Cheap Flights from Guangzhou to Shanghai Starting at $49

More than 10 airlines operate flights from Guangzhou to Shanghai, including Spring Airlines, 9 Air, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Air China, AirAsia, VietjetAir, and Eva Air. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $49, and our service lets you instantly compare all options. The variety of offers simplifies planning: you can choose budget fares or more comfortable options with baggage included or extra services. We help you find the best deals so your trip is cost-efficient.

Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) is the city’s main international hub and typically handles most long-haul and premium carriers alongside Chinese flag and full-service airlines. It sits about 28–35 km north of downtown Guangzhou; rail and express bus links usually take 30–50 minutes to the city center while taxis or ride-hailing can be 35–60 minutes depending on traffic. Metro Line 3 and the Airport Express are common options, with fares often in a modest range for public transit. Pros: modern facilities, wide route network and frequent services; cons: larger scale can mean longer walking times and occasional peak-hour congestion. Guangzhou’s secondary Pearl River Delta/low-cost gateways can be used for regional and budget flights (some routes may land at nearby Shenzhen or Foshan airports, depending on carrier). These airports typically cater to low-cost and regional carriers and can be cheaper for short-haul travel, though they are usually farther from central Guangzhou—travel times can vary from 45 minutes to over 90 minutes by road. Ground transport is usually by shuttle bus, regional train or taxi; fares tend to be affordable but transfers may add time and complexity. Pros: lower fares and fewer crowds; cons: reduced amenities, fewer international connections and extra transit time to the city center.

Shanghai is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) functions as the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and premium carriers; it sits about 30–40 km east of downtown and is typically reached in 35–60 minutes by maglev + metro or expressway taxi, with public transit fares usually modest and taxis/ride-shares costing more. Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) is closer to the city center (roughly 13–20 km west), acting mainly as a domestic and regional gateway favored by budget and full-service Chinese airlines; travel time by metro or taxi is commonly 20–40 minutes. Transfers between the two airports can be done by shuttle or metro but may take over an hour. PVG can be more convenient for international connections but involves longer commutes, while SHA is handy for quick domestic trips yet offers fewer long-haul options. Both airports provide ground transport choices—metro, airport shuttle, taxi, and app-based rides—with comfort and speed varying by time of day and traffic.

The cost of a one-way flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai ranges from $46 (November 2025) to $112 (July 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $70–$71.