flights

Deals are frequent on this route

London 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

Nov 19

Nov 18

Nov 01

Nov 14

Nov 09

Oct 01

Oct 01

Nov 23

Nov 27

Nov 27

Nov 25

Nov 29

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

When should I buy London to Shanghai tickets?

How do I know if a London to Shanghai flight is a good deal?

When is the cheapest time of year to fly from London to Shanghai?

What percentage of London to Shanghai flights are direct?

What's the flight time from London to Shanghai?

How often do London to Shanghai flight prices drop?

Related routes

More routes from London

Flights to Shanghai from other cities

London to Shanghai: Overview

Insights for flights from London to Shanghai

How much is a round trip from London to Shanghai

The cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai

Direct flights from London to Shanghai

Last-minute flights going from London to Shanghai

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

Popular Airports to fly from London to Shanghai

London - Shanghai route insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Fly in April for the best prices

Direct flights average 11h 20m

Connecting flights are dominant

Air China offers direct flights

Deals are frequent on this route

London 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

Nov 19

Nov 18

Nov 01

Nov 14

Nov 09

Oct 01

Oct 01

Nov 23

Nov 27

Nov 27

Nov 25

Nov 29

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Shanghai

When should I buy London to Shanghai tickets?

How do I know if a London to Shanghai flight is a good deal?

When is the cheapest time of year to fly from London to Shanghai?