Flying from Moscow to Shanghai: what you need to know
When looking for a flight from Moscow to Shanghai, there's a good range of airports you can take off from. Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO), Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO) and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) are some of Moscow's main terminals.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's major entry points.
Jump on a direct Moscow to Shanghai flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 9 hours.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai five hours ahead of Moscow.
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 25 flights a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Moscow to Shanghai is with China Eastern Airlines at 20:45. Choose the first SVO to PVG departure with China Eastern Airlines at 16:45 to make the most of your first day in Shanghai.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your Moscow to Shanghai flight.
Flying during a peak time like August? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Moscow to Shanghai
Booking in advance is often the key to locking in a cheap Moscow to Shanghai flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Moscow to Shanghai.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Moscow to Shanghai by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Moscow to Shanghai flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Moscow
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO)
Depart from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) on a nonstop flight from Moscow to Shanghai. From SVO, you can fly directly to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).
Lock in your Moscow to Shanghai plane tickets with China Eastern Airlines. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from SVO.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Moscow to Shanghai flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. Take a pause at one of these airports:
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
The journey from central Moscow to SVO takes about 40 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Moscow to Shanghai or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport has an excellent on-time record, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from SVO touch down on schedule 84% of the time.
Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Moscow to VKO in around 45 minutes. The airport is roughly 27 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 45 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Moscow Vnukovo Airport the day before your flight from Moscow to Shanghai:
68% of flights leaving Moscow Vnukovo Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)
You can reserve a ticket from Moscow to Shanghai with a stop or two out of Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME). Here are some of the most popular stopovers between DME and Shanghai:
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
St Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED)
The journey to DME from the centre of Moscow is around 45 minutes by public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you about 45 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Rest a little longer, move a little slower, and still make your Moscow to Shanghai flight with plenty of time to spare. These accommodation options near Moscow Domodedovo Airport make it a breeze to get to the terminal if you're flying out first thing:
Flights departing from DME arrive at their final stop within the expected time frame 68% of the time.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Moscow to Shanghai. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Set your own pace with a Shanghai Pudong Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Shanghai that most tourists miss.
To lock in the lowest rate, reserve your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead. Prices usually increase closer to your travel date.
PVG is situated at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Moscow to Shanghai has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in around 30 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is roughly 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 40 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SHA. Kick back after your Moscow to Shanghai flight at any of these well-located options:
Why base your plans around someone else's schedule? Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport rental car and steer your own course. Book your wheels here with Hertz.
Generally, the earlier you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Reserve your ride from SHA as soon as your plans are confirmed.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport can be found at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the most popular month for flights from Moscow to Shanghai. To avoid the crowds, go to Shanghai in March.
Lock in a Moscow to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Moscow to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Moscow to Shanghai, browse our selection of hotels including:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are attractions you won't want to skip in Shanghai.
Explore more of China
Nanjing is just one of the many places in China waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres to the west, its top attractions include Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
Suzhou is another standout destination in China and is around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. No trip is complete without seeing Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) and Pingjiang Road.


