Cheap Flights from Shanghai to London — $262

More than 12 airlines operate flights from Shanghai to London, including Air China, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Gulf Air, Finnair, China Southern Airlines, SCAT, Air India, and Tianjin Airlines. This is a popular route, so passengers can choose tickets based on budget and preferences. Ticket prices start from $262, 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 primarily by two major airports with distinct roles. Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s main international hub, handling most long-haul and intercontinental flights and hosting full-service carriers alongside several foreign airlines; fares here can be mid-to-high depending on season. It sits about 30–40 km east of downtown (roughly 45–75 minutes by car) with high-speed maglev (8–10 minutes to Longyang Road), metro lines (45–60 minutes), taxis and express buses (fares vary). Pudong’s strengths are modern facilities and extensive international connectivity; downsides can include longer transfer times to the center and occasional congestion. Hongqiao International (SHA) functions largely as Shanghai’s domestic and regional airport and is typically favored for short-haul and budget routes. Located only about 13 km west of the city center (roughly 20–40 minutes by car), it’s directly linked to central Shanghai via metro and Hongqiao railway hub, making transfers quick and convenient; public transport fares are generally low for the metro and slightly higher for taxis. Hongqiao’s perks are proximity and easy rail/metro connections, while limitations can include fewer long-haul options and busier peak domestic schedules.

Heathrow (LHR) is London’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and premium carriers as well as many full-service European airlines. It’s located about 24 km west of Central London and is typically the most convenient option for travelers seeking direct intercontinental connections. Transport choices include the Heathrow Express to Paddington (around 15–25 minutes, fares usually higher), the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line tube (35–60 minutes, more economical), and buses or taxis (30–60+ minutes depending on traffic). Pros: frequent long-haul schedules and extensive ground services; cons: can be busy, higher fares for express options and longer transfer times during peak road congestion. Gatwick (LGW) functions as a major secondary international airport serving a mix of full-service and many low-cost carriers, often positioned as a mid-priced alternative to Heathrow. It sits roughly 45 km south of Central London and usually offers a strong regional and leisure network. Trains to Victoria or London Bridge (Gatwick Express and frequent Southern/Thameslink services) take about 30–50 minutes, with fares that tend to be moderate; coaches are cheaper but slower (about 60–90 minutes). Pros: good balance of international routes and competitive fares; cons: fewer intercontinental nonstops than Heathrow and variable transfer times by road. Stansted (STN) is typically a hub for many low-cost and charter carriers, focused on short- and medium-haul European routes. Located around 50 km northeast of Central London, it’s often viewed as a budget-friendly option for point-to-point travelers. The Stansted Express reaches Liverpool Street in roughly 45–50 minutes (moderate fares), while coaches to Victoria or other hubs can take 60–90+ minutes at lower cost. Pros: competitive flight prices and a compact terminal; cons: fewer full-service amenities and longer ground transfers for some central destinations. Luton (LTN) serves primarily low-cost and charter airlines and is often chosen by budget-conscious travelers. It’s about 35–50 km northwest of Central London depending on route, and transfers commonly combine a shuttle bus and train (around 35–60 minutes) or longer coach services (often 60–90 minutes), with generally lower fares than premium train options. Pros: frequent cheap flights and efficient boarding procedures; cons: more limited facilities and sometimes longer or indirect transfers into the city. London City (LCY) acts as a niche, business-oriented airport with a compact layout and convenient proximity to Canary Wharf and the City of London — roughly 10 km east of central spots. It typically hosts short-haul and business-focused carriers, including many regional services. Transport options include the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and connections to the Tube and rail network (about 20–35 minutes to central locations), with fares similar to standard urban transit. Pros: short transfer times and easy check-in for business travelers; cons: fewer long-haul routes and stricter aircraft size limits that can affect schedule flexibility. Southend (SEN) is a smaller, regional-focused airport that can be an economical alternative for some European routes and seasonal services. Situated about 65 km east of central London, it tends to attract leisure carriers and lower-cost options. Trains to Liverpool Street generally take around 50–70 minutes with modest fares; coaches and car access are available too. Pros: quieter terminals and straightforward procedures; cons: limited route network and longer transit times to many central London areas compared with the larger airports.