Flying from Shanghai to Washington DC: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Shanghai. Explore your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when organising your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC.
When it comes to arriving in Washington DC, hop off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another gateway to this city.
Washington DC is 12 hours behind Shanghai and is in the UTC-4 timezone.
To ensure you get on your Shanghai to Washington DC flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
You can expect longer queues during popular months such as April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Washington DC
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Shanghai to Washington DC flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Shanghai to Washington DC across each month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Washington DC by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Shanghai to Washington DC flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your Shanghai to Washington DC flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take about 50 minutes if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 32 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
In search of a handy hotel close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Washington DC, these accommodation options will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Of the flights that depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 78.11% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Give yourself some time to recharge during your Shanghai to Washington DC flight with a stopover. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is one of the main options between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Washington DC.
Driving from central Shanghai to SHA usually takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It's roughly 13 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC? Unwind in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your break officially starts. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a proven record for punctuality, with 85.58% of them touching down within the expected time frame.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 15 minutes.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Shanghai to Washington DC, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and experience the lesser-explored corners of Washington DC and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is roughly 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you hop on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near IAD. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make collecting a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from IAD one week in advance. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
You'll find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the city centre in a ride-share or cab after your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC.
The journey will take you roughly 1 hour 30 minutes if you use public transport.
Find a hotel close to BWI and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you have a late Shanghai to Washington DC flight or just want an easier arrival, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next leg of your journey by picking up a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget are dependable companies for booking.
Get a payoff by planning ahead. Book your vehicle from BWI two weeks before your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC. February is the most popular month to travel to Washington DC. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in May.
Lock in a Shanghai to Washington DC ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Washington DC around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Washington DC, explore our selection of hotels including:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just two of the major attractions to add to your Washington DC to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at National Mall.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Washington DC, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey about 322 kilometres north-east to New York to tick off its leading attractions. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another side of United States, consider Philadelphia, roughly 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are the start of reasons to visit.