Travelling from Shanghai to Istanbul: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the main airports in Shanghai.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are Istanbul's primary gateways.
The average duration of a direct Shanghai to Istanbul flight is 12 hours.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3, which is five hours behind Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 14 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Shanghai to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 23:00. Go for the first PVG to IST departure with China Eastern Airlines at 00:55 to make the most of your arrival in Istanbul.
For a stress-free journey, 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 Shanghai to Istanbul flight.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Istanbul
Lock in cheap Shanghai to Istanbul flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
May is the best month for scoring a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Istanbul. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Shanghai to Istanbul by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Shanghai to Istanbul flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can get a direct flight from Shanghai to Istanbul leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Start your trip at PVG and end it at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Shanghai to Istanbul plane tickets leaving from PVG.
We make it easy to book a Shanghai to Istanbul flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
To reach PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take about 50 minutes if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 32 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Shanghai to Istanbul or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
78.11% of flights taking off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
PVG's address is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Shanghai to Istanbul flight, here's where you can stop when departing from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Shanghai to SHA in around 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 13 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul? Unwind in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
The majority of flights that depart Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport reach their destination as planned. It achieves a consistent on-time performance rate of 86%.
The address for SHA is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometers away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Pick up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car and discover Istanbul and beyond with your own set of wheels. Hit, Avec car rentals and Eren Rent a Car are popular outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport about two weeks before your trip.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Once your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is approximately 31 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul, unwind at a hotel close to SAW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at SAW can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Istanbul
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul. April is the busiest month to visit Istanbul. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
Lock in a Shanghai to Istanbul ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Istanbul right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are must-visits when exploring Istanbul.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many cities in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored after you've experienced Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres to the east, check out popular attractions including Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Izmir is another favourite destination in Türkiye (Turkey) and is around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul. No journey is complete without dropping by Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Konak Square.