Flying from Seattle to Shanghai: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Seattle. Explore your options departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) when searching for a flight from Seattle to Shanghai.
When it comes to working out where to land in Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the major entry points.
Around 13 hours 10 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Seattle to Shanghai flight.
Shanghai is 15 hours ahead of Seattle and is in the UTC+8 timezone.
The busiest route for flights from Seattle to Shanghai is from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). You can select from seven services every week between these two airports. If you want to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SEA to PVG is the 10:50 Delta Air Lines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final scheduled service is at 12:40 with Delta Air Lines.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your Seattle to Shanghai flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Popular months like July or high seasons such as spring break and Christmas will mean bigger lines at check-in and security. Be on the safe side and get to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and four hours ahead of an international departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Shanghai
To secure cheap Seattle to Shanghai flights, book your trip six months ahead of your planned departure.
Schedule your trip for September. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Seattle to Shanghai. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
There's no need to check every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Seattle to Shanghai.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Seattle to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
If you're after a direct flight from Seattle to Shanghai, you can leave from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Travel from SEA to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) without any stops.
Delta Air Lines is a popular carrier that offers direct Seattle to Shanghai plane tickets from SEA.
We make it easy to find a Seattle to Shanghai flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
The journey from central Seattle to SEA takes about 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Seattle to Shanghai or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
81.27% of flights leaving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reach their destination as planned. Given its strong on-time stats, you're unlikely to face delays when jetting out of SEA.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 32 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Seattle to Shanghai. Book one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Start your adventure sooner with a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Shanghai that most tourists miss.
Reserve your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport a few weeks before your trip to secure the best deal. If you're travelling during a busy period, it's smart to book your Seattle to Shanghai flight even earlier.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Central Shanghai is about 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). After your flight from Seattle to Shanghai has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to lay your head close to SHA. Unwind after your Seattle to Shanghai flight at one of these well-located options:
Why let someone else's timetable dictate your plans? Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and decide exactly where your journey goes. Reserve your wheels here with Hertz.
Save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from SHA ahead of time so you can simply pick up the keys and get on your way.
You'll find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Seattle to Shanghai, while April is the busiest. Choose the best time to visit Shanghai based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Seattle to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Seattle to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Shanghai
Once you've booked your flight from Seattle to Shanghai, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Shanghai:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Shanghai.
Explore more of China
You've visited Shanghai, now it's time to discover other parts of China. Travel around 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to tick off its must-visit sights. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're interested in discovering another well-known destination in China, head for Suzhou, about 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are among its highlights.
