Flying from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Shanghai: what you need to know
Around 12 hours is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai.
The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8. The city is five hours ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most traveled route, with 14 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from IST to PVG is with China Eastern Airlines at 14:00. Go for the first departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 01:20 if you want to fly out earlier.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your IST to Shanghai flight.
If you're jetting off during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai tickets are available for booking. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is where you'll be landing.
Book your ticket with Turkish Airlines. This leading carrier operates direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from IST to Shanghai with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
IST is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
In search of a hotel near IST? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Shanghai
R 4,962 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai flight. A round-trip ticket right now is R 7,876. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
Lock in cheap flights from IST to Shanghai by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the best time for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for finding cheap Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
There's no need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an updated deal for cheap flights from IST to Shanghai.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is around 56 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive will take roughly 50 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near PVG:
Venture beyond Shanghai and explore places that don't make every travel guide with your own set of wheels. You can pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
Reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport several weeks in advance of your flight from IST to Shanghai. If you're going away during a peak period, book even earlier to secure the best deal.
The address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is roughly 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. Following your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Following your IST to Shanghai flight, settle in at a hotel near SHA. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and unlock a world of freedom with your own set of wheels. Hertz is just moments from your arrival gate, ensuring a fast and easy pick-up.
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left, by booking your ride from SHA before your arrival. You can also avoid paying more than you need to, especially during busy airport times.
You can find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel rates are generally higher and major attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Shanghai in the low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Book an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from IST to Shanghai in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Shanghai, browse our range of accommodation options including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Yu Garden, The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Shanghai Tower are must-visits when exploring Shanghai.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of China you'll want to see. Around 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a trip to Nanjing will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like Nanjing City Wall, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and Xuanwu Lake.
Puyang is another sought-after destination in China and is around 241 kilometres south-west of Shanghai. No journey is complete without a visit to Denggao Lansheng Building, Baozhang Yougu Scenic Area and 元宝山探险乐园.
