Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Shanghai Starting at $406

More than 12 airlines operate flights from San Francisco to Shanghai, including China Eastern Airlines, United Airlines, ZIPAIR Tokyo, China Southern Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Air China, Alaska Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $406, 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.

San Francisco International (SFO) is the region’s primary international hub, handling long-haul carriers, major legacy airlines and many West Coast and transcontinental connections; it can be pricier than smaller Bay Area airports but often offers more nonstop choices. The airport sits about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco; BART trains reach the terminals in roughly 30–40 minutes with fares typically in the low-to-mid single digits, while taxis and rideshares take 20–45 minutes depending on traffic and can cost substantially more. Ground buses and shuttles are common for budget travelers. Pros: extensive international connections and on-site amenities; cons: occasional delays, busy terminals and sometimes higher fares.

Shanghai is served by two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA). Pudong functions as the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and intercontinental services and carrying carriers such as China Eastern, China Southern, and many global airlines; it can feel more premium but international fares vary. Pudong is roughly 30–45 km east of the city center; options include the high-speed Maglev (8–10 minutes to Longyang Road plus metro, fares typically higher), airport express and metro lines (about 40–60 minutes, moderate fares), taxis or rideshares (45–70 minutes depending on traffic, higher cost). Pros: extensive international connections and modern facilities; cons: greater distance and occasional heavy traffic. Hongqiao is a domestic and regional hub that traditionally handles short-haul flights and many low-cost or domestic carriers; it’s positioned much closer to central Shanghai, about 10–15 km west. Travel options include metro (Line 2/10 with about 20–30 minutes to downtown, low fares), taxi (25–40 minutes, moderate cost), and convenient rail links via Hongqiao Railway Station for high-speed train connections. Pros: proximity and easy transfers to the city and rail network; cons: fewer long-haul flights and can be crowded during peak domestic travel periods.

The cost of a one-way flight from San Francisco to Shanghai ranges from $415 (January 2026) to $852 (December 2025). On average, the ticket price is about $511–$549.