Travelling from Shanghai to Melbourne: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Shanghai. Explore your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when organising your flight from Shanghai to Melbourne.
Disembark at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), the chief entry point to Melbourne.
Jump on a direct Shanghai to Melbourne flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 10 hours 45 minutes.
Melbourne is three hours ahead of Shanghai and observes the UTC+11 timezone.
With 15 flights a week between the two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Shanghai to Melbourne with China Eastern Airlines at 00:15. If you'd like to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last departure from PVG to MEL is with China Eastern Airlines at 20:30.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Shanghai to Melbourne flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Melbourne
To snag cheap Shanghai to Melbourne flights, book your trip eight months before your departure date.
November is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Melbourne. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Melbourne by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Lock in a cheap Shanghai to Melbourne flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Shanghai to Melbourne, you can leave from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Fly from PVG to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) in one continuous trip.
Secure your Shanghai to Melbourne plane tickets with China Eastern Airlines. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from PVG.
We make it a breeze to find a Shanghai to Melbourne flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
To get to PVG from central Shanghai, it'll take around 50 minutes by car. It's roughly 32 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Booked an early flight from Shanghai to Melbourne? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 78.11% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Break up your Shanghai to Melbourne flight with a stop so you can freshen up or tick a new place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Melbourne are:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
SHA is about 13 kilometres from central Shanghai. It takes 20 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Shanghai to Melbourne? Relax in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has earned its reputation for punctuality. 86% of flights taking off from here keep to their planned arrival schedule.
The street address for SHA is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is approximately 19 kilometres. It'll take you about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Melbourne. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and explore beyond Melbourne's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
The centre of Melbourne is located around 48 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV). As soon as your flight from Shanghai to Melbourne has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 50 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 2 hours 5 minutes.
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and make a speedy getaway.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from AVV three weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Shanghai to Melbourne has touched down. Central Melbourne is about 11 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to get there in a car.
The journey will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Whether you want an economy just for you or a spacious SUV to fit the family, you'll find the ideal Essendon Airport rental car for you. Check out the range of wheels available from names such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental companies sometimes offer promotions for early bookings, so book your vehicle from MEB ahead of your flight from Shanghai to Melbourne. A bit of planning goes a long way in savings.
Best time to go to Melbourne
January is the busiest month for flights from Shanghai to Melbourne. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Melbourne in April.
The warmest month in Melbourne is January, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your Shanghai to Melbourne ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 13ºC.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Melbourne, explore our range of hotels including:
Federation Square and National Gallery of Victoria are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your Melbourne travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Eureka Skydeck 88.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be discovered after you've seen Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres to the north-east, top sights here include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Around 64 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, Geelong is another favourite stop in Australia. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Ford Motor Company, Roraima Nursery and RTC Resource Centre.