Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Kunming — $105

More than 8 airlines operate flights from Shanghai to Kunming, including China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, Air China, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Lucky Air, Thai Vietjet Air, and AirAsia X. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $105, 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.

The distance between Shanghai and Kunming is 1938km (1202 miles). There are 219 direct flights from Shanghai to Kunming. Shanghai and Kunming are in the same time zone. Flights from Shanghai begin at 6:55 AM. The latest flight from Shanghai departs at 10:10 PM

Shanghai is served primarily by two major airports with distinct roles. Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s long-haul and international hub, handling most intercontinental carriers and full-service airlines; it’s located about 30–35 km east of central Shanghai and can take 40–60 minutes by maglev or metro, or roughly the same by taxi depending on traffic, with fares for public transit typically moderate and taxis pricier. Hongqiao (SHA) acts more as a domestic and regional gateway favored by budget and business travelers on short-haul routes; it sits much closer to downtown (around 10–15 km) and is reachable in 20–40 minutes by metro or taxi. Both airports offer shuttle buses and ride-hailing options. PVG can be bulkier and busier for arrivals and transfers but provides extensive international connections; Hongqiao is generally more convenient for quick city access and short domestic hops, though it may be more limited for long-range flights.

Fly direct from Shanghai to Kunming for the fastest, most convenient way to reach Yunnan’s vibrant capital — less time in transit means more time exploring its markets and nearby landscapes. While connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper, choosing a nonstop saves hours and reduces hassle, making for a more comfortable, stress-free journey.

Kunming is served mainly by Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), a modern international hub handling most long-haul and domestic flights and favoured by full-service carriers as well as some budget airlines. Located about 24 km northeast of the city centre, travel typically takes 30–50 minutes by taxi or 40–50 minutes on the metro line; fares can range from modest metro tickets to higher taxi fares depending on traffic. A smaller, older airfield (Wuhua) was replaced by Changshui for scheduled passenger services, so most travellers use the larger, better-equipped facility. Pros include good international connections and newer amenities; cons can be longer transfer times into central Kunming and occasional congestion at peak periods.

The cost of a one-way flight from Shanghai to Kunming ranges from $99 (January 2026) to $310 (July 2026). On average, the ticket price is about $195–$225.