Find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to Shanghai in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Tokyo (NRT) → Shanghai (PVG)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 6 h – 12 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €420 | high |
| February | €380 | medium |
| March | €310 | low |
| April | €340 | low |
| May | €360 | medium |
| June | €390 | medium |
| July | €480 | high |
| August | €520 | high |
| September | €380 | medium |
| October | €350 | medium |
| November | €300 | low |
| December | €420 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- ANA (direct): from €380 — ANA offers the most comfortable economy experience; book via ANA website for cheapest direct fares, often €30-50 cheaper than OTAs
- Japan Airlines (direct): from €370 — JAL occasionally runs flash sales; check their Japanese site for wider availability of discounted seats
- China Eastern (direct): from €310 — Book directly on China Eastern app — they release their best inventory here first; cheapest for budget travelers willing to skip checked bags
- Shanghai Airlines (direct): from €300 — Most consistently affordable direct option; check SkyScanner for this carrier’s fares as they often undercut mainline airlines by €50+
- Korean Air (connecting): from €340 — Incredible value for money on this route — shorter connection time in Seoul (1.5-3h) often beats other 2-stop options
Booking Strategy
For Tokyo to Shanghai, the sweet spot for booking is 6-8 weeks before departure when airlines release their optimal inventory. November through April sees the lowest prices, with March and November offering the best deals at €300-350 for direct flights. Avoid late July and August when prices spike to €500+ due to Japanese summer holidays and Chinese tourism demand. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently €30-50 cheaper than weekend flights. If you’re flexible on airports, flying into Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) can save you money versus Pudong, though flight options are more limited. Use Google Flights for tracking price alerts on specific dates, then book directly with the airline — especially for Chinese carriers where booking direct often yields better seat selection and customer service. For the cheapest overall, consider indirect routes via Seoul with Korean Air, which frequently undercut direct fares while offering excellent service.
Route Tips
- If holding a Japanese passport, you can transit through Shanghai without a Chinese visa for up to 72 hours under the transit visa exemption program — verify eligibility based on your specific situation before booking
- Narita departures (NRT) typically offer more flight options and often cheaper fares than Haneda (HND), but Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo — factor in 2+ hours each way for Narita transfers
- Download the Shanghai Metro app before arrival — it works offline and helps navigate the world’s largest metro system with English signage and simple navigation
- Business travelers should consider Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) arrivals as the airport sits within the inner ring road, saving 40+ minutes versus Pudong’s 90-minute downtown journey
- Book China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines flights at least 3 hours before departure during Chinese national holidays as airport security lines can exceed 2 hours due to increased passenger volume
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Direct flights from Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) to Shanghai (Pudong) take approximately 3 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, depending on airline and specific routing. ANA and Japan Airlines typically offer the fastest services at around 3h 35m, while China Eastern flights may be slightly longer. If opting for connecting flights via Seoul, expect a total travel time of 6-8 hours with a 1.5-3 hour layover. Other routing options through Taipei or Hong Kong can extend travel time to 10-14 hours with longer layovers.
How much does it cost to fly from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Economy class fares range from €300 to €550 depending on season and airline. The cheapest direct flights start around €300-320 with Shanghai Airlines and China Eastern (basic economy), while ANA and Japan Airlines typically charge €370-420 for direct services. Connecting flights through Seoul with Korean Air often come in at €340-380, offering excellent value. Peak pricing occurs during Chinese New Year (late January), Japanese summer holidays (July-August), and December, when fares can exceed €500 for direct flights.
Are there direct flights from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Yes, direct flights are readily available from Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HMD), and occasionally Tokyo’s newer Izumisano or other secondary airports to both Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA). Five airlines operate direct services: ANA, Japan Airlines, China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, and Juneyao Air. Flights depart daily with frequencies ranging from 2-5 per day depending on the carrier. Haneda-Pudong offers the most departures, while Narita has better coverage to Hongqiao for business travelers needing closer city-center access.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Tokyo to Shanghai?
November offers the lowest average prices at around €300, followed closely by March at €310. These months avoid both the Chinese New Year rush (January/February) and the expensive summer travel period (July-August). April and October provide shoulder-season value at €340-350. The most expensive period is late July through mid-August when Japanese families travel and Chinese tourists flock to Japan, pushing direct fares above €500. For the best combination of low prices and good weather, target late March to early April or October.
Which airlines fly from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Five carriers operate direct flights: ANA (3-4 daily, Narita/Haneda to Pudong), Japan Airlines (2-3 daily, similar routing), China Eastern (3+ daily, most extensive network), Shanghai Airlines (2-3 daily, budget-friendly option), and Juneyao Air (1-2 daily). For connecting options, Korean Air via Seoul offers the best value and shortest connection times, while Asiana, EVA Air, and Cathay Pacific provide alternative routing through Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong respectively. Chinese carriers generally offer the lowest base fares but with more restrictive baggage policies on basic economy tickets.
What airport do I fly into in Shanghai?
Most international flights from Tokyo arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), located approximately 30km east of the city center. A few flights, mainly from Narita, land at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), closer to downtown but with fewer international connections. From Pudong, the Maglev train reaches downtown in 8 minutes (¥50/$7) or take Metro Line 2 directly (¥9/$1.20, 90 minutes). Taxis cost around ¥150-200 ($20-28) depending on traffic. For Hongqiao arrivals, Metro Line 10/2 connects directly to the city in 30-45 minutes at similar prices.
How far in advance should I book Tokyo to Shanghai flights?
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best balance of availability and price. Airlines typically release their cheapest inventory 8-12 weeks before departure, with prices gradually increasing as seats fill. For November travel, booking 8-10 weeks out typically yields €300-320 fares. During high season (July-August, Chinese New Year), book 10-12 weeks ahead as cheap seats sell quickly. Last-minute deals are rare on this popular business corridor — prices tend to go up, not down, within 2 weeks of departure unless airlines are struggling to fill planes.
Is it cheaper to fly from Tokyo to Shanghai on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently the cheapest days to fly this route, typically saving €30-60 compared to Friday or Sunday flights. This pattern holds year-round as business travelers dominate weekday demand, leaving leisure travelers to fill weekend flights at similar or slightly higher prices. Monday and Thursday fall in the middle range. If your schedule is flexible, shifting a weekend trip to depart Tuesday morning and return Thursday can result in meaningful savings without significant inconvenience. The difference is most pronounced during off-peak seasons.
Data updated: 2026-03
