Detroit to Shanghai (Pudong) (DTW–PVG) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
DTW–PVG is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Delta Air Lines leads the route. The flight covers 7,122 miles in approximately 15h 45m. Beyond nonstop, 18 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL Delta Air Lines | 7 | 359 | 15h45 | SkyTeam | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
DTW: EDT · PVG: CST
When it's 6:00 PM in Detroit, it's 6:00 AM (next day) in Shanghai (Pudong).
US passport holders can enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days under a temporary policy running through December 31, 2026. This covers tourism, business visits, and transit. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
For stays beyond 30 days, a standard visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate is required before departure. Separate 144-hour and 72-hour visa-free transit programs exist at select airports for travelers continuing to a third country.
There is no rail link to DTW; the airport is 18 miles southwest of downtown Detroit. SMART bus Route 261 provides a slow connection ($2), but ride-share or car is standard for most travelers. Ride-shares from downtown cost $30–45.Driving is the primary mode: I-94 and I-275 are the main expressways. Economy parking is well-organized with frequent shuttles. For Windsor, Ontario arrivals, the airport connects via I-75 and the Ambassador Bridge or DRIC tunnel.
Maglev to Longyang Road (8 min, ¥50) is a fast exit; transfer to Metro Line 2 onward. Metro Line 2 runs directly from PVG T1/T2 to People's Square and Hongqiao Airport (1.5–2 hrs, ¥7). Taxis have a meter; expect ¥130–200 to Puxi (west side) depending on destination and traffic tunnels used.Airport buses serve multiple city zones (¥22–36, 60–90 min). DiDi ride-hail is available and typically cheaper than street taxis for longer distances.
Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and oppressively humid (28–37°C) with typhoon risk. Storms can cause flight cancellations with little warning. Winters (December–February) are cold and damp (1–8°C) with occasional frost. Dense fog disrupts departures regularly in January–February.
Spring is rainy and mild. Autumn (October–November) is the most settled period. Clear skies and 12–22°C make it the best window for travel. Pack layers for shoulder seasons. An umbrella is useful year-round.
DTW–PVG Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from DTW to PVG
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) are connected by nonstop service from Delta Air Lines. With 7 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
DTW to PVG Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from DTW to PVG ranges from 15 hours 45 minutes. The route covers a distance of 7,122 miles (11,462 km). There are approximately 7 weekly flights outbound and 7 return, totaling 14 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
18 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 14 hours via PIT. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.