Cheap Flights from Tokyo to Shanghai — $73

The route Tokyo — Shanghai is served by many carriers — 12 in total, including Peach, Spring Airlines Japan, Spring Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Xiamen Airlines, Hainan Airlines, AirAsia Zest, China Southern Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Japan Airlines, Air China, and Shanghai Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $73) 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.

Tokyo is served primarily by two airports with distinct roles. Narita International (NRT), located about 60–70 km east of central Tokyo, functions as the main international gateway and typically handles most long-haul and full-service carrier flights; travel into the city can take 60–90 minutes by Narita Express or 60–100 minutes by airport limousine bus, with fares usually in the higher mid-range for express rail and more moderate for buses. Haneda (HND), much closer at roughly 15–20 km south of downtown, has become an international hub while still serving many domestic routes and low-cost carriers; train or monorail plus subway rides normally take 15–30 minutes and are often cheaper than NRT transfers. Pros: Haneda offers convenience and shorter transfer times; Narita can give broader long-haul choices and sometimes lower fares on budget international flights. Cons: Narita’s distance can mean longer transfers and extra cost/time; Haneda can be busier and pricier for some international routes.

Shanghai is served by two main airports with distinct roles. Pudong International (PVG) is the city’s primary international hub, handling most long-haul and intercontinental flights and serving full-service carriers as well as several international alliances. It sits about 30–40 km east of the city center; the Maglev train and metro connect PVG to central Shanghai in roughly 30–45 minutes (fares vary by service), while taxis or ride‑shares can take 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Pudong is typically viewed as the more premium, internationally focused option with extensive facilities but longer transfer times. Hongqiao (SHA) functions more as a domestic and regional gateway, favored by budget and domestic carriers as well as frequent business travelers because it’s much closer to downtown—around 10–15 km. Hongqiao is linked by metro and the city’s suburban rail, making journeys to central areas possible in about 20–30 minutes; fares are generally lower than airport express options. It’s usually perceived as more convenient for short-haul flights and quick city access, though it handles fewer long-haul services and can be busier during peak commuter hours. Both airports offer a range of ground transport choices, so travelers often choose based on destination, timing and cost considerations.

In different months, ticket prices from Tokyo to Shanghai vary: minimum — $84 (March 2026), maximum — $209 (August 2026). Typically, the flight costs $127–$138.

Fly direct from Tokyo to Shanghai for the fastest, most convenient way to cross the East China Sea—no layovers, just more time to enjoy the city once you land. While connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper, a nonstop saves hours and reduces travel stress, making it the smarter choice for business trips or short getaways.