Cheap Flights from Nanjing to Shanghai — $48

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) serves as the city’s main international and domestic gateway, typically handling full-service carriers and some budget airlines. It’s positioned about 35 km (roughly 40–60 minutes by car) south of downtown Nanjing; high-speed airport express trains and regular airport buses usually take 30–50 minutes, while taxis can be faster outside peak hours but cost more. Fares for the metro/express bus are generally modest; taxi rides can be mid-range depending on traffic. Pros: modern terminals, frequent international connections and good ground links. Cons: distance from the city center can add time and cost, and peak-hour road congestion may affect transfer reliability.

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 intercontinental services and typically used by full-service carriers; it sits about 30–45 km east of the city center and can be reached by maglev (around 8 minutes to Longyang Road + transfer), airport express train (~30–45 minutes) or taxis and rideshares (30–60 minutes depending on traffic), with public-transport fares usually modest and taxis/rideshares varying by distance and surcharges. Pudong can be more convenient for international connections but may mean longer transfers into central districts. Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) functions as a domestic and regional gateway, favored by budget and business travelers on short-haul flights and by some full-service carriers for domestic routes. Located roughly 10–15 km west of central Shanghai, Hongqiao is close to the city’s main train hub and connected by metro (Line 2/10; ~20–30 minutes to People’s Square), shuttle buses and short taxi rides (15–40 minutes). Hongqiao is usually quicker for downtown access and intermodal transfers but offers fewer intercontinental options. Both airports can be busy at peak times; choose Pudong for international reach and Hongqiao for domestic convenience and faster city access.

On the Nanjing — Shanghai route, flights are operated only by China Eastern Airlines. This simplifies the choice for passengers, as all tickets come from a single trusted carrier. Our service lets you instantly check fares for upcoming dates and find the most advantageous option. The minimum ticket price starts at $48, making this trip affordable for a wide range of travelers. To save even more, we recommend booking early and keeping an eye on promotions — China Eastern Airlines regularly offers special deals.

The cost of a one-way flight from Nanjing to Shanghai ranges from $50 (March 2026) to $56 (June 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $52–$107.