Flying from Shanghai to San Diego: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Shanghai to San Diego. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's main airports.
Disembark at San Diego's primary gateway, San Diego International Airport (SAN).
San Diego is 15 hours behind Shanghai and observes the UTC-7 timezone.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Shanghai to San Diego flight.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to San Diego
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Shanghai to San Diego flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some excellent early bird discounts.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Shanghai to San Diego across every month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to San Diego by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Find a cheap Shanghai to San Diego flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing Shanghai to San Diego flights departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Central Shanghai to PVG is around 32 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 50 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Booked an early flight from Shanghai to San Diego? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
When it comes to Shanghai Pudong International Airport's on-time performance, 78.11% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
PVG's address is No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Shanghai to SHA in around 40 minutes. The terminal is roughly 13 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Shanghai to San Diego? Unwind in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your break officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a strong track record for punctuality, with 86% of them touching down as planned.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 10 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 20 minutes.
Book a hotel close to SAN if you have a late flight from Shanghai to San Diego. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a San Diego International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond San Diego's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from San Diego International Airport around two weeks before your departure date.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
After your flight from Shanghai to San Diego has touched down, you can reach the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central San Diego is approximately 48 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 2 hours 15 minutes or so.
Budget, Hertz and Avis make collecting a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car simple. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Usually, the earlier you book, the more you save and the better your options. Reserve your ride from CLD as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
Best time to go to San Diego
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Shanghai to San Diego. July is the most popular month to visit San Diego. If you want a quieter vibe, go in May.
Lock in a Shanghai to San Diego ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in San Diego to range from 17ºC to 28ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to San Diego in February if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 7ºC and 23ºC on average.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Shanghai to San Diego, browse our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego are major attractions which should feature on any well-planned San Diego itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've visited San Diego, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey around 177 kilometres north-west to Los Angeles to check off its leading sights. From Griffith Observatory to The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in United States, consider Phoenix, about 483 kilometres east of San Diego. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are highlights.