Travelling from Johannesburg to Shanghai: what you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with figuring out where you'll fly out of in Johannesburg. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai taking off from here.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are Shanghai's major entry points.
The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8, which is six hours ahead of Johannesburg.
To ensure you catch your Johannesburg to Shanghai flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai
Booking in advance is often the key to securing a cheap Johannesburg to Shanghai flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Johannesburg to Shanghai throughout the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Finding a cheap flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Johannesburg to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Johannesburg to Shanghai flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Located around 23 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg, JNB can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near O.R. Tambo International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of the departures from O.R. Tambo International Airport, 77.1% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai is roughly 32 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to PVG if you're coming in on a late flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Go beyond Shanghai and explore places that aren't found in every travel guide with your own wheels. You can pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car from Hertz.
To secure the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport several weeks in advance. Rates typically rise closer to your date of travel.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is about 13 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. Once you've disembarked your flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near SHA. Tuck yourself in after your Johannesburg to Shanghai flight at any of these well-located options:
Crank up the music and hit the road in a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Hertz and start exploring right away.
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from SHA ahead of time so you can simply grab the keys and go.
You can find Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai, while April is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Shanghai based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Lock in your Johannesburg to Shanghai ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC and 10ºC. Look for cheap flights from Johannesburg to Shanghai around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Shanghai right here. Explore these options once you've booked your flight from Johannesburg to Shanghai:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are must-do's during your Shanghai adventure.
Explore more of China
You've visited Shanghai, now it's time to explore more of China. Journey around 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to check off its top sights. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Suzhou is another must-experience destination in China and is around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. No journey is complete without experiencing Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower.
