Find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Tokyo in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Shanghai (PVG) → Tokyo (NRT)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 4h 30m – 8h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €340 | medium |
| February | €310 | low |
| March | €330 | medium |
| April | €420 | high |
| May | €390 | high |
| June | €380 | medium |
| July | €450 | high |
| August | €470 | high |
| September | €360 | medium |
| October | €380 | medium |
| November | €310 | low |
| December | €350 | medium |
Airlines on This Route
- China Eastern Airlines (direct): from €320 — Use their mobile app for exclusive discounts; Shanghai Pudong departures often have better deals than Hongqiao
- Japan Airlines (direct): from €380 — JAL Mileage Bank can offset costs; shoulder season booking yields best value on this route
- Spring Airlines (direct): from €290 — Book 2+ months ahead for lowest prices; strict check-in cutoff at 45 minutes before departure
- All Nippon Airways (direct): from €370 — ANA website often matches other OTAs; upgradeable to premium economy with miles
- Korean Air (connecting): from €340 — Incheon layover can be 2-6 hours; check transit visa requirements before booking
Booking Strategy
For Shanghai to Tokyo flights, the sweet spot for booking is 4-8 weeks before departure. February and November offer the lowest prices (€300-340 round-trip), while August sees peaks of €470+ due to summer holidays. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €30-50 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends, then book directly with the airline to avoid booking site fees. If flying Spring Airlines, factor in extra baggage costs — their base fare excludes checked luggage. For the best combination of price and convenience, target China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines from PVG, avoiding peak periods like Golden Week (late April) and Obon week (mid-August).
Route Tips
- Use Shanghai Pudong (PVG) for most Tokyo flights — it has more daily frequencies and better connections than Hongqiao Airport
- Japan requires a visa-free stay of up to 30 days for Chinese passport holders; ensure your return ticket is confirmed as immigration may ask for proof
- Narita Airport has two terminals — if flying budget carriers, check your terminal as they’re not connected by a free shuttle
- Book the Narita Express train online in advance for a 10% discount and to secure seat reservations during busy periods
- Consider flying into Haneda (HND) if your accommodation is in central Tokyo — it’s only 14km from the city versus 60km for Narita
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Tokyo?
The direct flight from Shanghai (PVG) to Tokyo (NRT) takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines operate the fastest connections at 3h 05m, while Spring Airlines flights can be slightly longer at 3h 20m. If you opt for a connecting flight via Seoul (Incheon), expect a total travel time of 4h 30m to 6h depending on the layover duration. Morning departures (8:00-10:00) tend to have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon connections through Korean airports may face congestion during peak hours.
How much does it cost to fly from Shanghai to Tokyo?
Round-trip prices start at around €300 for budget carriers like Spring Airlines (basic economy, carry-on only), while full-service airlines like Japan Airlines and ANA typically charge €350-400. The lowest prices are found in February and November (€300-330), while August sees the highest demand with fares reaching €450-470. Shoulder months like March, June, September, and October offer a good balance with prices around €340-380. Note that prices can fluctuate significantly — setting price alerts on Skyscanner is recommended.
Are there direct flights from Shanghai to Tokyo?
Yes, multiple airlines offer direct service from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Tokyo Narita (NRT). China Eastern Airlines operates the most frequent daily departures (5-6 flights), followed by Japan Airlines (3-4 flights), ANA (3 flights), and budget carrier Spring Airlines (2-3 flights). Shanghai Airlines also serves this route. There are no direct flights from Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Tokyo; all direct services depart from PVG. If you need more flexibility in timing, connecting options via Seoul, Beijing, or Hong Kong are widely available.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Tokyo?
February is typically the cheapest month with average round-trip prices of €310, followed closely by November at €310-320. These months fall outside Japan’s major holiday periods and Chinese New Year, resulting in lower demand. Late January (after the Lunar New Year travel rush) also offers good deals. Avoid August (average €470), late April during Golden Week, and early May — these peak periods can double the ticket price. Weekday departures in the cheapest months can drop prices below €290 for Spring Airlines bookings.
Which airlines fly from Shanghai to Tokyo?
Direct services are operated by China Eastern (most frequent, €320-350), Japan Airlines (premium service, €380-420), ANA (€370-400), Shanghai Airlines (€330-360), and Spring Airlines (budget, €290-330). Connecting options include Korean Air and Asiana Airlines via Seoul (€340-380), China Southern via Guangzhou, and XiamenAir via Xiamen. For checked baggage inclusion, avoid Spring Airlines’ basic fare or add a checked bag bundle. Japan Airlines and ANA offer the best onboard service and most comfortable seats for the 3-hour journey.
What airport do I fly into in Tokyo?
Most flights from Shanghai land at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), located in Chiba Prefecture about 60-70 km (37-43 miles) east of central Tokyo. Some ANA and JAL flights also use Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), which is much closer to the city center (about 14 km). From Narita to central Tokyo: the Narita Express train costs ¥3,250 (≈€20) and takes 55-90 minutes; the cheaper Skyliner (¥2,520) reaches Ueno in 41 minutes; buses cost ¥1,000-1,500. Haneda is closer but has fewer international connections from Shanghai.
How far in advance should I book Shanghai to Tokyo flights?
For this route, booking 4-8 weeks ahead yields the best prices. Airlines typically release their cheapest seats 6-8 weeks before departure, and these go quickly during shoulder seasons. During peak periods (Golden Week, August, New Year), book 8-12 weeks ahead to secure lower prices. Last-minute deals are rare on this popular route — waiting until 1-2 weeks before can result in paying €100+ more. Set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner 2-3 months before your intended travel dates to catch price drops.
Is it cheaper to fly from Shanghai to Tokyo on weekdays?
Yes, weekday departures are noticeably cheaper on the Shanghai-Tokyo route. Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly, with savings of €30-60 compared to Friday and Sunday departures. Saturday falls in the middle. This pattern holds year-round but is most pronounced during low-demand months (November-February). If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting a weekend trip to depart Thursday and return Monday can save €40-80 per person. Morning flights are also slightly cheaper than afternoon departures on most airlines.
Data updated: 2026-03
