Flying from Seoul to Shanghai: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Seoul. Check out your options departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP) when organising your flight from Seoul to Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's primary gateways.
Around 2 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Seoul to Shanghai flight.
The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8, which is one hour behind Seoul.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 111 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Seoul to Shanghai is with EASTAR JET at 22:30. Opt for the first ICN to PVG departure operated by Korean Air at 08:25 to make the most of your arrival in Shanghai.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Seoul to Shanghai flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Shanghai
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Shanghai is ر.ق. 332. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ر.ق. 699. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Score cheap Seoul to Shanghai flights by booking 11 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
April is the best month for nabbing an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Seoul to Shanghai. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Seoul to Shanghai 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 when there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Seoul to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Jet off from Incheon International Airport (ICN) on a nonstop flight from Seoul to Shanghai. From ICN, you can travel directly to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).
Direct Seoul to Shanghai plane tickets are available from numerous airlines at ICN. Book your journey with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Seoul to Shanghai flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Incheon International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these airports:
Qingdao Airport (TAO)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Dalian Airport (DLC)
ICN is around 48 kilometres from central Seoul. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Have an early flight from Seoul to Shanghai? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Incheon International Airport:
74% of flights leaving from Incheon International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
You can book a direct flight from Seoul to Shanghai departing Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Nonstop connections from GMP will get you to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
GMP has a variety of airlines that offer direct Seoul to Shanghai plane tickets. Select your favourite seat with any of these carriers:
Split up your Seoul to Shanghai flight with a stop so you can freshen up or tick another place off your list. Some great stopovers between Gimpo International Airport and Shanghai are:
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
You can get to GMP from central Seoul in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride by public transport takes roughly 35 minutes to cover the 18 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Seoul to Shanghai? Kick back in a hotel near Gimpo International Airport before your holiday officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
Flights from Gimpo International Airport have a track record for punctuality, with 81% of them arriving right on cue.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
The distance from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is roughly 32 kilometres. It'll take you about 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 50 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Seoul to Shanghai. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Start your adventure sooner with a Shanghai Pudong Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hertz to explore parts of Shanghai that most tourists miss.
Boost your chances of snagging a great price by booking as early as you can. Reserving your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong Airport at least a few weeks ahead is a smart idea.
PVG is situated at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is roughly 13 kilometres from central Shanghai. Following your flight from Seoul to Shanghai, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 40 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near SHA. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Seoul to Shanghai:
Crank up the tunes and hit the road in a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Hertz and start exploring right away.
Generally speaking, the sooner you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Lock in your ride from SHA as soon as you know your dates.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport can be found at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the most popular month for flights from Seoul to Shanghai. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Shanghai in March.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Book your Seoul to Shanghai ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap flights from Seoul to Shanghai in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Seoul to Shanghai, check out our selection of hotels including:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower and The Bund Sightseeing Avenue are attractions you won't want to skip in Shanghai.
Explore more of China
Nanjing is just one of the many places in China waiting to be discovered after you've seen Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres to the west, check out popular attractions including Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
Around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai, Suzhou is another favourite stop in China. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden), Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) and Pingjiang Road.
