Flying from Vancouver to Shanghai: what you need to know
You can choose from a range of airports when organising your flight from Vancouver to Shanghai. Check out your options for flying out of Vancouver from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX).
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's chief entry points.
The average time for a direct Vancouver to Shanghai flight is 12 hours 30 minutes.
Shanghai is 15 hours ahead of Vancouver and observes the UTC+8 timezone.
With seven flights a week between the two airports, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Vancouver to Shanghai with Air Canada at 10:50. If you'd like to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest departure from YVR to PVG is with Air Canada at 12:15.
Leave enough time to get on your Vancouver to Shanghai flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Shanghai
To secure cheap Vancouver to Shanghai flights, book your journey six months ahead of your departure date.
September is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Vancouver to Shanghai. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Vancouver to Shanghai by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Find an affordable Vancouver to Shanghai flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Set off from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on a nonstop flight from Vancouver to Shanghai. From YVR, you can travel directly to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Be on the lookout for promotions with Air Canada. This airline offers direct Vancouver to Shanghai plane tickets out of YVR.
The journey from central Vancouver to YVR takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near Vancouver International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Vancouver to Shanghai or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of the flights that depart from Vancouver International Airport, 71.77% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
The trip to YXX from central Vancouver is around 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you about 1 hour to cover the 64 kilometres or so.
Rest a little longer, move a little slower, and still make your Vancouver to Shanghai flight without having to rush. These hotels near Abbotsford Airport make getting to the terminal a breeze if you're setting off early:
The on-time performance rate of YXX is 67.97%. In simpler terms, that's how frequently flights departing this airport arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near PVG if you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to Shanghai. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Grab a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car and discover parts of Shanghai that aren't on a typical itinerary. You can book your wheels with Hertz.
To lock in the best rate, book your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance. Prices generally rise closer to your date of travel.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is around 13 kilometres from central Shanghai. Following your flight from Vancouver to Shanghai, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to SHA. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Vancouver to Shanghai:
Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and experience more with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from baggage claim, ensuring a fast and easy pick-up.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just whatever's left, by booking your ride from SHA in advance. You'll also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Vancouver to Shanghai, while April is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Shanghai based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Vancouver to Shanghai tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Shanghai, with temperatures ranging from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Vancouver 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 ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Vancouver to Shanghai, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are must-visits when exploring Shanghai.
Explore more of China
You've done Shanghai, now it's time to explore more of China. Travel about 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to check off its leading attractions. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If there's time to check out another corner of China, head for Suzhou, about 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are highlights.
