Flying from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Shanghai: what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai and you'll be in the air for around 14 hours 10 minutes.
Shanghai is seven hours ahead of Zurich, where Zurich Airport is located. Shanghai follows the UTC+8 timezone.
The most popular route is from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). You can select from six weekly services between these two airports. SWISS offers a 13:10 departure between ZRH and PVG.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your ZRH to Shanghai flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Zurich Airport to Shanghai ticket. Start your journey at ZRH and touch down at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
SWISS is a well-known airline that offers direct flights from Zurich Airport to Shanghai.
Located around 10 kilometres from central Zurich, ZRH can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 35 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near ZRH. Whether you're catching an early flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of all flights departing from Zurich Airport, 69.02% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Shanghai
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Zurich Airport to Shanghai flight is R 6,545. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 11,909. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book two months before you travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from ZRH to Shanghai.
The best month for scoring cheap Zurich Airport to Shanghai tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from ZRH to Shanghai couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a cheaper option becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Zurich Airport to Shanghai.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 56 kilometres away.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near PVG:
Start your adventure the moment you land with a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hertz to explore Shanghai and beyond.
Boost your chances of snagging the best possible rate by booking early. Reserving your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a few weeks before your flight from ZRH to Shanghai is a smart idea.
The address for PVG is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is roughly 14 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. After your flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai, it'll take you around 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near SHA. Kick back and get cosy after your ZRH to Shanghai flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Why run on someone else's schedule? Pick up a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and decide exactly where your journey goes. Reserve a set of wheels here with Hertz.
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from SHA ahead of time so you can just grab the keys and get going.
The address for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
Visit Shanghai during high season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Zurich Airport to Shanghai during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book a Zurich Airport to Shanghai flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 23ºC (73ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from ZRH to Shanghai in January when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Shanghai
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Shanghai right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from Zurich Airport to Shanghai:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Yu Garden, The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Shanghai Tower are must-do's during your Shanghai adventure.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of China you'll want to see. Around 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a trip to Nanjing will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading attractions like Nanjing City Wall, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and Xuanwu Lake.
Around 241 kilometres south-west of Shanghai, Puyang is another favourite stop in China. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Denggao Lansheng Building, Baozhang Yougu Scenic Area and 元宝山探险乐园.