Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City Starting at $81

More than 11 airlines operate flights from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, including VietjetAir, Spring Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $81, 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.

Shanghai is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) functions as the primary international hub, handling most long-haul and intercontinental flights and hosting flag carriers plus major global airlines; it sits about 30–40 km east of the city center, with airport express trains typically taking around 35–45 minutes and taxis or rideshares usually 40–60 minutes depending on traffic (fares can vary widely). Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) is closer — roughly 10–15 km west — and often handles domestic and regional services as well as some short-haul international routes, served mainly by domestic carriers and a few regional airlines; travel times by metro or taxi are commonly 20–30 minutes. Pudong can be busier for long-haul passengers and may involve longer transfer times but offers more international connectivity and premium facilities; Hongqiao is usually more convenient for domestic connections and shorter road or rail links. Both airports provide multiple ground-transport options including metro, long-distance buses, airport shuttles and taxis, with cost varying by mode and time of day.

Tan Son Nhat International (SGN) is Ho Chi Minh City’s main international hub, handling most long-haul and regional carriers alongside full-service Vietnamese airlines; some low-cost carriers also operate here. It sits about 6–8 km north of District 1 (central business area), with taxi rides typically taking 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and costing roughly VND 120,000–250,000; ride-hailing apps and airport buses (around 30–50 minutes, low single-digit USD fares) are common alternatives. Pros: close to downtown, wide range of services and connections. Cons: can be busy and congested at peak times, and surface transport times may vary significantly with traffic. Can Tho International Airport (VCA) is a secondary southern gateway used mainly for domestic flights and some regional services, often favored by budget and domestic carriers for access to the Mekong Delta. It’s located about 170–180 km from Ho Chi Minh City — typically a 3–4 hour drive or a short domestic flight — so it’s not a city-center option for most HCMC travelers. Ground transfers are usually by intercity bus, private car, or shared shuttle; journey times and fares vary by operator. Pros: less crowded and often cheaper for regional trips. Cons: significant distance to Ho Chi Minh City makes it impractical for quick city access.

The cost of a one-way flight from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City ranges from $78 (January 2026) to $158 (July 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $114–$124.