Flying from Bangkok to Shanghai: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Bangkok. Check out your options leaving from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) when planning your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai.
Hop off your plane in Shanghai at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
A direct flight from Bangkok to Shanghai takes an average of 4 hours 23 minutes. The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8, meaning it's 1 hour ahead of Bangkok.
With 277 flights a week between the two airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Bangkok to Shanghai with Thai Airways International at 00:30. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest departure from BKK to PVG is with Juneyao Airlines at 23:50.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably board your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months like July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
You can enter China for tourism purposes without a visa if you have a passport from Thailand. But before reserving your cheap flight from Bangkok to Shanghai, make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Visa rules are subject to change, and you may require some travel documentation if your trip is for work or another reason.
Flying from Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
You can catch a direct flight from Bangkok to Shanghai departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Start your trip at BKK and end it at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Numerous airlines at BKK offer direct flights from Bangkok to Shanghai. The most well-known include:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight from Bangkok to Shanghai. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
The journey from central Bangkok to BKK takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a handy hotel near Suvarnabhumi Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Bangkok to Shanghai, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Consider booking your direct flight from Bangkok to Shanghai departing Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Nonstop connections from DMK will get you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
When setting off from DMK, you'll have a choice of airlines that operate direct flights from Bangkok to Shanghai. Reach cruising altitude with one of these carriers:
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these stops between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Shanghai:
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
You can reach DMK from central Bangkok in approximately 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes to travel the 27 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Don Mueang International Airport the day before your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai:
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is around 56 kilometres from central Shanghai. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 49 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Bangkok to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near PVG:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in around 21 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is approximately 14 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
You'll find some comfortable stays ready to welcome you near SHA. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai at any of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Shanghai
Right now, $105 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Shanghai. The cheapest price for a return flight is $183. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Get cheap tickets from Bangkok to Shanghai by booking 8 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
April is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Bangkok to Shanghai. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Bangkok to Shanghai. There's no need to check every day to see whether prices have fallen. We'll update you the moment there's a change in price.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Bangkok to Shanghai.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Bangkok to Shanghai, while July is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to go to Shanghai based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with the temperature ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Lock in your flights from Bangkok to Shanghai in this month if you like this kind of weather.
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC and 10ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Bangkok to Shanghai around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are essential stops on your Shanghai itinerary.
Complete your Shanghai trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Bangkok to Shanghai isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Shanghai and have more freedom to explore. We search for deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.