Cheap flights from Zurich to Shanghai

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Flight deals from Zurich to Shanghai

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from $1,191. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Zurich to Shanghai

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Zurich to Shanghai flights are currently cheapest in August.

Direct flights from Zurich to Shanghai

Alternative Zurich to Shanghai routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Zurich to Shanghai? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Zurich to Shanghai: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$471
Cheapest month to flyAugust
Average flight time11 hrs, 54 mins
Most popular airlineSWISS
Average flights per week7

Finding cheap flights from Zurich to Shanghai: Frequently asked questions

There are 2 airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong.
The best price we found for a return flight from Zurich to Shanghai is $830. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
11 hours and 54 minutes is the average flight time from Zurich to Shanghai.
SWISS and China Eastern fly direct from Zurich to Shanghai.
As of April 2026, there are 7 flights per week flying from Zurich to Shanghai.
The cheapest month to fly from Zurich to Shanghai is usually December.
If you're flying from Zurich Airport, the cheapest airport near Shanghai is Shanghai Pudong – which is 32.7 km away from the centre of Shanghai. We've found flights into this airport from $830.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Zurich Airport to Shanghai on Wednesday, 2 December 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 11 hours and 54 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Shanghai but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Shanghai is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In April, the average temperature is usually around 14°C. August is typically the warmest month in Shanghai, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in December. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is June.
Currently, China Eastern offers the cheapest flight tickets to Shanghai.

Travelling from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Shanghai: what you need to know

  • The average length of a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai is 14 hours 15 minutes.

  • Zurich Airport is located in Zurich. Based in the UTC+8 timezone, Shanghai is seven hours ahead of Zurich.

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route, with seven flights a week to choose from. You can fly from ZRH to PVG at 13:10 with SWISS.

  • Allow plenty of time to catch your ZRH to Shanghai flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.

  • During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.

  • Start your journey at ZRH and travel straight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). That will be your arrival point when searching for Zurich Airport to Shanghai tickets.

  • Look out for promotions from SWISS. This carrier has direct flights from Zurich Airport to Shanghai.

  • Located around 10 kilometres from central Zurich, ZRH can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 10 minutes.

  • Looking for a hotel close to ZRH? If you're catching an early flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:

  • When it comes to the on-time performance of Zurich Airport, data shows 76% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.

How to find the cheapest flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Shanghai

  • $471 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Zurich Airport to Shanghai flight. A return ticket right now is $830. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.

  • Book one month before you want to fly. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from ZRH to Shanghai.

  • Organise your trip for June. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on Zurich Airport to Shanghai tickets. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest price across every month.

  • You don't need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's an extra saving on cheap flights from ZRH to Shanghai.

  • Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'

Airports in Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

  • The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is roughly 48 kilometres. It takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the centre driving.

  • It typically takes 50 minutes if you're using public transport.

  • If you're arriving on a late flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:

  • To get the best deal, book your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks ahead of your flight from ZRH to Shanghai. Rates typically rise closer to the day of travel.

  • PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. Once you've hopped off your flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai, it'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.

  • Public transport will get you there in around 40 minutes.

  • Following your ZRH to Shanghai flight, settle in at a hotel close to SHA. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:

  • Get the vehicle you prefer, not just whatever's left, by booking your ride from SHA in advance. You'll also avoid paying more than you have to, especially when demand is high.

  • You'll find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.

Best time to go to Shanghai

  • December is the quietest month for flights from Zurich Airport to Shanghai, while February is the busiest. Find the best time to go to Shanghai based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.

  • Lock in a Zurich Airport to Shanghai plane ticket with a departure in August to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).

  • Search for cheap tickets from ZRH to Shanghai in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.

More about Shanghai

Explore more of China

  • Nanjing is just one of the many cities in China waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres away to the west, check out popular attractions including Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.

  • If you're looking to explore another major stop in China, head for Puyang, roughly 241 kilometres southwest of Shanghai. Xuanlushan Scenic Area, Xianhua Mountain and Minsheng Flower Sea are key highlights.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.