Cheap Flights from Shanghai to San Francisco — $467

Shanghai is served by two main airports. Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s primary international hub, handling long-haul and intercontinental flights for full-service carriers and many international alliances; it’s typically perceived as pricier but offers extensive connections. Pudong lies about 30–40 km east of the city center, with travel options including high-speed maglev (8–9 minutes to Longyang Road, premium fare), airport express trains (30–40 minutes), taxis and app cars (40–60 minutes depending on traffic, fares varying by route). Pros: strong global connectivity, modern facilities; cons: longer transit time and higher transfer costs to downtown. Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA) functions more as a domestic and regional hub, favored by budget and business travelers on short-haul routes and by some full-service carriers for domestic flights. Hongqiao sits much closer—roughly 10–15 km west of central districts—and is well integrated with the city via metro Line 2/10 (20–30 minutes), suburban rail and frequent taxis (20–40 minutes, relatively low fares). Pros: convenient for downtown and business districts, quicker transfers; cons: fewer long-haul options and sometimes higher demand on peak domestic routes.

San Francisco International (SFO) functions as the region’s primary international hub, handling major carriers including United, Alaska and numerous global airlines alongside some low-cost services. It’s located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco; typical ground transfer options include BART (about 30–40 minutes, moderate fares), airport shuttles and taxis or app rides (25–40 minutes, higher fares), while car rentals and parking are plentiful. Passengers will usually find extensive amenities, lounges and broad international connections, but security lines and peak-hour traffic can be lengthy. For nearby leisure travelers, smaller nearby airports (Oakland, San Jose) can be budget-friendly alternatives, though they’re farther from the city center.

The minimum one-way ticket price from Shanghai to San Francisco is $558 (September 2026), while the maximum is $691 (July 2026). On average, a ticket costs $614–$1,284.

The Shanghai — San Francisco route is served by a wide range of airlines: 10 in total, including United Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air Canada, Asiana Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Juneyao Airlines. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $467. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.