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Flight Deals from San Francisco to Shanghai from $416

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Price Drop Deals Near You

Shanghai

40% Price Drop

Apr 28

SFO

7 days

May 5

SHA

$1742

now only

$1040

Round-trip

33% Price Drop

Apr 6

SFO

10 days

Apr 16

PVG

$1706

now only

$1144

Round-trip

28% Price Drop

May 18

SFO

13 days

May 31

PVG

$1709

now only

$1232

Round-trip

27% Price Drop

Apr 8

SFO

7 days

Apr 15

PVG

$1714

now only

$1254

Round-trip

26% Price Drop

Apr 9

SFO

7 days

Apr 16

PVG

$1713

now only

$1264

Round-trip

19% Price Drop

Apr 28

SFO

7 days

May 5

PVG

$1706

now only

$1375

Round-trip

Shanghai

20% Price Drop

Apr 9

SFO

7 days

Apr 16

SHA

$1742

now only

$1390

Round-trip

10% Price Drop

May 25

SFO

7 days

Jun 1

PVG

$1706

now only

$1530

Round-trip

Shanghai

11% Price Drop

May 25

SFO

7 days

Jun 1

SHA

$1742

now only

$1547

Round-trip

Stops

  • Up to 1 stop
    $753
  • Up to nonstop
    $1293
  • Up to 2 stops
    $878

Airlines

  • Air Canada
    $977
  • Air China Limited
    $1085
  • All Nippon Airways
    $1279
  • Asiana
    $753
  • Cathay Pacific
    $896
  • China Airlines
    $1003
  • China Eastern
    $1203
  • China Southern Airlines
    $1064
  • Delta Air Lines
    $1306
  • EVA Air
    $1010
  • Japan Airlines
    $1501
  • Korean Air
    $777
  • Philippine Airlines
    $1408
  • Qatar Airways
    $1368
  • Singapore Airlines
    $1245
  • Turkish Airlines
    $1323
  • United Airlines
    $1296
  • Vietnam Airlines
    $995

Cabin Class

  • Economy
    $753

Departure Airports

  • San Francisco International Airport
    $753

Arrival Airports

  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
    $753

Layover Airports

  • Beijing Capital Airport
    $1085
  • Beijing Daxing Airport
    $1252
  • Changsha Huanghua International Airport
    $1364
  • Denver International Airport
    $1019
  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport
    $1306
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
    $1064
  • Hamad International Airport
    $1368
  • Harry Reid International Airport
    $981
  • Hong Kong International Airport
    $896
  • Istanbul Airport
    $1323
  • Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
    $1387
  • Liuting Airport
    $1286
  • Los Angeles International Airport
    $1085
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport
    $1408
  • Portland International Airport
    $1147
  • San Diego International Airport
    $987
  • Seattle Tacoma International Airport
    $878
  • Seoul Incheon Airport
    $753
  • Singapore Changi Airport
    $1245
  • Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
    $1003
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport
    $995
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport
    $1279
  • Tokyo Narita Airport
    $1294
  • Vancouver International Airport
    $977
  • Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
    $1064
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
    $1279

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EXPRESS DEAL

BUDGET FRIENDLY

You’re guaranteed to get one of these airlines:

DeltaDelta
AlaskaAlaska
UnitedUnited
AmericanAmerican
SFO PVG
Nov 30 ‧ Economy
$641

One-way

Asiana Logo
Asiana

10/28/26

SFO
34h 15m
ICN

10/30/26

SHA
Asiana Logo
Asiana

11/18/26

SHA
50m
ICN

11/18/26

SFO
$753
Korean Air Logo
Korean Air

10/13/26

SFO
44h 50m
ICN

10/15/26

SHA
Korean Air Logo
Korean Air

11/03/26

SHA
19h 30m
ICN

11/04/26

SFO
$777
Korean Air Logo
Korean Air

10/29/26

SFO
37h 25m
SEA
ICN

10/30/26

SHA
Korean Air Logo
Korean Air

11/18/26

SHA
ICN

11/18/26

SFO
$878
Bundle + Save
Book a flight & hotel together for extra savings.
On average save $240 per traveler
Cathay Pacific Logo
Cathay Pacific

10/13/26

SFO
34h 55m
HKG

10/14/26

SHA
Cathay Pacific Logo
Cathay Pacific

11/24/26

SHA
2h 10m
HKG

11/24/26

SFO
$896
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

10/28/26

SFO
32h 30m
YVR

10/29/26

SHA
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

11/18/26

SHA
3h
YVR

11/18/26

SFO
$977
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

10/26/26

SFO
40h 45m
LAS
YVR

10/28/26

SHA
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

11/04/26

SHA
3h
YVR

11/04/26

SFO
$981
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

10/28/26

SFO
32h 30m
YVR

10/29/26

SHA
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

11/18/26

SHA
2h 34m
YVR
SAN

11/18/26

SFO
$987
Vietnam Airlines Logo
Vietnam Airlines

10/14/26

SFO
37h 50m
SGN

10/16/26

SHA
Vietnam Airlines Logo
Vietnam Airlines

11/04/26

SHA
25h 35m
SGN

11/05/26

SFO
$995
China Airlines Logo
China Airlines

10/28/26

SFO
35h 10m
TPE

10/30/26

SHA
China Airlines Logo
China Airlines

11/18/26

SHA
TPE

11/18/26

SFO
$1003
EVA Air Logo
EVA Air

10/26/26

SFO
35h 25m
TPE

10/27/26

SHA
EVA Air Logo
EVA Air

11/04/26

SHA
1h 45m
TPE

11/04/26

SFO
$1010
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

10/29/26

SFO
43h 8m
DEN
YVR

10/31/26

SHA
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

11/18/26

SHA
3h
YVR

11/18/26

SFO
$1019
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/28/26

SFO
41h 35m
CAN

10/29/26

SHA
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

11/18/26

SHA
21h 35m
WUH

11/19/26

SFO
$1064
Air China Limited Logo
Air China Limited

10/26/26

SFO
39h 15m
LAX
PEK

10/28/26

SHA
Air China Limited Logo
Air China Limited

11/04/26

SHA
1h 45m
PEK

11/04/26

SFO
$1085
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Book a flight & hotel together for extra savings.
On average save $240 per traveler
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

10/17/26

SFO
42h 30m
YVR

10/19/26

SHA
Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

10/31/26

SHA
4h 5m
YVR
PDX

10/31/26

SFO
$1147
China Eastern Logo
China Eastern

10/13/26

SFO
32h 20m
LAX

10/14/26

SHA
China Eastern Logo
China Eastern

11/03/26

SHA
4h 39m
LAX

11/03/26

SFO
$1203
Singapore Airlines Logo
Singapore Airlines

10/28/26

SFO
43h 50m
SIN

10/30/26

SHA
Singapore Airlines Logo
Singapore Airlines

11/18/26

SHA
7h 40m
SIN

11/18/26

SFO
$1245
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/13/26

SFO
33h 25m
WUH

10/14/26

SHA
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

11/03/26

SHA
11h 30m
PKX
CAN

11/03/26

SFO
$1252
All Nippon Airways Logo
All Nippon Airways

10/19/26

SFO
35h 5m
HND

10/20/26

SHA
All Nippon Airways Logo
All Nippon Airways

11/04/26

SHA
1h 40m
HND

11/04/26

SFO
$1279
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/26/26

SFO
48h 25m
LAX
CAN

10/28/26

SHA
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

11/04/26

SHA
21h 15m
CGO
CAN

11/05/26

SFO
$1279
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/23/26

SFO
42h 5m
CAN
TAO

10/24/26

SHA
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/30/26

SHA
21h 50m
CAN

10/31/26

SFO
$1286
China Eastern Logo
China Eastern

11/07/26

SFO
29h 35m
Direct

11/08/26

SHA
China Eastern Logo
China Eastern

11/21/26

SHA
Direct

11/21/26

SFO
$1293
All Nippon Airways Logo
All Nippon Airways

10/19/26

SFO
57h 6m
SEA
HND

10/21/26

SHA
All Nippon Airways Logo
All Nippon Airways

11/15/26

SHA
19h 40m
NRT

11/16/26

SFO
$1294
United Airlines Logo
United Airlines

10/26/26

SFO
28h 50m
Direct

10/27/26

SHA
United Airlines Logo
United Airlines

11/04/26

SHA
Direct

11/04/26

SFO
$1296
Bundle + Save
Book a flight & hotel together for extra savings.
On average save $240 per traveler
Delta Air Lines Logo
Delta Air Lines

11/01/26

SFO
41h
DTW

11/03/26

SHA
Delta Air Lines Logo
Delta Air Lines

11/10/26

SHA
1h 3m
SEA

11/10/26

SFO
$1306
Turkish Airlines Logo
Turkish Airlines

11/01/26

SFO
42h 20m
IST

11/03/26

SHA
Turkish Airlines Logo
Turkish Airlines

11/11/26

SHA
12h
IST

11/12/26

SFO
$1323
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/14/26

SFO
43h 55m
CAN

10/15/26

SHA
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

11/04/26

SHA
21h 40m
CSX
CAN

11/05/26

SFO
$1364
Qatar Airways Logo
Qatar Airways

10/26/26

SFO
46h 40m
DOH

10/28/26

SHA
Qatar Airways Logo
Qatar Airways

11/04/26

SHA
13h 5m
DOH

11/05/26

SFO
$1368
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/17/26

SFO
49h 55m
LAX
CAN

10/19/26

SHA
China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

10/31/26

SHA
6h 55m
SWA
CAN

10/31/26

SFO
$1387
Philippine Airlines Logo
Philippine Airlines

10/13/26

SFO
38h
MNL

10/14/26

SHA
Philippine Airlines Logo
Philippine Airlines

11/03/26

SHA
10h 20m
MNL

11/03/26

SFO
$1408
Japan Airlines Logo
Japan Airlines

10/14/26

SFO
47h 25m
HND

10/16/26

SHA
Japan Airlines Logo
Japan Airlines

11/05/26

SHA
HND

11/05/26

SFO
$1501

Top Deals on flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

 Logo

Jan 19

SFO
41h 45m
LAX
XMN

Jan 21

SHA

as low as

$416

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

Jan 18

SFO
52h 25m
YVR

Jan 20

SHA

as low as

$522

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

Jan 21

SFO
45h 10m
WUH

Jan 23

SHA

as low as

$547

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

China Southern Airlines Logo
China Southern Airlines

Jan 19

SFO
48h 50m
CAN

Jan 22

SHA

as low as

$548

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

Korean Air Logo
Korean Air

Jan 19

SFO
32h 45m
ICN

Jan 20

SHA

as low as

$550

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

Air Canada Logo
Air Canada

Jan 19

SFO
41h
YVR
HKG

Jan 21

SHA

as low as

$566

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

Asiana Logo
Asiana

Jan 19

SFO
34h 15m
ICN

Jan 21

SHA

as low as

$566

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

China Airlines Logo
China Airlines

Jan 18

SFO
35h 10m
TPE

Jan 20

SHA

as low as

$586

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

EVA Air Logo
EVA Air

Jan 19

SFO
36h 15m
TPE

Jan 21

SHA

as low as

$591

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

Korean Air Logo
Korean Air

Jan 20

SFO
37h 25m
SEA
ICN

Jan 21

SHA

as low as

$618

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

China Eastern Logo
China Eastern

Jan 20

SFO
34h 45m
LAX

Jan 21

SHA

as low as

$677

San Francisco, US (SFO) - Shanghai, CN (SHA)

Turkish Airlines Logo
Turkish Airlines

Jan 21

SFO
46h 20m
IST

Jan 23

SHA

as low as

$699

Good to Know

Essential information to help you plan your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

Cheapest Flight

$416

The lowest price we found in the last two weeks, departing Jan 19 and returning Jan 21

Airline MF2 stops ‧ 41h 45m ‧ economy

Fastest Flights

$1296

The fastest flight that we found in the last two weeks, departing Oct 26 and returning Nov 4

Airline UA28h 50m ‧ economy

Cheapest Flight Round-trip

$753

Cheapest price found in the last 14 days, departing Oct 28 and returning Nov 18

Airline OZ1 stop ‧ 34h 15m ‧ economy

Cheapest Flight One-way

$416

Cheapest price found in the last 14 days, departing Jan 19

Airline MF2 stops ‧ 41h 45m ‧ economy

Cheapest Layover airport

$548

The cheapest layover airport to Shanghai is currently $548

Airline CZ1 stop ‧ 48h 50m ‧ economy

Best Arrival airport

$416

The best arrival airport to Shanghai is currently $416

Airline MF2 stops ‧ 41h 45m ‧ economy

Best Departure airport

$416

The best departure airport to Shanghai is currently $416

Airline MF2 stops ‧ 41h 45m ‧ economy

Cheapest Airline

$416

The cheapest airline to Shanghai is currently $416

Airline MF2 stops ‧ 41h 45m ‧ economy

Peak prices from San Francisco to Shanghai are high in early December, while the lowest fares can be found from mid-January to late February.

When flying from San Francisco to Shanghai, you will notice significant price variations throughout the year. The peak travel season occurs in early December, with prices surging to their highest point just before the holidays, reaching approximately $1860. Other notable peaks appear in mid-June and late March, both exceeding $1500. In contrast, the best time to find lower fares is from mid-January to late February, when prices can dip to around $900. Additionally, late August and late October also offer reasonable pricing, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Book your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai at least 173 days in advance or between 59-100 days prior for the best prices.

When planning your trip from San Francisco to Shanghai, aim to book your flight well in advance, ideally more than 173 days before departure, as prices start around $1,055. A notable dip occurs again when booking between 59 to 100 days out, where prices can fall to approximately $1,068. However, if you are within 59 days of departure, act quickly as prices tend to rise sharply, peaking at around $1,243 right before your flight, with a steady increase generally observed as your departure date approaches. Therefore, for the best deal, secure your tickets as soon as possible, especially if you are already approaching the departure window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical flight duration from San Francisco to Shanghai?

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Shanghai (SHA) takes approximately 12 hours 30 minutes. Flights with layovers, often in cities like Seattle or Dallas, usually take between 14 and 16 hours total.

Are there any direct flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Yes. Non-stop flights from San Francisco to Shanghai are operated daily by China Eastern and Air China, with flight durations around 12 hours 30 minutes. These are the primary carriers offering direct service. Non-stop flights tend to be approximately 20-40% more expensive than one-stop routes, which typically take around 14 to 16 hours including layovers.

Are there visa requirements to travel from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Yes — travelers from the U.S. to Shanghai need a valid Chinese visa for purposes other than transit. U.S. citizens should apply for a tourist, business, or other appropriate visa before departure. China has also implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for certain travelers transiting through Shanghai and other cities, but this applies only under specific conditions and for eligible nationalities. Always check current visa requirements before travel as they can change.

What are the ground transportation options in Shanghai?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers several ground transportation options to the city center. The Maglev train is the fastest, reaching Longyang Road station in about eight minutes, followed by the Shanghai Metro line 2, which takes approximately fifty minutes to reach the city center. Taxis and ride-share services are available outside the terminals, typically taking around thirty to forty minutes depending on traffic. Car rentals are also available at the airport but are less common for city transit. Most travelers prefer the Metro for its speed, affordability, and frequency, making it the most used option.

When is the cheapest time to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Fares are usually lowest from November to February and in late April. Midweek afternoon flights tend to be cheaper; booking around two to three months ahead optimizes savings.

How far in advance should I book tickets from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Book three to six months in advance, especially for summer travel and Chinese New Year, when fares tend to increase early.

Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Yes. Non‑stop flights from San Francisco to Shanghai often depart in the evening and arrive the next morning, allowing travelers to maximize daytime in Shanghai.

Which airlines usually operate this route from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Non‑stop flights by Air China and China Eastern. One‑stop flights are available via airlines like United, Delta, and American via their hubs.

If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between San Francisco and Shanghai?

Common layovers include Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei and Hong Kong, offering broad connections and efficient transfers.

How reliable are on‑time departures on this route from San Francisco to Shanghai?

On‑time departures are usually reliable, though factors like weather can cause delays. Choosing early flights on airlines such as China Eastern or United can improve the chances of on-time departure.

Which months have the best weather for traveling to Shanghai?

April to June and September to October offer mild temperatures and less crowded conditions.

What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Bring a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, a Chinese visa, proof of onward travel, and vaccination certificates if required. A valid payment method for baggage is also recommended.

Which airport should I use in Shanghai?

Pudong Airport is the primary international gateway, serving most long-haul flights with extensive connections and modern facilities, ideal for business travelers. Hongqiao handles mainly domestic and regional flights and is closer to downtown Shanghai.

How do I get to San Francisco Intl Airport airport from the city center?

From downtown San Francisco, the BART train to the airport takes about 30 min and is the most popular and economical. Rideshares and taxis are quicker, around 20 min but more expensive. Shuttle services and parking are also available.

Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Shanghai airport?

Shanghai Pudong Airport has the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel connected to Terminal 2 and a YOTELAIR capsule hotel in Terminal 2. No additional shuttle is needed for these facilities.

Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Hongqiao Intl Airport ?

Hongqiao International Airport offers currency exchange services in both terminals, prayer rooms in Terminal 2, and free Wi‑Fi throughout.

Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the San Francisco and Shanghai airports?

San Francisco SFO offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and children’s play areas in Terminal 2 and International Terminal; arrange assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before. Shanghai Pudong airport provides mobility assistance, accessible facilities, and children’s zones; contact your airline 48 hours in advance.

Which aircraft models fly between San Francisco and Shanghai this route and do airlines offer Wi‑Fi?

Common aircraft include Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. Airlines like United and China Eastern generally offer Wi‑Fi and entertainment.

Which airline alliances operate this route?

Star Alliance (Air China), oneworld (Cathay Pacific), and SkyTeam (China Eastern) operate flights from San Francisco to Shanghai.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Afternoon departures on weekdays typically have lower fares compared to morning or evening flights.

What are the best airport lounge options when departing from San Francisco?

At SFO, the United Club and the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 1 offer amenities like refreshments, Wi-Fi, and showers. Access generally requires a first or business class ticket, elite status, or membership; some lounges also sell day passes. The Lufthansa Lounge in Terminal 1 is available to Lufthansa business class travelers and Star Alliance elite members.

What is the baggage allowance on this route from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Baggage allowances vary by airline and fare class. Basic economy usually excludes checked bags, while standard international economy generally includes one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins offer more baggage allowance.

What cabin and seat options are typical from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Flights from San Francisco to Shanghai usually provide Economy, Premium Economy on select airlines, and flat‑bed Business class.

Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?

Same‑day changes or standby options depend on the airline and fare class, with flexible and premium tickets offering higher chances.

Flights to Shanghai