Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi Starting at $210

Shanghai is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Pudong International (PVG) functions as the city’s primary international hub, handling long-haul and many full-service carriers; it’s located about 30–45 km east of downtown and typically takes 45–60 minutes by maglev+metro or 45–75 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, with public transport fares usually modest and taxis mid-range. Hongqiao (SHA) acts as a convenience-focused airport for domestic and regional flights and some low-cost services, sitting roughly 10–15 km west of the center and reachable in 20–40 minutes by metro, local bus, or taxi. Pros: Pudong offers extensive international connections and modern long-haul facilities, while Hongqiao is closer and often quicker for domestic travelers. Cons: Pudong’s greater distance can add time and cost for city transfers, and Hongqiao may be busier and more limited for intercontinental routes.

Abu Dhabi International (AUH) is the emirate’s main international hub, handling full-service carriers like Etihad alongside some regional and low-cost airlines; it’s typically positioned as a premium gateway for long‑haul travel. The airport sits about 30–35 km from Abu Dhabi city centre, with taxi trips commonly taking 25–45 minutes depending on traffic and costing roughly AED 60–120; public buses and shared shuttle services can be cheaper but slower, often 45–75 minutes. Terminals are usually modern and comfortable with duty-free and lounge options, though crowds can build at peak times. For budget-conscious travellers, smaller nearby airfields are limited, so AUH is often the default despite slightly higher fares than secondary airports in the region.

The route Shanghai — Abu Dhabi is served by many carriers — 11 in total, including China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Thai Vietjet Air, Gulf Air, AirAsia X, and Etihad Airways. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $210) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

In different months, ticket prices from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi vary: minimum — $210 (December 2025), maximum — $343 (April 2026). Typically, the flight costs $260–$263.