London to Shanghai (Pudong) (LCY–PVG) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
While no nonstop service exists between LCY and PVG, 1-stop connecting options are available.
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Shanghai (Pudong) from London
| Metric | LCY→PVG | LHR→PVG | LGW→PVG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from LCY | – | 22 mi | 27 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | – | 3 | 2 |
| Weekly flights | – | 21 | 21 |
Travel Essentials
LCY: BST · PVG: CST
When it's 6:00 PM in London, it's 1:00 AM (next day) in Shanghai (Pudong).
British passport holders enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days under the unilateral exemption policy extended through at least December 31, 2026. This covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. No advance application or fee. You cannot convert this entry to a work or residence permit once inside the country.
Fill out the arrival card on the plane or at the immigration hall. Officers may ask for your itinerary, hotel bookings, and return ticket, though this is inconsistent. If you plan to stay beyond 30 days or engage in work, study, or journalism, apply for the appropriate visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in London before departure (processing 4 to 7 working days, fees from $198 for single entry).
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing (PEK) run about 9 hours 40 minutes, to Shanghai (PVG) about 11 hours 20 minutes. Air China, China Eastern, and British Airways operate nonstop. China uses the renminbi (CNY), trading at roughly 7.25 CNY per $1. Western bank cards work at ATMs and major hotels but many local businesses use WeChat Pay and Alipay exclusively. Both apps now allow linking foreign Visa/Mastercard cards for payment. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals.
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.
LCY–PVG Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Amsterdam, Zürich and Frankfurt Main. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include London (LHR) and London (LGW).