Flying from Shanghai to Cairns Airport (CNS): what you need to know
Shanghai has two main airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Cairns Airport (CNS) departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Cairns is 2 hours ahead of Shanghai. Cairns Airport is located in Cairns, which operates on the UTC+10 timezone.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are tried-and-true travel tips. Be at the airport with enough time to catch your flight from Shanghai to CNS.
Popular months like July or other peak seasons mean longer lines and potential delays. Stay on schedule by getting to the airport even earlier. Plan for at least four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing flights from Shanghai to CNS leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
From central Shanghai, PVG is approximately 56 kilometres away. Visit the official airport website or use navigation apps to find the best way to reach the terminal.
Catching an early flight from Shanghai to Cairns Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by picking one of these hotels near Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
SHA is around 14 kilometres from central Shanghai. It'll take you 21 minutes or so to get to the airport when driving from the city centre.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an additional night away? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to CNS:
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
Reserve a hotel close to CNS if you're catching a late flight from Shanghai to Cairns Airport. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Cairns Airport to central Cairns is around 10 minutes by car. It's approximately 6 kilometres away. Find out what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing services.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of roughly 1 hour and 26 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Cairns Airport (CNS)
Lock in a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Cairns Airport from P14,908 or travel return from just P37,603. Fares listed are subject to change and may differ when you make your booking.
It's often best to book ahead of time if you're hoping to get cheap tickets from Shanghai to CNS. That's because airlines change prices based on demand, which tends to increase closer to the departure date.
Finding cheap tickets from Shanghai to Cairns Airport is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Check out the 'Whole month' function to see the best prices across each month and bag a great deal.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Shanghai to CNS. You don't need to check every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll update you when the price changes.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Shanghai to Cairns Airport, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and journey duration.
The best time to fly from Shanghai to Cairns Airport (CNS)
February is the quietest time of year to fly to Cairns. Alternatively, join the crowds and take your trip in July. This is the most popular month for flights from Shanghai to Cairns Airport, but the best time to go is your call.
Before booking a flight from Shanghai to CNS, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. January is the warmest month in Cairns, with the temperature ranging from 23ºC to 31ºC.
August has average temperatures of between 16ºC and 25ºC. Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to Cairns Airport sometime then if you like cooler conditions.
More about Cairns
Start your Cairns trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Cairns Airport, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station, Cairns Esplanade Western High Water Pier and Cairns Botanic Gardens are must-visits when exploring Cairns.
Complete your Cairns trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Shanghai to Cairns Airport to track down your ideal ride. Check out our car rentals in Cairns and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to know, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.