Tokyo to Shanghai is a short, high-frequency route across the East China Sea — under three hours non-stop and served by a mix of full-service and low-cost airlines. The handy Haneda–Hongqiao pairing links both cities’ close-in airports, so it can be a genuinely quick city-to-city trip. This guide covers who flies it, what a fair return fare looks like in yen, and when to book.
Route: Tokyo (Haneda HND / Narita NRT) → Shanghai (Pudong PVG / Hongqiao SHA)
Distance: approximately 1,770 km (1,100 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 3h 00m
Direct flights: Yes — ANA and Japan Airlines fly non-stop, alongside China Eastern and low-cost Spring Airlines, plus Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao and Peach. The Haneda–Hongqiao pairing puts you close to both city centres.
Fares from Tokyo to Shanghai (JPY)
Shanghai is one of the more affordable international trips from Tokyo, and the route’s frequency keeps fares competitive. Prices rise around Japan’s holiday peaks — Golden Week, mid-August Obon and the year-end break — and the Chinese Lunar New Year and early-October Golden Week can tighten seats too. November and the winter shoulder are usually the cheapest. The figures below are typical economy return fares in yen; the low end is a low-cost carrier, the high end a flexible full-service fare.
| Month | Demand | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | medium |
| February | — | medium-high (Lunar NY) |
| March | — | medium |
| April | — | high (Golden Week) |
| May | — | high |
| June | — | medium |
| July | — | high (summer) |
| August | — | very high (Obon) |
| September | — | medium |
| October | — | medium-high |
| November | — | low-medium |
| December | — | high (year-end) |
Checked against every return fare on sale as we write: the cheapest is ¥42,490 on a low-cost non-stop from Narita, and the market medians ¥47,830 — so about ¥48,000 is the going rate and ¥42,000 is the floor rather than a typical price. A return under ¥44,500 is a genuinely good one. The full-service alternative is a different tier entirely: China Eastern’s Haneda–Hongqiao non-stop runs ¥103,391–¥106,620, more than double the budget fare, so the convenient city-centre airport pair carries a very large premium. Budget fares exclude bags and seats.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 3 hours):
- ANA — non-stop from both Haneda and Narita into Pudong and Hongqiao; full-service comfort with a bag included and the widest schedule.
- Japan Airlines — non-stop from Haneda into both Shanghai airports; reliable service and generous baggage on standard fares.
- China Eastern — Shanghai’s home carrier, non-stop with frequent departures and easy onward links across China.
- Spring Airlines — low-cost, non-stop from Haneda and Narita to Pudong; the lowest headline fares, with bags and seats charged separately.
Also on the route:
- Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao and Peach — further non-stop options that add competition and, on the low-cost carriers, some of the cheapest fares.
With full-service and low-cost airlines competing head to head, this route is easy to fly cheaply. For the shortest door-to-door trip, choose the Haneda–Hongqiao pairing, as both airports sit close to their city centres.
When to book & how to save
- Book 1–3 months ahead for the best low-cost fares; the cheapest seats sell first.
- Avoid the holiday peaks — Golden Week, mid-August Obon, the year-end break, the Chinese Lunar New Year and early-October Golden Week all push fares up.
- Fly Haneda–Hongqiao where you can: both airports are close in, saving time and transfer costs versus Narita or Pudong.
- Price low-cost carriers all-in: add checked bags and seat selection before comparing, since full-service fares include a bag.
- Check entry rules: Japanese passport holders currently enjoy visa-free short stays in mainland China, but confirm the latest requirements for your nationality before booking.
Arriving in Shanghai
Most international flights land at Pudong (PVG), about 30 km east of the city; the Maglev whisks you to Longyang Road in around 8 minutes to connect with the metro, or Metro Line 2 runs the whole way in roughly an hour for a few hundred yen equivalent. If your flight uses Hongqiao (SHA) — the airport paired with Haneda — you are only about 13 km west of the centre, around 30–40 minutes by metro. A taxi from either airport into central Shanghai runs roughly ¥3,000–¥7,000 equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Non-stop flights take about 3 hours. It is a short hop across the East China Sea, flown many times a day by both full-service and low-cost carriers, so there is usually a convenient departure whatever your schedule.
Are there direct flights from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Yes. ANA and Japan Airlines fly non-stop, alongside China Eastern, low-cost Spring Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao and Peach. The Haneda–Hongqiao pairing links both cities’ close-in airports, with Narita and Pudong adding more choice.
How much does it cost to fly from Tokyo to Shanghai?
About ¥48,000 return on a low-cost non-stop from Narita, where the market runs ¥42,490–¥51,576. The full-service option is far dearer: China Eastern’s Haneda–Hongqiao non-stop at ¥103,391–¥106,620. Summer and holiday peaks push everything higher.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Tokyo to Shanghai?
November and the winter shoulder are usually the quietest. Across the departures we could price, the cheapest return was ¥42,490. Avoid Golden Week, mid-August Obon, the year-end period and the Chinese Lunar New Year, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from Tokyo to Shanghai?
Non-stop: ANA, Japan Airlines, China Eastern and low-cost Spring Airlines, plus Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao and Peach. Full-service fares include a checked bag; budget fares charge for bags and seats separately, so compare the all-in price.
Which airport do I fly into in Shanghai?
Most flights land at Pudong (PVG), Shanghai’s main international airport, connected by the Maglev and Metro Line 2. Some services — especially from Haneda — use Hongqiao (SHA), which is much closer to the city centre. Check your ticket, as the two airports are on opposite sides of the city.
How far in advance should I book Tokyo to Shanghai flights?
Aim to book 1 to 3 months ahead for the cheapest low-cost fares. The lowest seats go first even on a busy route, and prices rise around Golden Week, Obon, the year-end peak and the Chinese holiday periods.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be cheaper than weekend flights on this popular short-haul route. Shifting your dates by a day or two, and mixing weekday flights, is one of the simplest ways to cut the fare.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Prices are indicative economy returns and change with demand — always check the live fare before booking.
