Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA): what you need to know
Shanghai's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Shanghai 16 hours ahead of San Francisco.
To ensure you get on your SFO to SHA flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak time such as July? School holidays and other popular seasons can result in longer lines at airport checkpoints. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers between SFO and SHA include:
Beijing Capital Airport
Tokyo Haneda Airport
Hong Kong Intl Airport
Handy information about San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
78% of flights that leave from San Francisco International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
Central San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport is approximately 21 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 25 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving.
Expect a journey time of roughly 35 minutes on public transport.
Searching for a handy hotel close to SFO? If you're catching an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Consider staying in a hotel near SHA if you're taking a late San Francisco International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport flight. Check in to one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Venture beyond Shanghai and explore places that aren't on most itineraries with your own set of wheels. You can grab a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport rental car from Hertz.
To get the best possible deal, reserve your ride from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance. Rates typically rise as your departure date approaches.
When to fly to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. April is the most popular month to head to Shanghai. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in March.
Lock in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport for August if you'd like to explore Shanghai during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 23ºC and 34ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between -1ºC and 10ºC. Search for cheap tickets from SFO to SHA around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
Explore more of China
Shanghai has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of China you'll want to see. About 274 kilometres west of Shanghai, a visit to Nanjing will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading attractions like Nanjing City Wall, Zijin Tower and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
Around 80 kilometres west of Shanghai, Suzhou is another favourite stop in China. Start your sightseeing at Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden and Pingjiang Road.
