Travelling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Shanghai: what you need to know
Around 11 hours 43 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. Operating on the UTC+8 timezone, Shanghai is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
The busiest route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). There are 17 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to take off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from LAX to PVG is the 11:30 China Eastern option. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 13:45 with United.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your flight from LAX to Shanghai.
Peak months like July or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas will mean longer queues at check-in and security. If you're travelling then, play it safe and get to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and up four hours ahead of international flights is a wise move.
You can catch a nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai that touches down at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
China Eastern is a well-known airline that operates direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai.
We make it simple to find a flight from LAX to Shanghai with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
You will need an embassy visa for China if you have a passport from United States and are visiting for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements change frequently. So before booking your cheap ticket from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai, check with your airline as well as the destination country's local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Located around 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 32 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The same journey on public transport will take roughly 54 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your break? Stay near LAX. Whether you've booked an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Shanghai
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai is $660. The cheapest price for a return flight is $1,233. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 8 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap tickets from LAX to Shanghai.
April is the cheapest month for tickets from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you from searching for flight tickets from LAX to Shanghai every day.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is approximately 56 kilometres. It'll take you about 49 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you have a late flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near PVG:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
The centre of Shanghai is around 14 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). As soon as your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 21 minutes.
There are some great places to drop your things at near SHA. Unwind and get cosy after your flight from LAX to Shanghai at one of these perfectly located options:
Best time to go to Shanghai
It's time to figure out your trip dates for your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai. July is the busiest month to visit Shanghai. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in April.
Before locking in your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Shanghai, with the temperature ranging from 23ºC to 34ºC.
Look for cheap flights from LAX to Shanghai in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Yu Garden are just two of the top-rated attractions to add to your Shanghai must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Shanghai Tower.
Complete your Shanghai trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to know about car rentals in Shanghai, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.