Flying from Shanghai to Ottawa: what you need to know
Shanghai is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Shanghai to Ottawa leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Disembark at Ottawa's chief entry point, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
The timezone in Ottawa is UTC-4, which is 12 hours behind Shanghai.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Shanghai to Ottawa flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months such as April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of 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 Ottawa
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap Shanghai to Ottawa flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to Ottawa is more likely if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices across each month and snap up an incredible deal.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Ottawa.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Shanghai to Ottawa flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing Shanghai to Ottawa flights leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
PVG is about 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Shanghai to Ottawa? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
Of all flights leaving Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 78.11% touch down on time at their destination.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to SHA from the centre of Shanghai in around 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 13 kilometres away.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Ottawa:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has a strong track record for reliability and timeliness. 85.58% of flights departing here make it to their final destination as planned.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND) to central Ottawa takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour 40 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel near YOW if you're coming in on a late flight from Shanghai to Ottawa. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Venture beyond Ottawa and check out places that usually fly under the radar with your own set of wheels. You can pick up an Ottawa Gatineau Airport rental car from Hertz.
Increase the odds of securing the lowest price by booking early. Reserving your ride from Ottawa Gatineau Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance is a good idea.
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Central Ottawa is approximately 11 kilometres from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). As soon as your flight from Shanghai to Ottawa has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
The journey will take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
Routes Car Rentals, Alamo and Budget make collecting an Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride two weeks before your arrival at YOW can help you lock in a better rate.
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located at 50 Airport Road.
Best time to go to Ottawa
Travel to Shanghai during peak season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Shanghai to Shanghai in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Lock in a Shanghai to Ottawa ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Ottawa to range from 13ºC to 27ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Ottawa in January when temperatures average between -19ºC and -2ºC.
More about Ottawa
Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Ottawa, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Ottawa:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and National Gallery of Canada are highlights which should be on every Ottawa itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
Ottawa is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of Canada just waiting to be explored. About 354 kilometres south-west of Ottawa, a trip to Toronto will keep you on the go. Don't miss top attractions like CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum and Go Tours Canada - Distillery District.
Around 153 kilometres east of Ottawa, Montreal is another favourite stop in Canada. Start your sightseeing at Mount Royal Park, Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.
