Flying from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to London: what you need to know
The timezone in London is UTC+0. The city is eight hours behind Shanghai, where Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located.
Leave plenty of time to make your SHA to London flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for flight tickets from SHA to London, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
To reach SHA from central Shanghai, it takes about 20 minutes if you're planning to drive. It's roughly 13 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Catching an early flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to SHA:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has an excellent on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from SHA arrive at their destination as scheduled 85.58% of the time.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to London
The best price we've seen for a one-way Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London flight is R 5,035. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 12,725. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from SHA to London. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more it could cost you.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London across the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from SHA to London.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London.
Airports in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is around 31 kilometres from central London. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 55 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LHR instead:
Follow your own route with a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and discover more of London and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your vehicle from London Heathrow Airport around one week in advance of your flight from SHA to London.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is around 80 kilometres from central London. Following your flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London, it'll take you around 1 hour 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You can expect the journey to take about 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near LGW. Settle in and get cosy after your SHA to London flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a London Gatwick Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the rates and availability from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from LGW three weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider range of vehicles.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted Airport (STN) is around 64 kilometres from the centre of London. It takes about 1 hour to get to the city centre in a ride-share or cab after your flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London.
If you go by public transport, the journey time is about 1 hour 25 minutes.
If you don't want to travel into the centre, find a hotel close to STN. Make yourself comfy at one of these options after your SHA to London flight:
Begin your travels without stressing over how to get to your destination with a Stansted Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with reliable names here like Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
Get ahead of the game and reap the rewards. Book your ride from STN four weeks before your flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London for the best rates.
Best time to go to London
Before booking your flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in London offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the low season brings better hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in London is July, with temperatures ranging between 11ºC (52ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Book your Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SHA to London in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF).
More about London
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in London right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to London:
The British Museum and Big Ben are just the start of the popular attractions to put on your London travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Buckingham Palace.
Explore more of United Kingdom
London is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of United Kingdom you should also see. About 161 kilometres north-west of London, a visit to Birmingham will keep you busy. Start with attractions like Cadbury World, The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre.
If you want to check out another corner of United Kingdom, consider Bristol, roughly 177 kilometres west of London. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park are among its highlights.