Travelling from Dubai to Shanghai: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering the departure point for your flight from Dubai to Shanghai. Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are Dubai's main airports.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the chief entry points.
Around 8 hours 25 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Dubai to Shanghai flight.
Shanghai is four hours ahead of Dubai and follows the UTC+8 timezone.
Dubai Airport (DXB) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 21 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Dubai to Shanghai is with China Eastern Airlines at 21:05. Go for the first DXB to PVG departure operated by Emirates at 02:50 to make the most of your arrival in Shanghai.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Dubai to Shanghai flight.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like January. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Shanghai
To snag cheap Dubai to Shanghai flights, reserve your journey one month ahead of your departure date.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Dubai to Shanghai is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Dubai to Shanghai by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Dubai to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
You can get a direct flight from Dubai to Shanghai departing from Dubai Airport (DXB). Begin your trip at DXB and land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Secure your Dubai to Shanghai plane tickets with Emirates. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from DXB.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore another city. When browsing Dubai to Shanghai flights leaving from Dubai Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
DXB is about 10 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Dubai to Shanghai? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to Dubai Airport:
When it comes to Dubai Airport's on-time performance, 74.31% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC is about 40 kilometres from central Dubai. It'll take you 45 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes.
Get a head start on your holiday with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Dubai to Shanghai, unwind in one of these hotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport:
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 56.64%. This figure highlights how frequently flights that depart from this airport arrive on schedule.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 50 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Dubai to Shanghai, nothing beats 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:
Enjoy the freedom to roam with a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Shanghai that don't always get the spotlight.
Improve your chances of scoring a great price by booking early. Reserving your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead is a smart idea.
PVG is situated at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
The centre of Shanghai is about 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Once your flight from Dubai to Shanghai has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to SHA. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Dubai to Shanghai:
Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and see and do more with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from arrivals, so you can drive off in a flash.
Generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better the deals and choice of vehicles. Secure your ride from SHA the moment you know your dates.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport can be found at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from Dubai to Shanghai. April is the busiest month to travel to Shanghai. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in April.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Book your Dubai to Shanghai ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Look for cheap flights from Dubai to Shanghai around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Shanghai right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Dubai to Shanghai:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Shanghai itinerary.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of China waiting to be explored. About 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a trip to Nanjing will keep you on the move. Start with leading attractions like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
Around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai, Suzhou is another favourite stop in China. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower.