Shanghai, one of the most globally connected cities in Asia, has long stood as a major departure hub for world travelers. From business executives flying across continents to families embarking on vacations, Shanghai offers an extensive list of itineraries spanning Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and beyond. Whether your travels lean toward short-haul escapes to neighboring Asian cultures or long-distance intercontinental adventures, Shanghai provides nearly countless flight route possibilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore all major itineraries starting from Shanghai, including regional, long-haul, cruise-based, high-speed rail, and multi-city journeys. We also review the most popular airlines, seasonal routes, travel durations, typical fares, connection hubs, and planning tips to help passengers maximize value and convenience.

Understanding Shanghai as a Departure Hub

Shanghai is operated by two major international gateways:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) — primary hub for long-haul, international and intercontinental departures.

• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) — preferred for domestic and short-haul NE Asia routes.

Together, these airports form one of the largest aviation networks in the world. Nearly every major airline operates flights to and from Shanghai, creating an immense variety of route possibilities. Many travelers start itineraries in Shanghai because:

• It offers frequent non-stop long-haul service.

• Airlines compete aggressively, lowering fares on many routes.

• Connection opportunities through China and Asia are extensive.

• It serves as a gateway for both business and tourism.

Short-Haul International Itineraries from Shanghai

Short-haul routes under five hours provide quick access to East and Southeast Asia. These destinations are ideal for weekend breaks, regional business trips, or cultural discovery journeys.

Popular short-haul routes include:

DestinationAverage Flight TimeType of Trip

Tokyo, Japan~3 hrsculture, shopping, business

Osaka / Kyoto, Japan~2.5-3 hrsfood, history, sightseeing

Seoul, South Korea~1.75 hrsfashion, nightlife, K-culture

Jeju Island, Korea~2 hrsnature, honeymoon retreats

Taipei, Taiwan~1.5 hrsfood tours, markets

Kaohsiung, Taiwan~2 hrsport excursions, coastal escapes

Hong Kong, SAR~2.5 hrsfinance, shopping

Macau, SAR~2.5 hrsentertainment, heritage

Singapore~5 hrsmodern luxury, family travel

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia~4.5 hrsculture fusion + nature

Bangkok, Thailand~4 hrsbeaches, temples, nightlife

Phuket, Thailand~4.5 hrsisland relaxation

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam~4 hrsstreet food + history

Hanoi, Vietnam~3.5 hrscultural old quarter

Manila, Philippines~4 hrstropical gateway

Short-haul flights from Shanghai are frequent and competitively priced, making them attractive for rapid cross-border travel. Many routes operate multiple departure times per day.

Medium-Haul Itineraries from Shanghai

Medium-range routes between five and eight hours link Shanghai to South Asia, Middle East, and deeper Southeast Asian regions.

Popular medium-haul itineraries include:

• Dubai • ~8.5 hrsSky-rise landscapes, desert safaris, luxury retail, and global business gateway.

• Doha • ~8.5 hrsIdeal for Middle Eastern cultural immersion and onward European or African connections.

• New Delhi • ~6 hrsCultural temples, UNESCO sites, and Golden Triangle access.

• Mumbai • ~6.5 hrsGateway to coastal Maharashtra and Bollywood.

• Colombo, Sri Lanka • ~7 hrsBeaches, tea highlands, safari experiences.

• Jakarta, Indonesia • ~6 hrsFast-growing metropolis with connection to Bali.

• Bali (Denpasar) • ~6 hrsFamous for beaches, surf, yoga retreats.

• Sydney via Singapore/Hong Kong • ~11-13 hrs totalCommon two-segment routing for Oceania-bound travelers.

Medium-haul itineraries provide a sweet spot for travelers wanting an experience outside immediate Asia without enduring ultra-long flights.

Long-Haul Itineraries Starting from Shanghai

Long-haul departures from Shanghai reach every major continent. These flights may operate non-stop, single-stop, or multi-connection depending on airline network.

Major long-haul regions include:

Europe-bound Itineraries from Shanghai

Non-stop and one-stop itineraries connect Shanghai to Western, Central, and Northern Europe.

Popular city routes include:

CityApprox FlightNotes

London~12 hrs directbusiness + tourism hotspot

Paris~11.5 hrscultural capital, fashion, food

Amsterdam~11 hrsmajor connecting hub across EU

Frankfurt~11 hrsGermany entry point

Munich~11 hrsscenic Bavaria gateway

Zurich~11.5 hrsalpine access

Madridvia European hubSpain, culture + nightlife

Romevia Europe hubhistorical + Mediterranean

Europe itineraries from Shanghai are perfect for long vacations, backpacking circuits, historical discovery tours, and corporate travel.

North America-bound Itineraries from Shanghai

Shanghai is a major Asian launch point to North America. Multiple carriers operate to the U.S. and Canada.

Popular itineraries include:

• Los Angeles (LAX) • ~12 hrs direct

• San Francisco (SFO) • ~11 hrs

• Seattle (SEA) • ~10.5 hrs

• New York (JFK) • ~14 hrs

• Chicago (ORD) • ~13.5 hrs

• Toronto (YYZ) • ~14 hrs

• Vancouver (YVR) • ~11 hrs

These flight itineraries serve business travelers, university students, transpacific tourism, and family visits. Some routes are seasonal depending on demand and geopolitical factors.

Oceania Itineraries Starting from Shanghai

Reaching Australia and New Zealand often requires one connection, but demand has been increasing.

Top itineraries:

RouteDuration (w/ connection)

Shanghai → Sydney11–13 hrs

Shanghai → Melbourne11–14 hrs

Shanghai → Brisbane12–14 hrs

Shanghai → Auckland12–15 hrs

This region suits adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners, surfers, wildlife lovers, and education-bound travelers.

African Itineraries Departing Shanghai

Africa routes are less frequent but steadily expanding. Most itineraries require a connection through Middle Eastern or European hubs.

Popular examples:

• Shanghai → Nairobi (via Doha/Dubai/Istanbul)

• Shanghai → Johannesburg (via Hong Kong/Singapore/Qatar)

• Shanghai → Cairo (often via Dubai or Istanbul)

Adventure seekers, safari travelers, and cultural historians often follow these long-range routes.

Cruise Itineraries Starting in Shanghai

Shanghai is not only an aviation giant—its cruise terminal is among the busiest in Asia. Seamless ocean itineraries leave directly from Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, connecting to Japan, Korea, and more.

Top cruise routes include:

Cruise DestinationDurationHighlights

Japan (Tokyo/Osaka/Fukuoka/Okinawa)4–10 nightstemples, food, cherry blossoms

Korea (Busan/Jeju)3–5 nightsbeaches, shopping

Taiwan (Keelung)5–8 nightsnight markets + culture

Southeast Asia (Hong Kong/Philippines/Vietnam)7–14 nightstropical ports + luxury ships

Increasingly, luxury cruise lines operate trans-Pacific repositioning journeys beginning in Shanghai and ending in Alaska, Hawaii, California, or Vancouver.

High-Speed Rail Itineraries Departing Shanghai

China’s rail network makes Shanghai an ideal starting point for train-based itineraries.

Most-traveled routes include:

DestinationTime by High-Speed Rail

Beijing~4.5 hrs

Hangzhou~45 mins

Suzhou~25 mins

Nanjing~75 mins

Wuhan~4 hrs

Guangzhou/Shenzhen~7–8 hrs

Xi’an~6 hrs (fastest)

Chengdu~10–11 hrs

Kunming~10 hrs

Rail itineraries offer scenic countryside views, quieter travel, and easier last-minute booking flexibility.

Multi-City Itinerary Examples from Shanghai

Travelers often combine multiple destinations into a seamless multi-leg journey.

Sample itinerary ideas:

Cultural Asia CircuitShanghai → Kyoto → Seoul → Hong Kong → Shanghai

Europe Explorer RouteShanghai → Frankfurt → Paris → Barcelona → Rome → Shanghai

Pacific Discovery LoopShanghai → Tokyo → Hawaii → Los Angeles → Vancouver → Shanghai

Southeast Asia Multi-StopShanghai → Bangkok → Singapore → Bali → Shanghai

Round-the-World Itinerary (Advanced)Shanghai → Istanbul → Paris → New York → San Francisco → Tokyo → Shanghai

Multi-city itineraries provide cultural contrast, diverse food experiences, and often better pricing via open-jaw tickets.

Best Times to Travel from Shanghai

Timing affects price, demand, route availability, and weather.

Ideal seasons by region:

• Japan/Korea — Spring & Autumn

• Southeast Asia — Nov–Mar (dry season)

• Europe — Apr–Jun / Sept–Oct

• North America — May–Sept

• Australia/New Zealand — Nov–Feb (warm season)

Avoid peak Chinese holidays (Golden Week & Lunar New Year) unless prepared for traffic and pricing surges.

Airlines Operating Shanghai Departures

Top airlines servicing itineraries from Shanghai include:

AirlinePrimary Routes

China Easterndomestic + Europe + NA

Air Chinadomestic + international

China Southerndomestic + Asia

Delta Air LinesUS routes

American AirlinesUS west coast

United Airlinestranspacific

Air France / KLMParis + Amsterdam hubs

Lufthansa / Swisscentral Europe

Singapore AirlinesSoutheast Asian gateway

Emirates / Qatar / EtihadMiddle East + worldwide

ANA / JALJapan networks

Korean Air / AsianaKorea + global links

Each airline offers unique cabin types, fare classes, loyalty programs, and stopover perks.

Cost Ranges for Itineraries Starting from Shanghai

Prices vary by destination, season, and booking notice.

RegionTypical Economy Roundtrip Price

Japan/Korea$180–$450

SE Asia$200–$500

Middle East$400–$850

Europe$650–$1200

North America$700–$1600

Oceania$900–$1700

Booking 6–12 weeks in advance often yields best pricing.

Tips for Booking the Best Itinerary from Shanghai

• Use comparison platforms across multiple airlines.

• Book mid-week for lower fares.

• Consider red-eye departures for savings.

• Track price drops and fare alerts.

• Try alternate airports (HKG, CAN for cheaper long-haul).

• Use airline miles or China credit card travel points.

Smart planning can reduce long-haul costs significantly.

Final Thoughts on Itineraries Starting from Shanghai

Shanghai is more than a city—it is a global travel launchpad. Flights extend across Asia, Europe, America and beyond, while cruises and bullet trains offer equally powerful alternatives for adventurous travelers. Whether planning a short regional getaway or a long-distance international expedition, Shanghai provides vast route variety, competitive pricing, modern airport infrastructure, and seamless global connectivity.

For travelers searching for their next journey, Shanghai offers itineraries limited only by imagination.