Cheap Flights from Dalian to Shanghai Starting at $40

Flights from Dalian to Shanghai are operated by several airlines — Spring Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines. This allows passengers to flexibly choose flights based on departure time, cost, and additional services. The minimum ticket price starts at $40, making this destination accessible to travelers with different budgets. We help compare all available options in real time, so you can book tickets at the best value for money. The service ensures transparent search and lets you book affordable flights in just a few clicks.

Dalian Jinzhouwan International (DLC) typically functions as the city’s main international and domestic gateway, handling a mix of full-service carriers and regional/low-cost airlines. Located roughly 10–15 km northeast of downtown Dalian, the airport can be reached by taxi in about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, with fares usually in the mid-range for Chinese cities; public bus and airport shuttle options take around 45–60 minutes and are generally cheaper. Pros: relatively modern terminal facilities, direct connections to major Chinese hubs and some international routes. Cons: peak-hour road congestion can lengthen transfers, and international route frequency may be lower than mega-hubs elsewhere in China.

Shanghai is served by two main airports. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and full-service carriers as well as some premium domestic routes; it’s typically viewed as the main gateway for international travel. Pudong sits roughly 30–40 km east of downtown and is reachable by high-speed Maglev (about 8 minutes to Longyang Road), metro Line 2 (around 45–60 minutes), airport buses or taxis (45–70 minutes depending on traffic) with fares varying widely by mode. Pros: extensive international connections and modern amenities; cons: longer transfer times to central Shanghai and potentially higher taxi costs. Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) functions primarily as a domestic and regional airport with many low-cost and full-service Chinese carriers operating frequent shuttle flights to other Chinese cities and nearby Asian destinations. Located much closer to the city center—roughly 13 km west—Hongqiao is commonly quicker for domestic transfers. It’s connected by metro Lines 2 and 10 (about 20–40 minutes to central hubs), numerous airport shuttles and short taxi rides (20–40 minutes) with generally lower fares than Pudong for ground transport. Pros: faster access to downtown and convenient rail/metro links; cons: fewer long-haul flights and more limited international options.

The cost of a one-way flight from Dalian to Shanghai ranges from $39 (November 2025) to $175 (April 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $79–$141.