Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Shanghai — $266

Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as the city’s major international hub, handling most long-haul and full-service carriers alongside many international alliances. Located about 35–45 km northwest of the historic center, it’s typically accessed by taxi (roughly 40–60 minutes depending on traffic), Havaist and municipal buses (60–90 minutes), or the suburban rail and metro extensions which can be faster in off-peak hours; fares vary widely but public buses are usually the cheapest option. The facility is modern and spacious with extensive shopping and lounges, making it convenient for international connections, though transfer times can be long and ground transport costs moderate to high. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) operates mainly as Istanbul’s secondary international and low-cost carrier base, often favored by budget airlines and regional services. Positioned on the Asian side about 35–45 km from central Sultanahmet or Taksim, transfers typically take 45–70 minutes by taxi, 60–90+ minutes by Havatas or municipal buses, and fewer options exist for rail connections, so travel times can be less predictable. Fares are generally perceived as lower for flights but ground transit may add time and expense; the airport is compact and functional for point-to-point travel, yet can feel crowded during peak low-cost traffic.

The Istanbul — Shanghai route is served by a wide range of airlines: 12 in total, including Turkish Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, AirAsia X, China Southern Airlines, SCAT, Air China, Aegean Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Valuair, Pegasus Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, and IndiGo. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $266. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.

Shanghai is served mainly by two airports with different roles. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and many full-service carriers; it’s typically pricier to fly into but offers extensive global connections. Pudong lies about 40–50 km east of downtown Shanghai; the Maglev plus metro combination can reach the city center in roughly 35–60 minutes, while taxis or rideshares usually take around 45–70 minutes depending on traffic and cost noticeably more than public transport. Pros: modern facilities, many lounges and onward-flight options; cons: longer transfer times to central districts. Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) functions more as a domestic and regional gateway and commonly hosts budget and business shuttle services; it’s much closer, about 10–15 km west of the center. Hongqiao is well linked by metro and suburban rail with typical journeys of 20–40 minutes and modest fares, or a taxi in about 25–40 minutes. Pros: quicker access to downtown and good intermodal connections; cons: fewer long-haul routes and sometimes more crowded peak domestic traffic.