Flights from London to Shanghai from GBP563

Book London to Shanghai flights and marvel at China’s striking city

Shanghai strikes a balance between hyper-futuristic wonder and effortless urban grace. You can glide into town at 300 kilometres an hour on a levitating maglev train, navigate gleaming metro stations, and spot automated delivery robots. Yet, beyond the neon skyline, the city reveals a slow, welcoming charm. You'll recognise London’s deep cafe culture and quiet village-like pockets tucked within Shanghai’s leafy residential neighbourhoods, where artisan coffee spots and local bakeries spill onto tree-lined pavements. From soaring magnetic railways to peaceful strolls through historic stone alleyways, this Chinese city makes every moment feel vibrant. Book London to Shanghai flights and explore total luxury and cutting-edge energy.

As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad offers a luxury airline experience rooted in the signature hospitality of Abu Dhabi on flights from London to Shanghai. From seamless priority check-in to tailored inflight care, our crew looks after every detail to make your travel effortless. Step on board our private, relaxing premium cabins where five-star service meets thoughtful touches, including custom dietary meals and nonstop seatback entertainment loaded with fresh releases and audio channels. Fly in complete comfort and luxury while collecting Etihad Guest Miles for future adventures, arriving in Shanghai fully rested and ready to explore. Book your flights with us to travel in comfort and style to your dream destination.

What are the schedules of Etihad’s London (LHR) to Shanghai (PVG) flights?

• Flight time: Our fastest one-stop flight from London to Shanghai takes about 17 hours and 35 minutes, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi.
• First flight: The earliest one-stop flight from London to Shanghai usually departs in the morning, at around 09:30, depending on the schedule.
• Last flight: The latest one-stop flight from London to Shanghai usually departs in the evening, at around 21:45, depending on the schedule.
• Flights per day: There are usually up to three one-stop flights per scheduled day from London to Shanghai.
• Return flight: The one-stop return flight from Shanghai to London usually departs in the evening.
• Flight distance: The average air distance between London and Shanghai is 5,755 miles (or 9,262km).
• Aircraft: Your one-stop journey between London and Shanghai features both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, switching aircraft during your Abu Dhabi stopover, depending on the schedule. On board the Etihad A380, First Class travel is redefined with a separate bed and armchair for added personal space. For the ultimate in luxury, The Residence offers the world's only three-room suite in the sky, complete with a private bedroom, living area, and ensuite shower for up to two guests, an experience that goes far beyond expectations

*Book flights with us through etihad.com, where you can see the most up-to-date flight status and details, including flight times, schedules, and daily departures. Make sure you check our website as these details are subject to change.  

Book London to Shanghai flights and enjoy an Abu Dhabi Stopover

Turn your long flight into two holidays by getting up to two free nights in a premium hotel in Abu Dhabi, courtesy of us. Drop your luggage, head outside, and wander the UAE capital before you catch your connecting flight.

• How to book a stopover: Booking your Abu Dhabi stopover takes just a few clicks when you book flights with us. Simply choose the stopover option while selecting your flights, pick your hotel, and lock in your dates before checking out. We'll send your hotel voucher straight to your inbox so you can show it when you arrive at the reception desk.
• Get your Stopover Pass: Touch down in Abu Dhabi and immediately unlock a massive stack of free travel perks with your Stopover Pass. We’ll hand you a 10GB SIM card right at the airport to keep you online, slash the cost of top local sightseeing tours, and give you rides on our city shuttle buses.

What are the top activities to do in Shanghai?

Shanghai snaps into motion with peaceful morning temples on one corner and brilliant street food stalls humming beside midnight traffic on the next. Dive straight into modern city life alongside ancient tradition as you discover what to do in Shanghai through these top highlights across China’s energetic city:

• Wander along the Bund: Walk the 1.5km riverside promenade in Shanghai to admire colonial-era neoclassical, Gothic, and Art Deco landmarks.
• Sail down the Huangpu River: Take an evening sightseeing tour or board a local commuter ferry for low-cost, open-air views of the illuminated Bund and Pudong skylines.
• Board the Shanghai Maglev: Experience magnetic levitation travel at speeds of up to 430 km/h on the eight-minute route between Pudong Airport and Shanghai’s city centre.
• Explore the alleys of Tianzifang: Get lost in a dense maze of restored laneways in Shanghai, packed with indie craft shops, street snacks, and casual bars.

Visa, currency, language, and weather information

• Visa guidelines: British citizens travelling from the United Kingdom can enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.
• Currency: The local currency of China is the Chinese yuan (CNY). While ATMs and currency exchange counters operate across Shanghai, digital payments run daily life here. Link your credit card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, because cash and foreign cards aren't widely accepted in smaller venues.
• Language: Mandarin is China's official language, though you'll hear the distinct local dialect spoken throughout Shanghai’s neighbourhoods. English isn't spoken everywhere outside major international hotels and key attractions, so downloading a digital translator app makes getting around simple.
• Weather information: Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. Spring runs from March to May with fresh breezes, summer brings heat and humidity from June to August, autumn brings clear, crisp skies from September to November, and winter drops to chilly temperatures from December to February. Plan your trip between March and May, or from September to November, to experience the city's mildest, most comfortable weather.

What are some tips to save money for London to Shanghai trips?

Fly from London while keeping your holiday spend firmly under control. Stretch your travel budget further with these tips:

• Reserve seats in advance: Plan ahead and reserve your flights early to access the best prices, more seat options, and greater flexibility for your travel dates.
• Purchase roundtrip flights: When you book roundtrip London to Shanghai flight tickets, the price is often cheaper than buying two one-way tickets, as airlines offer discounts for roundtrips.
• Use your Etihad Guest credit card: Our airline miles credit cards allow you to earn more Etihad Guest Miles on every purchase. These cards help you build your balance fast as you book flights, shop, and pay for daily costs.

What are the origin and destination airports in London and Shanghai?

Gliding smoothly through terminals on departure day sets the tone for your entire trip. Know the airports you’ll use on this route.

• Origin airport: Millions of international guests move through London Heathrow Airport each year, cementing its status as a premier global transit hub. A vast network of shops, restaurants, and convenient services fills the four massive terminals that operate these flights worldwide. The IATA airport code for London Heathrow Airport, which is based in Hounslow, is LHR.
• Destination airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, carrying the IATA code PVG, stands as one of Asia's premier transit hubs, welcoming tens of millions of travellers every year. Situated in eastern Pudong, this aviation gateway features world-class guest facilities, direct ground transport connections, and round-the-clock transport links into the city centre. When you book flights to Shanghai with us, you will land at this airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average air distance between London and Shanghai?

The average air distance between London and Shanghai is approximately 5,755 miles (or 9,262km).

What is the time difference between London and Shanghai?

Shanghai is seven hours ahead of London.

How long does it take to fly from London to Shanghai?

Our fastest one-stop flight from London to Shanghai will take around 17 hours and 35 minutes.

What benefits will I receive as an Etihad Guest member on my London to Shanghai flight?

Depending on your membership tier, you’ll unlock perks like free lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage, and exclusive partner rewards in addition to earning redeemable Etihad Guest Miles.

How much luggage allowance do I get on my London to Shanghai flight?

Your luggage allowance depends on your cabin class, ticket type, or Etihad Guest tier. Please check your London to Shanghai flight booking or our baggage policy for more details.

Can I request special meals for my London to Shanghai flight?

Yes. We offer meals for a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. Simply request your meal before your flight.