Travelling from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport (ALA): What you need to know
Planning your holiday begins with figuring out where you'll leave from in Shanghai. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport (ALA) taking off from here.
Jump on a direct Shanghai to Almaty International Airport flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 6 hours 50 minutes.
Almaty International Airport is located in Almaty. The city runs on the UTC+5 timezone and is three hours behind Shanghai.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your flight from Shanghai to ALA.
Head to the airport even earlier during popular months like February. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and up to four hours for an international flight. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to relax or go over your itinerary.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Enjoy an uninterrupted journey from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Nonstop flights from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport (ALA) operate from here.
You'll find a direct flight from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport with China Eastern Airlines. This top airline offers services from PVG.
The preferred airline for passengers flying between PVG and ALA is China Eastern.
The carrier with the most consistent on-time arrival rate on this route is China Eastern.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for cheap flights from Shanghai to ALA leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to get ideas for where to visit along the way. Here's where you could connect through:
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Travelling from central Shanghai to PVG takes about 50 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 48 kilometers in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Catching an early flight from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some bonus sleep) by staying at one of these stays near Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
82% of flights departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport touch down at their destination on time. Given its solid on-time performance, you're unlikely to be delayed when taking off from PVG.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Maximise your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport. Here's where you can connect between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and ALA:
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
SHA is about 14 kilometers from central Shanghai. It'll take you 30 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 40 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your Shanghai to ALA flight? Check in to a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your trip officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a strong track record for punctuality, with 85% of them landing as expected.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
About Almaty International Airport (ALA)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport. Book one of these accommodation options near ALA instead:
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle around two weeks ahead of your Shanghai to Almaty International Airport flight.
Getting from Almaty International Airport (ALA) to central Almaty
From Almaty International Airport, central Almaty is around 14 kilometers away. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the city centre by car.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey of about 50 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport (ALA)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport is P11,652. For a return flight on this route, the best price is P23,850. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares can change.
To pick up cheap flights from Shanghai to ALA, book early. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest Shanghai to Almaty International Airport tickets across the month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Save time looking for cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to ALA by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport.
The best time to fly from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport (ALA)
January is the most popular month for flights from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport (ALA). Visit Almaty in December if you'd rather be there when it's quieter.
Lock in a Shanghai to ALA plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Almaty to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport in January when temperatures are between -16ºC (3ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Almaty
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Almaty right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Almaty International Airport:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Ascension Cathedral, Abay Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Smotrovaya are must-visits when exploring Almaty.
Explore more of Kazakhstan
You've visited Almaty, now it's time to discover other corners of Kazakhstan. Travel around 257 kilometers east to Zharkent to tick off its leading sights. From Zharkent Mosque to Muzey Izobrazitel'nogo Iskusstva Im.a.kasteyeva and Central Mosque, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Make your way 225 kilometers northeast from Almaty and you'll reach Tekeli, another favourite among visitors to Kazakhstan. Kick off your sightseeing at Ushchel'ye Cherkasay and Soldatskoye Ushchel'ye.
