Shanghai

$406+ Cheap flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Shanghai, China

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 1/27. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SFO — SHA
Feb 1 — Feb 81
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from San Francisco to Shanghai are usually found in August or September, booked 73 days in advance, depart on a Monday or Thursday and return on a Thursday

Cheap flight deals from San Francisco to Shanghai

Cheapest flights from San Francisco to Shanghai
Explore the most affordable flight options available from San Francisco to Shanghai. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on January 2, 2026.

This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/30. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/316:20 amSFO - PVG
2 stops33h 05mMultiple Airlines
Wed 1/712:50 pmPVG - SFO
1 stop39h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/30$16,342
This Arangrant deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/30. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Arangrant is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 12/3012:20 amSFO - SHA
1 stop20h 05mANA
Wed 1/71:40 pmSHA - SFO
1 stop17h 40mANA
Deal found 12/30$23,517
This Emirates deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/30. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Emirates is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/3111:15 amSFO - PVG
2 stops35h 50mEmirates
Wed 1/711:00 pmPVG - SFO
2 stops54h 34mEmirates
Deal found 12/30$42,874

Find flight deals from San Francisco to Shanghai

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from San Francisco (SFO) to Shanghai (CN2). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated January 2, 2026.

Round-trip from

$713
(CrystalTravel)

One-way from

$406
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

August

Average price

$899
From San Francisco to Shanghai
One-way flight from San Francisco to Shanghai
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 24% potential increase in price ($356 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($40 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Average for round-trip flights in January 2026

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from San Francisco to Shanghai that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated January 2, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Francisco to Shanghai that are best for you.

Fly from

San Francisco

Fly to

Shanghai

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Tue 3/17

11:50 pm-9:45 am

1 stop18h 55m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Thu 4/30

10:55 am-3:00 pm

1 stop19h 05m

$746

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Mon 3/16

11:50 pm-9:45 am

1 stop18h 55m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Tue 3/31

10:55 am-3:00 pm

1 stop19h 05m

$746

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Thu 3/19

11:50 pm-9:45 am

1 stop18h 55m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Fri 4/3

10:55 am-3:00 pm

1 stop19h 05m

$767

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Sun 3/15

11:50 pm-3:10 pm

1 stop24h 20m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Sat 5/23

1:10 pm-3:00 pm

1 stop16h 50m

$767

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Sun 1/25

11:50 pm-11:55 am

1 stop20h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 2/27

1:10 pm-2:00 pm

1 stop16h 50m

$767

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Thu 4/23

11:30 pm-11:45 am

1 stop21h 15m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Wed 6/3

4:25 pm-3:00 pm

1 stop13h 35m

$767

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Tue 1/20

11:50 pm-11:55 am

1 stop20h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 1/23

4:25 pm-2:00 pm

1 stop13h 35m

$767

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Thu 3/26

12:40 pm-9:45 am

1 stop30h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 4/2

11:10 am-10:40 am

1 stop14h 30m

$768

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Tue 1/27

11:40 am-8:25 pm

1 stop16h 45m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 1/29

8:50 am-9:30 am

1 stop16h 40m

$768

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Thu 4/2

12:40 pm-12:25 pm

1 stop32h 45m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 4/30

11:10 am-10:40 am

1 stop14h 30m

$768

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 12/31

Showing 1-10 of 46 results
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Best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Shanghai from San Francisco with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

How far ahead should I book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Shanghai. Price data was last updated on December 26, 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai, you should look to book at least 73 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai (average of $479). Flying from San Francisco to Shanghai in June is currently the most expensive (average of $870). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from SFO to SHA?

Find hourly flight availability from San Francisco to Shanghai. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated January 2, 2026.

It’s optimal to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai in the evening. By choosing this option you can save up to 94% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the afternoon.

How often are flights from San Francisco to Shanghai delayed?

About 14% of weekly flights between San Francisco and Shanghai have experienced delays in the past year, with the average delay time being 180 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

Historically, flights departing in the early afternoon are less likely to be delayed, whereas flights leaving at night tend to experience delays more often.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday tends to have the lowest number of delays on this route, whereas Wednesday has historically faced a higher average of delays compared to other days of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

Over the last year, China Eastern have had the lowest number of delays on this route, with just 13% of flights being delayed.

The best insider tips for San Francisco to Shanghai flights

AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Cheapflights partnered with top experts to bring you the best recommendations for your San Francisco to Shanghai trip
Airports
SFO

For a stress-free departure, use SFO’s AirTrain to quickly navigate between terminals and reach your gate efficiently.

PVG

Take the Maglev train from Longyang Road to PVG for a quick 8-minute ride, avoiding traffic delays.

Our travel experts
Joe Minihane

Joe Minihane

Expert on PVG

Joe Minihane

Joe Minihane

Joe has been obsessed with travel and flying ever since he was a child. He's a freelance travel journalist and author, and his work has appeared in The Times, Guardian and CNN. As a Europe obsessive, he has stayed in Zurich on a swimming adventure around the city, used Geneva as a base for Alpine adventures and spent time in Copenhagen soaking up the world class culture and cuisine, all the while exploring the best hotels these cities have to offer.

Read more
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on SFO

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Read more

Reviews of airlines servicing Shanghai

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Shanghai. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Shanghai. Reviews last updated January 2, 2026.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Cathay Pacific from San Francisco to Shanghai by reading reviews from past customers. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Overall

8.4

Crew

8.7

Comfort

8.3

Food

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Chris,Mar 2025

SEA - ICN

Was told the flight was overbooked so they selected only a few people to weight their bags and we were forced to check our luggage. We Once we got seated on the flight there were many seats vacant and our overhead bin was completely open. Both our luggage and our carryon were small. We had booked our tickets months in advance and we watched people carry two small suitcases on without one word to them. Am I upset?? Yes it was disappointing.

Overall

8.4

Crew

8.7

Comfort

8.3

Food

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Chris,Mar 2025

SEA - ICN

Was told the flight was overbooked so they selected only a few people to weight their bags and we were forced to check our luggage. We Once we got seated on the flight there were many seats vacant and our overhead bin was completely open. Both our luggage and our carryon were small. We had booked our tickets months in advance and we watched people carry two small suitcases on without one word to them. Am I upset?? Yes it was disappointing.

Overall

8.4

Crew

8.7

Comfort

8.3

Food

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Chris,Mar 2025

SEA - ICN

Was told the flight was overbooked so they selected only a few people to weight their bags and we were forced to check our luggage. We Once we got seated on the flight there were many seats vacant and our overhead bin was completely open. Both our luggage and our carryon were small. We had booked our tickets months in advance and we watched people carry two small suitcases on without one word to them. Am I upset?? Yes it was disappointing.

Overall

8.4

Crew

8.7

Comfort

8.3

Food

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Chris,Mar 2025

SEA - ICN

Was told the flight was overbooked so they selected only a few people to weight their bags and we were forced to check our luggage. We Once we got seated on the flight there were many seats vacant and our overhead bin was completely open. Both our luggage and our carryon were small. We had booked our tickets months in advance and we watched people carry two small suitcases on without one word to them. Am I upset?? Yes it was disappointing.

Overall

8.4

Crew

8.7

Comfort

8.3

Food

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Chris,Mar 2025

SEA - ICN

Was told the flight was overbooked so they selected only a few people to weight their bags and we were forced to check our luggage. We Once we got seated on the flight there were many seats vacant and our overhead bin was completely open. Both our luggage and our carryon were small. We had booked our tickets months in advance and we watched people carry two small suitcases on without one word to them. Am I upset?? Yes it was disappointing.

Overall

8.4

Crew

8.7

Comfort

8.3

Food

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Chris,Mar 2025

SEA - ICN

Was told the flight was overbooked so they selected only a few people to weight their bags and we were forced to check our luggage. We Once we got seated on the flight there were many seats vacant and our overhead bin was completely open. Both our luggage and our carryon were small. We had booked our tickets months in advance and we watched people carry two small suitcases on without one word to them. Am I upset?? Yes it was disappointing.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from San Francisco to Shanghai. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
  • What airport do you fly from for flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    San Francisco (SFO) is the airport you will fly out of if you book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai. You should not have trouble finding flights to Shanghai from San Francisco; the airport handles an average of 2 outbound flights to Shanghai per day. You should also have plenty of airline options to choose from since 14 airlines have flights from the San Francisco airport to Shanghai. It is only a 11.8 mi journey to San Francisco (SFO) from San Francisco’s city center.

  • How long is the flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    There are many flights that can get you from San Francisco to Shanghai in 18h 55m. Fly via Asiana Airlines or Korean Air to get the fastest option. Airlines will cover a distance of 6150 mi. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both nonstop flights and flights with stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from San Francisco to Shanghai round-trip?

    Flying on Philippine Airlines is currently your cheapest option to Shanghai, with prices starting at $645. Additional round-trip tickets that might be worth considering are offered by ANA and Cathay Pacific, with the lowest prices starting at $669 and $672, respectively. You may be able to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai for 42% less than the average price by searching for these airlines.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai one-way?

    For one-way options, check prices for ANA. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $303. Users have also found prices from $372 and $376 on China Southern and Asiana Airlines, respectively.

  • Where are the most common layover locations when flying from San Francisco to Shanghai?

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a layover in Hong Kong?

    Hong Kong Disneyland, Shatin Baptist Church, and Fa Yeun Street Market are the most popular attractions in Hong Kong if you're in need of something to do during your layover. Hong Kong Disneyland, Shatin Baptist Church, and Fa Yeun Street Market can be visited by traveling about 7.8 mi, 18.3 mi, and 16.2 mi respectively from Hong Kong Intl.

  • What are some popular points of interest to see during a layover in Seoul?

    If you're on a layover in Seoul and looking for things to do, consider visiting Dongdaemun Market, Lotte World, or Bukchon Hanok Village. Dongdaemun Market, Lotte World, and Bukchon Hanok Village are located about 31.6 mi, 35.7 mi, and 30.6 mi, respectively from Incheon Intl. Travelers in need of a car in Seoul can rent one for about $50 per day.

  • Where are the least popular layover locations for San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

  • Can I find deals for flights from San Francisco to Shanghai that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on San Francisco to Shanghai flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from San Francisco to Shanghai.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from San Francisco to Shanghai by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai (average of $479). Flying from San Francisco to Shanghai in June is currently the most expensive (average of $870). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Top 10 airlines flying from San Francisco to Shanghai

Discover the top 10 airlines that operate flights from San Francisco to Shanghai. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated January 2, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Philippine AirlinesCheapest$645Average$784FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time60%
ANACheapest$669Average$1,044FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Cathay PacificCheapest$673Average$866FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time72%
China SouthernCheapest$687Average$938FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
Asiana AirlinesCheapest$696Average$900FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time76%
Air ChinaCheapest$706Average$1,136FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time67%
Korean AirCheapest$766Average$975FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time81%
DeltaCheapest$841Average$1,516FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
China EasternCheapest$842Average$1,198FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
China AirlinesCheapest$849Average$1,070FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time70%

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