Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Shanghai

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Flight deals from Istanbul to Shanghai

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Istanbul to Shanghai? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Shanghai.R 4,097 per passenger.Departing Mon, 9 Mar.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Mon, 9 Mar, arriving in Shanghai Pudong.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,097, select.

Shanghai.R 4,217 per passenger.Departing Sun, 10 May.One-way flight with flyadeal.Outbound indirect flight with flyadeal, departs from Istanbul on Sun, 10 May, arriving in Shanghai Hongqiao.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,217, select.

Shanghai.R 4,258 per passenger.Departing Wed, 22 Apr.One-way flight with flyadeal.Outbound indirect flight with flyadeal, departs from Istanbul on Wed, 22 Apr, arriving in Shanghai Hongqiao.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,258, select.

Shanghai.R 4,270 per passenger.Departing Mon, 31 Aug.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Mon, 31 Aug, arriving in Shanghai Pudong.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,270, select.

Shanghai.R 4,274 per passenger.Departing Wed, 27 Jan.One-way flight with AirAsia X.Outbound indirect flight with AirAsia X, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Wed, 27 Jan, arriving in Shanghai Pudong.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,274, select.

Shanghai.R 4,287 per passenger.Departing Tue, 9 Jun.One-way flight with flyadeal.Outbound indirect flight with flyadeal, departs from Istanbul on Tue, 9 Jun, arriving in Shanghai Hongqiao.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,287, select.

Shanghai.R 4,808 per passenger.Departing Thu, 3 Sep.One-way flight with AJet.Outbound indirect flight with AJet, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Thu, 3 Sep, arriving in Shanghai Pudong.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 4,808, select.

Shanghai.R 5,412 per passenger.Departing Tue, 13 Oct.One-way flight with Pegasus Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Pegasus Airlines, departs from Istanbul Sabiha on Tue, 13 Oct, arriving in Shanghai Pudong.Price includes taxes and charges.From R 5,412, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Istanbul to Shanghai flights are currently cheapest in March.

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Direct flights from Istanbul to Shanghai

Alternative Istanbul to Shanghai routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Istanbul to Shanghai? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Shanghai Hongqiao

14km from central Shanghai

Closest

from R 4,102

Search flights

Shanghai Pudong

33km from central Shanghai

Cheapest

from R 4,097

Search flights

Istanbul to Shanghai: Flight information

The things to know before you go.

Cheapest flight found	R 4,097
Cheapest month to fly	March
Average flight time	10 hrs, 20 mins
Most popular airline	Turkish Airlines
Average flights per week	18

Finding cheap flights from Istanbul to Shanghai: Frequently asked questions

How many airports are there in Shanghai?

There are 2 airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong.

How much are return flights from Istanbul to Shanghai?

The best price we found for a return flight from Istanbul to Shanghai is R 7,166. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.

How long does it take to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai?

10 hours and 20 minutes is the average flight time from Istanbul to Shanghai.

Which airlines fly direct from Istanbul to Shanghai?

Turkish Airlines and China Eastern fly direct from Istanbul to Shanghai.

How many flights are there a week from Istanbul to Shanghai?

As of February 2026, there are 18 flights per week flying from Istanbul to Shanghai.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai?

The cheapest month to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai is usually March.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Shanghai?

If you're flying from Istanbul, the cheapest airport near Shanghai is Shanghai Pudong – which is 32.7 km away from the centre of Shanghai. We've found flights into this airport from R 7,166.

Which upcoming date is cheapest to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai on?

After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai on Sunday, 8 March 2026.

Can I get a direct flight from Istanbul to Shanghai?

Yes – the average flight time is 10 hours and 20 minutes.

How can I get the best flight deal from Istanbul to Shanghai?

We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Shanghai but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.

When is the best time to book flights to Shanghai?

We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Shanghai is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.

What’s the weather like in Shanghai?

In February, the average temperature is usually around 6°C. August is typically the warmest month in Shanghai, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in December. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 4°C. The rainiest month is June.

Which is the cheapest airline to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai with?

The cheapest airline that flies to Shanghai is AirAsia X. And the cheapest airline that flies to Shanghai Pudong Airport is China Eastern.

Flying from Istanbul to Shanghai: what you need to know

Start your travel planning by considering the departure point for your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
When it comes to working out where to land in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Shanghai flight is 10 hours 20 minutes.
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai five hours ahead of Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 14 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Shanghai is with China Eastern Airlines at 14:00. Go for the first IST to PVG departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 01:20 to make the most of your first day in Shanghai.
For a smooth journey, 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 board your Istanbul to Shanghai flight.
Travelling during a peak month like August? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.

How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Shanghai

To score cheap Istanbul to Shanghai flights, book your journey two months before your planned departure.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Shanghai is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Istanbul to Shanghai by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Istanbul to Shanghai flights.

Flying from Istanbul

Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)

If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Travel from IST to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) without making any stops.
Keep an eye out for deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Shanghai plane tickets out of IST.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Istanbul to Shanghai flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular airports:
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, these accommodation options will have you moments from your check-in counter:

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)

Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Shanghai flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these stops between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Shanghai:
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Hamad International Airport (DOH)
- Zurich Airport (ZRH)
You can reach SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to cover the 31 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, stay in one of these hotels close to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 77%.

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.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to PVG if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Shanghai. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go beyond Shanghai and check out places outside the usual tourist stops with your own set of wheels. You can pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
Book your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks in advance to secure the best deal. If you're travelling during a peak period, it's smart to book your Istanbul to Shanghai flight even earlier.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

As soon as your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is approximately 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
After your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, unwind at a hotel close to SHA. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Find the perfect playlist and hit the road in a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hertz and begin discovering new places right away.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from SHA in advance. You'll also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during busy airport times.
The address for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.

Best time to go to Shanghai

April is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Shanghai. To skip the crowds, go to Shanghai in April.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Lock in your Istanbul to Shanghai ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).

More about Shanghai

After booking your flight from Istanbul to Shanghai, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Shanghai:
The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Yu Garden are just a couple of the major attractions to put on your Shanghai itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Shanghai Tower.

Explore more of China

Nanjing is just one of the many places in China waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres to the west, check out popular attractions including Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
Suzhou is another essential stop in China and is around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. No journey is complete without a visit to Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower.