Are there direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul?

Direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul are not very common, historically making up only 2.5% of all available flights. When a direct flight is not available, travelers typically encounter flights with two stopovers. This indicates that most routes for this journey will involve at least one connection. Travelers should anticipate connecting flights when planning their trip.

What's the flight time from Shanghai to Istanbul?

The typical direct flight time from Shanghai to Istanbul is approximately 12 hours and 0 minutes, covering a distance of 8020 kilometers. For flights with one stop, the median duration extends to about 19 hours and 30 minutes. Travelers should factor in these durations when planning their journey, especially if considering options with layovers. Direct flights offer a significantly shorter travel experience.

How often do cheap flights from Shanghai to Istanbul come up?

Historically, cheap flights from Shanghai to Istanbul come up frequently. This route is classified as one with frequent deals across the trailing 30 days. Travelers can typically find favorable prices with some regularity. This suggests that opportunities for good value fares are relatively common for this particular route.

Flights From Shanghai

To Istanbul

Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Istanbul

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

Deals from

Shanghai

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

Prices updated 2 days ago

405 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Shanghai to Istanbul

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Shanghai to Istanbul

2026-10-12 – 2026-10-28
SHA - Istanbul
81% AI deal score
CN¥3,962
CN¥3,309
Round trip
2026-09-18 – 2026-09-30
SHA - Istanbul
86% AI deal score
CN¥4,070
CN¥3,316
Round trip
2026-10-14 – 2026-10-21
SHA - Istanbul
86% AI deal score
CN¥4,128
CN¥3,316
Round trip
2026-10-09 – 2026-10-21
SHA - Istanbul
81% AI deal score
CN¥3,969
CN¥3,316
Round trip
2026-10-16 – 2026-10-28
SHA - Istanbul
81% AI deal score
CN¥4,003
CN¥3,316
Round trip
2026-10-18 – 2026-10-25
SHA - Istanbul
86% AI deal score
CN¥4,154
CN¥3,316
Round trip
2026-10-05 – 2026-10-18
SHA - Istanbul
81% AI deal score
CN¥3,944
CN¥3,316
Round trip
2026-09-18 – 2026-09-25
SHA - Istanbul
87% AI deal score
CN¥4,238
CN¥3,323
Round trip
2026-09-18 – 2026-09-28
SHA - Istanbul
86% AI deal score
CN¥4,094
CN¥3,329
Round trip
2026-09-18 – 2026-09-23
SHA - Istanbul
87% AI deal score
CN¥4,322
CN¥3,329
Round trip

Shanghai to Istanbul: Overview

Insights for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul

Fares for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul typically range from $917–$1314, with a median of $1131. Right now, current fares are below the typical level, and only 2% of recent fares were classified as a good price. New deals appear almost daily, suggesting frequent opportunities to find cheap flights from Shanghai to Istanbul.

When considering the cheapest time to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul, September stands out with a median fare of $433. Following that, December offers a median of $537, and January presents a median of $616. These months offer more affordable options compared to the typical fare range.

A typical journey from Shanghai to Istanbul takes about 37h 10m, including connections. This is a long-haul route, covering a significant distance of 8020 km. Most itineraries connect at least once, with the median number of stopovers for connecting flights being 2. Only a small share of recent fares, 2.5%, were for direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul.

How much is a round trip from Shanghai to Istanbul

Regular price: CN¥3,476 - CN¥7,806

Prices for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for this route is between 3476 CNY and 7806 CNY. The current lowest deal is 3329 CNY with FlyAsianXpress for travel from Oct 12-Oct 28.

now CN¥3,329

Low CN¥3,476

High CN¥7,806

The cheapest time to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul

The cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul is September, with a median price of $433. The most expensive month is October, with a median price of $1589. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

September

Cheapest

Flights from CN¥433

October

Most Expensive

Flights from CN¥1,589

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul

Turkish Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Shanghai to Istanbul

Mon, Aug 17

⌛ Last-Minute

PVG - Istanbul

Shanghai (PVG) - Istanbul (IST)

China Southern Airlines

CN¥4,108

CN¥3,528

One-way

Wed, Aug 19

⌛ Last-Minute

PVG - Istanbul

Shanghai (PVG) - Istanbul (IST)

Emirates Airlines

CN¥4,224

CN¥3,474

One-way

Wed, Aug 19

⌛ Last-Minute

PVG - Istanbul

Shanghai (PVG) - Istanbul (IST)

Emirates Airlines

CN¥4,155

CN¥3,474

One-way

Wed, Aug 19

⌛ Last-Minute

PVG - Istanbul

Shanghai (PVG) - Istanbul (IST)

Emirates Airlines

CN¥4,359

CN¥3,630

One-way

Thu, Aug 20

⌛ Last-Minute

PVG - Istanbul

Shanghai (PVG) - Istanbul (IST)

Emirates Airlines

CN¥4,134

CN¥3,474

One-way

Thu, Aug 27

⌛ Last-Minute

SHA - Istanbul

Shanghai (SHA) - Istanbul (IST)

China Southern Airlines

CN¥4,780

CN¥3,643

One-way

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

4 nights

Dec 15 - Dec 19

CN¥5,915 → CN¥3,610

39%

5 nights

Dec 9 - Dec 14

CN¥5,927 → CN¥3,643

39%

7 nights

Dec 9 - Dec 16

CN¥5,849 → CN¥3,630

38%

7 nights

Dec 10 - Dec 17

CN¥5,829 → CN¥3,671

37%

Popular Airports to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul

Shanghai - Istanbul route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent SHA to IST fares are below the typical level, with 2% good prices historically.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in September for the best prices

Historically, September is the cheapest month to fly, with a median price of $433.

⏱️ Flight duration

Flights are typically long-haul

The median flight duration from Shanghai to Istanbul is 37h 10m, a long-haul journey.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Only 2.5% of recent flights are direct, with connecting routes having 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Turkish Airlines offers direct flights

Turkish Airlines has offered 1 direct flight deal from Shanghai to Istanbul recently.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear frequently

Deals for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul are frequent, appearing within a 30-day window.

Shanghai main airports to depart from

Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)

Cheapest

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

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

💸 Flights from ~$525

Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA)

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is an alternative for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul.

📍 ~15 km from Shanghai city center (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~$527

Istanbul main airports to arrive at

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Cheapest

Istanbul Airport is a primary arrival option for flights from Shanghai, offering competitive prices.

📍 ~40 km from Istanbul city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$525

Airports nearby Istanbul used as alternative

Esenboğa International (ESB)

Consider Esenboğa International for its major international hub status and extensive flight network.

📍 ~350 km from Istanbul (requires domestic flight or high-speed train connection)

💸 Flights from ~$824

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Istanbul

93% AI deal score

$2,055

$1,124

Save $931

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Istanbul

Historically, the lowest average prices for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul are found when booking 7-13 days in advance. During this period, the average price is around $1163. Booking 0-6 days out typically sees an average price of $1241, while waiting until 60+ days before departure can result in an average price of $1420. Planning your trip within the 7-13 day window can help secure more favorable fares.

Across the trailing quarter, a good price for a flight from Shanghai to Istanbul is considered to be $917 or less. The median price for this route historically stands at $1131. Prices can vary, with 75% of fares being $1314 or less over the trailing 90 days. Aiming for a fare below $917 would typically secure a competitive deal.

Historically, September has been the cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul, with a median price of $433. December also offers competitive fares, with a median price of $537. The annual median price for this route is $1131, making these months significantly more affordable. Travelers looking for lower prices should consider flying during September or December.

Related routes

More routes from Shanghai

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Flights to Istanbul from other cities

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Shanghai to Istanbul: Overview

Insights for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul

How much is a round trip from Shanghai to Istanbul

Regular price: CN¥3,476 - CN¥7,806

Prices for flights from Shanghai to Istanbul are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for this route is between 3476 CNY and 7806 CNY. The current lowest deal is 3329 CNY with FlyAsianXpress for travel from Oct 12-Oct 28.

now CN¥3,329

Low CN¥3,476

High CN¥7,806

The cheapest time to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul

September

Cheapest

Flights from CN¥433

October

Most Expensive

Flights from CN¥1,589

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec