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Journey information
Overview: San Francisco, CA to Shanghai flight
USA
China
Flights from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai depart on average 46 times per day, taking around 15h 4m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $1044 (€849) if you book in advance.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 6139 miles (9881 km) distance in 27h 30m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 6139 miles (9881 km) |
Average flight duration 15h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $1044 (€849) |
Flights per day 46 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 27h 30m |
Cheapest month to travel January |
First flight 00:05 |
Last flight 23:58 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Shanghai by flight
Compare flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Airlines: United, Cathay Pacific , Air Canada, China Eastern , Korean Air from San Francisco, CA to ShanghaiFind the best flights between San Francisco, CA to Shanghai with Omio's travel partners United, Cathay Pacific , Air Canada, China Eastern , Korean Air from $1044 (€849). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
Cathay Pacific
About
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. Founded in 1946, it provides scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 190 destinations in more than 60 countries worldwide, including codeshares and joint ventures. The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A321neo, A330, A350, and Boeing 777 aircraft, while Cathay Cargo utilizes Boeing 747 freighters. A founding member of the Oneworld alliance, Cathay Pacific has been recognized as a 5-star airline and ranked among the world's best airlines multiple times by Skytrax.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 55m
Cheapest Price
$1028 (€837)
Cathay Pacific frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Economy Class: 1 piece up to 7kg (22.7 x 15.7 x 8.2 inches)
Additional luggage
Additional baggage can be purchased online or at the airport. Fees vary by route
Cancellation Policy
Refunds depend on fare type; some tickets are non-refundable while others allow cancellation with fee
Pregnant on board
Passengers can fly up to the end of 36th week for single pregnancies and end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical certificate required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied Minor service available for children aged 6-11. Children 12-17 can travel alone or opt for the service. Must be booked at least 48 hours before departure
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Cathay Pacific provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities, including meet and assist services and accessible facilities
Pets
Pets must travel in the cargo hold except for service animals
Entertaiment on board
China Eastern
About
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai, is one of China's three major state-owned aviation transportation groups. Established in 1957, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, serving over 200 destinations across five continents. As a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, China Eastern expands its global reach through partnerships with other airlines. The airline boasts a modern fleet of over 800 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, Boeing 737s for short-haul, and Boeing 777s and 787s for long-haul operations. China Eastern also provides cargo transport, tourism, and other related services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
China Eastern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece carry-on (56x36x23cm) and 1 personal item
Additional luggage
Up to 32kg per piece, fees vary by route
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, after that fees apply based on fare type
Pregnant on board
Up to 36 weeks for single pregnancy, 32 weeks for multiple. Medical certificate required after 32 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Ages 5-12, must book service 48 hours in advance, additional fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair assistance available, must be requested 48 hours before flight
Pets
Small pets in cabin, max 6kg including carrier
Entertaiment on board
Korean Air
About
Korean Air is the flag carrier and largest airline of South Korea, headquartered in Seoul. Established in 1969, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international passenger and cargo flights. Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance and SkyTeam Cargo. The airline is recognized as a 5-star airline by Skytrax and is among the top 20 airlines globally in terms of passengers carried. Its fleet includes aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, serving destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and North America.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
30h 0m
Cheapest Price
$970 (€790)
Korean Air frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of carry-on baggage (max 10kg) and 1 checked baggage (23kg) included for economy.
Additional luggage
Additional baggage can be purchased, fees vary by route and weight.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available if cancelled within 24 hours of purchase. After that, refund fees apply based on fare type and timing.
Pregnant on board
Travel permitted up to 36 weeks for single pregnancy, 32 weeks for multiple pregnancy. Medical certificate required after 32 weeks.
Unaccompagned minor
Available for children aged 5-11. Must be booked at least 3 days before departure. Service fee applies.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Korean Air provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities, including mobility aids and medical equipment.
Pets
Small pets allowed in cabin and cargo hold, must be booked in advance. Maximum weight including carrier: 7kg for cabin.
Entertaiment on board
United
About
United Airlines is one of the USA’s leading carriers, operating both domestic and international routes. For your next trip, you can choose from Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class fares.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 30m
Cheapest Price
$867 (€706)
United frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag (9 x 14 x 22 inches) and one personal item (9 x 10 x 17 inches)
Additional luggage
Checked baggage fees vary by route and fare class. Most economy tickets allow purchase of up to 2 checked bags
Cancellation Policy
Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable, other fares allow changes/cancellations with fee depending on fare type and elite status
Pregnant on board
Passengers can fly through the end of their 36th week for single pregnancies, 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical certificate required within 4 weeks of flight
Unaccompagned minor
Children ages 5-14 can travel as unaccompanied minors with mandatory service. Ages 15-17 optional service available
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
United provides assistance for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and support for passengers with visual or hearing impairments
Pets
Small dogs and cats in cabin, service animals allowed. Pets must be in approved carriers and booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Air Canada
About
Air Canada is Canada's largest airline and flag carrier, headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Quebec. Founded in 1937 as Trans-Canada Air Lines, it was renamed Air Canada in 1964 and fully privatized in 1989. As a founding member of Star Alliance, Air Canada provides scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 220 destinations across six continents. The airline operates a diverse fleet, including Airbus A320 family aircraft, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner for both short and long-haul routes. Air Canada also offers leisure travel packages through its subsidiary, Air Canada Vacations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
17h 30m
Cheapest Price
$845 (€688)
Luggage included
Economy Basic includes personal item (under seat), Economy Standard/Flex/Latitude/Premium Economy/Business include carry-on bag + personal item
Additional luggage
Checked baggage fees vary by route and fare type, starting at $30-$70 for first bag
Cancellation Policy
Refundable fares allow full refund, non-refundable fares may receive future travel credit minus cancellation fee.
Pregnant on board
Pregnant passengers can travel up to 36 weeks without medical certificate. After 36 weeks, medical clearance required
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied Minor Service available for children aged 8-11 (mandatory) and 12-17 (optional). Service fee applies.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Air Canada provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities, including mobility aids and service animals.
Pets
Pets allowed in cabin and cargo hold, restrictions apply based on aircraft type and route
Entertaiment on board
FAQs: San Francisco, CA to Shanghai Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Shanghai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai can start from as little as $693 (€564) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Shanghai is $756 (€615); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The flight time between San Francisco, CA and Shanghai is on average 13 h 30 min for the 6126 mile (9880 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go to Shanghai from San Francisco, CA by flight can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The earliest flight from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai leaves at 12: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai leaves at 11: 55PM.
There are 37 flights a day from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai which require at least one change with United, Cathay Pacific or Air Canada. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer flights.
When taking a flight from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai, you can count on United, Cathay Pacific or Air Canada for the best way to get you to Shanghai. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service to Shanghai from San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
The cheapest month for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai is March.
Yes, you can take a flight between San Francisco, CA and Shanghai.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor Shanghai are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of USA and China. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is a time difference of 16 h in winter and 15 h in summer between San Francisco, CA and Shanghai.
The best events to attend in Shanghai include:
- Chinese New Year, a vibrant celebration marking the start of the lunar new year with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions
- Shanghai International Film Festival, an annual event showcasing films from around the world with screenings, awards, and celebrity appearances
- Shanghai Fashion Week, a premier fashion event featuring local and international designers presenting their latest collections.
The best holidays to experience in Shanghai include:
- Chinese New Year, vibrant festivities and cultural celebrations throughout the city
- Labor Day, pleasant weather and various local events
- National Day, patriotic displays and a festive atmosphere with fireworks.
The best seasons to visit Shanghai are Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Shanghai is during April-May or September-November.
For international flights we recommend to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e. G. 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs).
Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
popular airports
Popular airports from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai
San Francisco
Shanghai
The major airport for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco International Airport for your trip from San Francisco to Shanghai.
Amenities at airport
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Shower
Lounge
Lost and Found Officeinformation
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
US-101, exit 423AWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
- Shops are located in all terminals, including DFS Duty-Free and Burberry.
Parking
- Parking available in the Domestic and International Garages, approximately 1.9€ ($2) per 15 minutes.
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, toilets.
WC
- Available throughout the airport.
Shower
- Yes
Lounge
- Lounges available, including the United Club and Delta Sky Club.
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall of the Domestic Terminal.
Public transit options for San Francisco International Airport
- Buses: SamTrans 292, 397, 398, KX
- Metro: BART Yellow Line
The major airport for arrivals in Shanghai is Shanghai Hongqiao. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Shanghai Hongqiao for your journey to Shanghai from San Francisco.
Amenities at airport
WifiShoppingParking
DiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelShowerLoungeLost and Found Office
Car Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmCar connection
G50 Huyu Expressway, Exit Hongqiao AirportWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
- Shops are available in both terminals, including duty-free shops and local specialty stores.
Parking
- Parking available near the terminal, approximately 0.67€ (PHP 40) per hour.
Dining
- Various restaurants are available, including Chinese and Western options, located in both terminals. Popular choices include Starbucks and KFC.
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available throughout the airport, near gates and common areas.
Hotel
- Hotels are available within walking distance, including the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Hotel.
Shower
- Showers are available in some lounges, typically included in lounge access fees.
Lounge
- Lounges available, including VIP lounges and airline-specific lounges.
Lost and Found Office
- Lost and Found services are located in both terminals, near the information desks.
Car Rental
- Car rental services are available in the arrivals area, with major companies like Hertz and Avis.
Public transit options for Shanghai Hongqiao
- Metro Line 2, Hongqiao Airport terminal 2 Station, 13 km
Amenities at airport
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeCar Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
34 kmCar connection
S1 Expressway, Exit 1AWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
- Shops available, including duty-free and local brands.
Parking
- Parking available, approximately 0.06€ (¥10) per hour.
Dining
- Various restaurants in terminals, including Chinese and Western cuisine
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
WC
- Available throughout the airport.
Hotel
- Hotels nearby, such as Ramada Pudong Airport Hotel.
Shower
- Showers available in some lounges, access may require lounge entry fee.
Lounge
- Several lounges available, including Chi Eastern Plaza Premium Lounge.
Lost and Found Office
- Lost and Found located in each terminal.
Car Rental
- Car rental services available from major providers
Public transit options for Shanghai Pudong
- Metro Line 2, Pudong Intertiol Airport Station, 30 km
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Shanghai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from Shanghai and San Francisco, CA
Most popular flights to Shanghai
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