Travelling from Shanghai to Seattle: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Shanghai. Explore your options departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) when booking your flight from Shanghai to Seattle.
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Seattle Lake Union SPB Airport (LKE) are Seattle's primary gateways.
Around 10 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Shanghai to Seattle flight.
Seattle's timezone is UTC-8, making Seattle 16 hours behind Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are seven departures a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Shanghai to Seattle is with Delta Air Lines at 19:05. Go for the first PVG to SEA departure with Delta Air Lines at 17:30 to make the most of your arrival in Seattle.
Leave enough time to get on your Shanghai to Seattle flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a popular month such as April? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Seattle
Booking in advance is often the key to securing a cheap Shanghai to Seattle flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Shanghai to Seattle across the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Locking in a cheap flight from Shanghai to Seattle is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Shanghai to Seattle flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
You can catch a direct flight from Shanghai to Seattle jetting off from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). Start your journey at PVG and land at Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Keep an eye out for promotions with Delta Air Lines. This airline offers direct Shanghai to Seattle plane tickets out of PVG.
We make it a breeze to book a Shanghai to Seattle flight with a stopover. To see the options departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
The journey from central Shanghai to PVG takes about 50 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 1 hour 5 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Shanghai to Seattle? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to Shanghai Pudong Airport:
83% of flights departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport touch down at their destination on time. With its dependable on-time performance, you're unlikely to be delayed when setting off from PVG.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Think about adding a stop at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK). It's a major stopover on a Shanghai to Seattle flight leaving Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Use a long layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a quick break to grab a coffee at an airport cafe.
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 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Shanghai to Seattle? Kick back in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport before your adventure officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport are known for their punctuality, with 85% of them arriving as planned.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 19 kilometres from the centre of Seattle. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 25 minutes.
It usually takes 35 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel near SEA if you have a late flight from Shanghai to Seattle. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go where the road takes you with a Seattle / Tacoma International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget and see more of Seattle and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your ride from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport around one week ahead of your departure.
Paine Field Airport (PAE)
Once your flight from Shanghai to Seattle has arrived, you can reach the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Seattle is approximately 32 kilometres from Paine Field Airport (PAE).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 40 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to PAE. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Shanghai to Seattle:
Why waste time waiting for public transport? A Paine Field Airport rental car lets you start your journey right away. Put on your favourite playlist and hit the road with a set of wheels from Budget or Enterprise.
Typically, the sooner you book, the better the prices and vehicle selection. Lock in your ride from PAE the moment you know your dates.
Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI)
Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI) is about 11 kilometres from the centre of Seattle. It'll take you about 20 minutes to reach the city centre in a car once you've stepped off your flight from Shanghai to Seattle.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of about 35 minutes.
Be in control of the next part of your trip by picking up a Seattle Boeing Fld Airport rental car. Alamo, Budget and Avis are some companies you can book with.
Rental companies sometimes offer deals for early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from BFI a few weeks in advance of your flight from Shanghai to Seattle. A bit of planning goes a long way in savings.
Best time to go to Seattle
March is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Seattle, while July is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to go to Seattle based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Shanghai to Seattle tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Seattle, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 28ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Seattle in February when temperatures average between -1ºC and 11ºC.
More about Seattle
Start your Seattle trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Seattle, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Space Needle and Pike Place Fish Market are a couple of major attractions to put on your Seattle to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at The Museum of Flight.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Seattle, now it's time to explore other parts of the United States. Journey around 241 kilometres south to Portland to check off its top attractions. From Portland Japanese Garden to Peninsula Park Rose Garden and International Rose Test Garden, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 370 kilometres east of Seattle, Spokane is another essential stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Riverside State Park, Spokane Falls (Upper Falls) and Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
