Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Cape Town — $537

Shanghai has two main airports serving different needs. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s primary international hub, handling long-haul and many full-service carriers; it’s often where you’ll find most intercontinental flights and premium airline lounges. Pudong lies about 30–40 km east of the city center; travel times are commonly 30–60 minutes by Maglev plus metro or highway taxis, with fares varying widely depending on mode (expect higher for taxis and the Maglev). Pros: extensive international connections and facilities; cons: longer transfer times to central Shanghai. Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) operates largely as a domestic and regional airport and typically caters to budget and full-service Chinese carriers on short-haul routes. Located much closer to downtown (roughly 13 km west), Hongqiao is usually 20–40 minutes from central districts by metro, shuttle or taxi, with relatively low metro fares and moderate taxi costs. Pros: convenience for domestic connections and shorter city access; cons: fewer long-haul options and smaller international route network. Both airports can require extra time for transfers between them, so allow ample connection time when planning journeys that use both.

Fly direct from Shanghai to Cape Town for the quickest, most convenient way to bridge these vibrant cities—arrive sooner and skip the hassle of long layovers. While connecting options can sometimes be cheaper, a nonstop route saves valuable time and offers a more relaxed journey so you can start exploring South Africa’s coast without the extra travel stress.

The route Shanghai — Cape Town is served by many carriers — 7 in total, including China Eastern Airlines, AirAsia X, Air India, Qatar Airways, Air China, Thai AirAsia X, and China Southern Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $537) 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.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the region’s main international gateway and typically serves full-service carriers alongside several low-cost airlines, making it a hub for both long-haul and domestic connections. Located about 20–25 km from the city centre, transfer times usually range from 20–45 minutes by car depending on traffic; metered taxis and rideshares often cost in the moderate range while the MyCiTi bus offers a cheaper, slightly longer option. The airport can be busy during peak tourist season but generally provides a full set of passenger facilities. Pros: convenient international links and good amenities; cons: peak-time congestion and variable transfer times to central Cape Town.

In different months, ticket prices from Shanghai to Cape Town vary: minimum — $518 (January 2026), maximum — $742 (October 2026). Typically, the flight costs $620–$1,269.