Cheap Flights from Seoul to Shanghai

Are you planning a trip from Seoul to Shanghai? Look no further! This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about flights from Seoul to Shanghai. This route is incredibly popular and important, connecting two vibrant Asian cities.

Korean Air is the most popular airline for travelers on this route, offering convenient services and facilities. The average flight distance from Seoul to Shanghai is approximately 877.37 km. For direct flights from Seoul to Shanghai, the shortest route takes about 2 hours. Both Gimpo International Airport (GMP) and Incheon International Airport (ICN) serve many flights to Shanghai, while Pudong International Airport (PVG) will have more flight options to arrive in Shanghai. However, arrive in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) will be more convenient since it closer to city center.

If you leave from Gimpo, you many need 1 hour for commuting so please prepare 4 hours to Gimpo for your international flight. And if you leave from Incheon, you need longer commuting time with about 1.5 hours to avoid traffic so the total hours will be 4.5 hours for flight from seoul to shanghai.

The time zone in Shanghai is UTC+8, which is 1 hour behind Seoul.

How to find Cheapest flights from Seoul to Shanghai

On Trip.com, the cheapest one-way flight from Seoul to Shanghai is $56, and the cheapest round-trip flight is from $103. The price may change based on date. Here are some tips to help you find affordable fares:

1. Take advantage of promotions and deals: Keep an eye out for special promotions and flight deals offered by airlines or travel agencies.

2. Book in advance: By booking your flight well in advance, you can often secure lower fares.

3. Be flexible with your travel dates: If possible, consider traveling on weekdays or during off-peak seasons to find cheaper flights.

4. Compare prices: Use online travel agencies like Trip.com to compare prices from different airlines and find the best deals.

5. Sign up for fare alerts: Subscribe to airline newsletters or set up fare alerts to receive notifications when prices drop.

6. Consider connecting flights: Sometimes, booking a flight with a layover can be cheaper than a direct flight.

7. Consider alternative airports: There are multiple airports in Seoul and Shanghai, compare prices for flights from different airports to find the most affordable option.

8. Book with Trip.com: As a leading online travel agency, Trip.com offers competitive prices and a user-friendly platform to help you find the best deals on flights.

Useful Information about Seoul Airports

Seoul is served by two airports, Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.

Gimpo International Airport, Source: Photo by Oning on Unsplash

Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Incheon International Airport is located in Incheon, which is about 48.33km from central Seoul. This airport is the largest and busiest airport in South Korea with 615 departure flights every day. International Terminal is T1. It has many direct flights to Shanghai, airlines like Spring airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Asiana Airline, Korean Air, Shanghai Airline etc. This airport offers free Wi-Fi, baggage service, charging stations, and much more.

Transports from Seoul city to Incheon International Airport:

1. AREX Incheon Airport Express: This service runs non-stop between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station with about 43 minutes.

2. Bus via Seoul Station: There are several buses you can select to get to Inchen International Airport. K Airport Limousine or Airport Limousine all offer buses to ICN with around 70 minutes.

Gimpo International Airport (GMP)

Gimpo International Airport is located in the western part of Seoul around 15.42 km from central Seoul. It is closer to city than ICN while it has less flights with 199 departure flights daily. It is primarily used for domestic flights. But it also has International Terminal I. It also has many airlines like Asiana Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Korea Air, Spring Airlines etc.

Transports from Seoul city to Gimpo International Airport:

1. Subway(Line 5/9): Since GMP is close to central Seoul, subway can be the cheap and relative fast option to transfer. It will take around 45 minutes to reach the airport.

2. A'REX: The AREX is a dedicated train service connecting major airports (Incheon and Gimpo) to central Seoul, particularly Seoul Station. Don't wrongly select Express Train since it doesn't service Gimpo. It may take 18-20 minutes to the airport.

If you need to transfer between terminals at these airports, there are convenient options available. Incheon International Airport has a free shuttle bus service that connects all terminals, making it easy to navigate. Gimpo International Airport has a walkway connecting its domestic and international terminals, ensuring a seamless transfer experience.

Airports in Shanghai: Good to know

Shanghai is a bustling city with two main airports catering to domestic and international travelers. Here are the major airports in Shanghai:

Pudong International Airport, Source: Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash

Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is located in Pudong, which is about 32.67 km from city center. This airport is the main international gateway to Shanghai with 354 departure flights each day. It offers a wide range of services, including free Wi-Fi, baggage service, charging stations, and more.

Transports from Pudong Intl Airport to central Shanghai:

1. Metro: Line 2, identified by its light green color, runs directly from Pudong Airport to major city center locations such as Lujiazui, People's Square, and Nanjing East Road, which are close to many of Shanghai's key attractions. It takes 59 minutes to downtown.

2. Maglev: The Shanghai Maglev Train is the world's first commercial high-speed magnetic levitation line. It connects directly to Longyang Road Metro Station, covering a distance of 30 kilometers in just 8 minutes.

Since the metro or Maglev will stop at late night, you'd better to stay near Pudong International Airport if arrive late. Here are the best Hotels picked by Trip.com:

- Ji Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport East Station)

- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport

- Ramada Shanghai Pudong International Airport East Station

Hongqiao International Airport

Hongqiao Intl Airport (SHA) is located in the western part of Shanghai, which is about 13.57 km from city center. Because it near city center, it has only 43 departure flights per day. It serves both domestic and international flights. It provides various amenities for travelers.

For transports from Hongqiao to city center, it will be quicker and cheaper than Pudong:

1. Metro: The most economical way to transfer can be subway. Line 10 and 2 can help you access to city center. It may take 35 minutes to city center (People's Square).

2. Taxi: There are official taxi stands outside the arrival gates and it may takes 45-60 minutes to city center based on traffic. The price will be flexible for different time, like at late night will be more expensive.

Since the metro will stop at late night and late night taxi will be expensive, you can consider stay near Hongqiao International Airport. It is also convenient for you to visit the city since the metro is convenient to access the central Shanghai. Here are the best Hotels picked by Trip.com:

- Argyle Hotel (Hongqiao International Airport)

- Hyatt Place Shanghai Hongqiao CBD

- Argyle Hotel (Hongqiao International Airport)

When is the Best Time visit Shanghai?

The best time to visit Shanghai is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In spring, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), offering mild and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities. Autumn also offers comfortable temperatures from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), with clear skies and less humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing.

If you're looking to avoid large crowds, visit in March, April, or October. These months are less crowded compared to peak summer months, allowing you to explore Shanghai without the hustle and bustle. However, November to February is the most budget-friendly time, as it’s the off-season with fewer tourists and discounted accommodations.

For special events, March to May is great for cherry blossoms, especially in parks like Gucun Park. October is also a popular time for local festivals and the Shanghai Tourism Festival, though it can be more crowded due to the National Day holiday.

Must-visit Attractions in Shanghai

Cityscape of Shanghai, Source: Photo by Edward He on Unsplash

Shanghai’s city center is home to a mix of modern and historical attractions, including The Bund, Nanjing Road, People’s Square, Xintiandi, and the magical Shanghai Disneyland.

The Bund and Nanjing Road are must-visit areas in the Puxi district, with stunning skyline of Shanghai while strolling along the waterfront promenade. Oriental Pearl Tower is the landmark of Shanghai that you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. People’s Square is surrounded by cultural landmarks like the Shanghai Museum, while Xintiandi offers a blend of modern dining and historic architecture. For a family adventure, Shanghai Disneyland in the Pudong area is perfect for entertainment and adventure, featuring Disney characters, themed rides, and unique attractions.

Shanghai has a lot of attractions except these examples, leave in city center to visit these amazing attractions together! Here are recommended hotels from Trip.com:

- The Bund Puyan Hotel, Shanghai

- Elong Hotel

- Yitel Premium (Shanghai people's Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street shop)

With so much to see and do in Shanghai, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring this vibrant city.

Add hotels and rent a car for your Shanghai trip

Since Trip.com provide exclusive discount if you book hotels or flights or car hire together. On Trip.com, you can find all kinds of hotels like 5 stars, luxury, or budget-friendly. Explore the most suitable hotels here. For travelers, renting a car is always helpful to visit a new place, especially for large groups or family travel. Here are affordable car options for you to select! You can pick your car easily at airport or train station! Explore now with extra discount!