Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Beijing — $89

The route Shanghai — Beijing is served by many carriers — 9 in total, including Air China, Juneyao Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Yangtze River Express, China Eastern Airlines, China United Airlines, Spring Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $89) 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.

All 7 airlines on the Shanghai — Beijing route operate on a daily basis: China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China United Airlines, Air China, Xiamen Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Juneyao Airlines fly every day.

In different months, ticket prices from Shanghai to Beijing vary: minimum — $85 (September 2026), maximum — $226 (July 2027). Typically, the flight costs $178–$210.

Shanghai is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) functions as the international hub for long-haul and intercontinental flights, hosting major network carriers and many full-service airlines; it’s typically perceived as pricier than the city’s secondary airport. Located about 30–45 km east of downtown, transfer options include the Maglev + metro (35–50 minutes), direct metro Line 2 (approximately 60–75 minutes), airport shuttle buses and taxis (45–70 minutes; fares vary by route and can be significantly higher for taxis). Pros: extensive international connections and modern facilities; cons: longer transfers to central districts and occasional congestion. Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) is a domestic and regional gateway favored by budget and business travelers on short-haul routes, situated much closer to the city center (roughly 13–20 km west). It’s well linked by metro Line 2/10 and the Hongqiao rail/transport hub, making trips to downtown often 20–40 minutes by metro or 25–50 minutes by taxi with modest fares. Pros: convenience and fast connections to the high-speed rail network; cons: fewer long-haul flight choices and can be busy during peak domestic travel periods.

Beijing’s air travel is served primarily by Beijing Capital International (PEK) and the newer Beijing Daxing International (PKX). PEK has long been the city’s main international hub, favored by legacy carriers and many full-service international routes, while Daxing is positioned as a modern mega-hub that also handles a mix of long-haul, domestic and some budget services. Both airports sit well outside the central business districts: Capital is about 25–30 km northeast of central Beijing, Daxing roughly 45 km to the south. Typical ground options include airport express trains (30–50 minutes), intercity and subway links (40–60 minutes), taxis or ride-hailing (35–90 minutes depending on traffic) with fares that can range widely — expect moderate public-transit fares and higher taxi or ride-share costs. Pros: extensive route choices and good rail links; cons: long transfer times, potential for heavy traffic and busy terminals during peak travel.