Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Xian — $50

The route Shanghai — Xian is served by many carriers — 5 in total, including Spring Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $50) 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.

Shanghai is served by two major airports with distinct roles. Pudong International (PVG) functions as the city’s main international long-haul hub, handling most intercontinental and full-service carriers; it’s located about 30–40 km east of the city center and can take 45–60 minutes by express metro line or 45–75 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, with fares typically higher than inner-city trips. Hongqiao (SHA) is closer and usually caters to domestic and regional flights as well as some short-haul international routes; it sits roughly 10–15 km west of central Shanghai and is reachable in 20–40 minutes by metro or 20–45 minutes by taxi, often at lower cost. Pudong offers broader international connectivity and more amenities, but transfers to central areas can be longer and more expensive; Hongqiao is convenient for business travelers and fast rail links but may have fewer long-haul options.

The distance between Shanghai and Xian is 1239km (768 miles). The average flight duration is 2h 40m. There are 252 direct flights from Shanghai to Xian. Shanghai and Xian are in the same time zone. Flights from Shanghai begin at 6:30 AM. The latest flight from Shanghai departs at 11:00 PM

Fly direct from Shanghai to Xi’an for the fastest, most convenient way to reach the city’s legendary Terracotta Army and vibrant old town without the hassle of layovers. Direct flights cut travel time and offer a more comfortable, stress-free journey—though connecting options can sometimes be cheaper if you’re on a tight budget.

Xi’an is served mainly by Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), a major northwest China hub handling both international and domestic services and typically used by full-service carriers and several Chinese low-cost airlines. The airport sits about 40–45 km northwest of the city center; transport options usually include airport express buses (roughly 50–90 minutes, modest fares), taxi or ride-hailing (about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic with fares that can vary substantially), and private transfers. XIY can be convenient for onward international connections and offers a wide range of facilities, though the distance from downtown means budget travellers may prefer to factor transfer time and cost into plans.

In different months, ticket prices from Shanghai to Xian vary: minimum — $49 (March 2026), maximum — $123 (August 2026). Typically, the flight costs $83–$185.