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  1. Flights
  2. China
  3. Shanghai
  4. Cape Town - Shanghai

Cape Town to Shanghai flights

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Cheapest time to fly from Cape Town to Shanghai

If you’re planning to fly this route soon, keep in mind that the lowest fares are usually available in the middle of May. Take advantage of this period to save on your flight tickets and make the most of your trip. Please note that prices may change after your search.
Filter by
week: 18 May - 24 May
Flights from just $591
$911
$804
$757
$760
$705
$591
$841
$778
$871
MarchAprilMayJune

Local currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket
63%Trains in Shanghai are 63% cheaper than in Cape Town.
Cape Town$1.67
Shanghai$0.62
MealMid-priced restaurant
63%A meal in Shanghai is 63% cheaper than a meal in Cape Town.
Cape Town$16.65
Shanghai$6.19
TaxiStandard daytime start rate
85%Taxis are 85% more expensive in Shanghai than in Cape Town.
Cape Town$1.67
Shanghai$3.09
CoffeeRegular cappuccino
30%Coffee is 30% more expensive in Shanghai than in Cape Town.
Cape Town$3.28
Shanghai$4.27
Exchange rate
1 AUD = 4.91 CNY
1 CNY = 0.21 AUD
Last revised on Fri, 27/03
Distance: 12981 kms
Cape Town airports
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)How far from city centre: 18 kms
Shanghai airports
Pu Dong (PVG)How far from city centre: 31 kms
Hongqiao (SHA)How far from city centre: 7 kms

Get cheap flights from Cape Town to Shanghai

If you plan to fly from Cape Town to Shanghai you need to take into consideration that, whatever the reason would be, choosing the right flight is basic to start your journey the best way possible.

Compare a wide range of flights on this route with eDreams. We help you finding the balance between travel time, flexibility, and budget based on what matters most to you.

Flight hubs in Cape Town and Shanghai

Your travel experience between Cape Town and Shanghai can be greatly influenced by the airports you choose. The departure and arrival airports you select affect not only the total travel time but also the ease of connections and how smoothly you can continue your journey once you land in Shanghai.

When searching for flights from Cape Town to Shanghai, don’t focus solely on the ticket price. Other aspects that can make your trip more comfortable and convenient include:

  • Airport location and accessibility, including how far the airport is from Shanghai’s city centre or your final destination.
  • Connections and layovers, especially if your trip involves a stopover and the time between flights is important.
  • Airport layout and ease of getting around, which is crucial if you have luggage or a tight schedule between flights.

Focusing on these factors can help make your trip from Cape Town to Shanghai more seamless and comfortable, allowing you to pick the flight that best suits your travel plans.

Cape Town airport

Most flights from Cape Town to Shanghai depart from the main airport of Cape Town, where travellers can enjoy a full range of amenities. From premium shopping to a variety of dining options, the airport has something for everyone. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, browse the latest bestsellers for your flight, catch up on work with free Wi-Fi, or enjoy a relaxed breakfast before take-off to start your journey on the right note.

Shanghai airport

Most flights land at Shanghai airport. Once you arrive and collect your luggage, it’s a good idea to make sure you have an internet connection on your phone before leaving the airport. If needed, you’ll find nearby stores where you can purchase a local SIM card to help you get around more easily.

Don’t forget to check the transport options from the airport to your accommodation, whether that’s a taxi, public transport or a pre-booked shuttle. Airport staff at the information desk can help you choose the best option.

When is the ideal time to fly from Cape Town to Shanghai

Flying from Cape Town to Shanghai at different times of the year can offer unique advantages. Travelling during quieter periods often means better seat availability, lower prices, and a more relaxed journey, while busier seasons in Shanghai usually provide more flight options and increased frequency.

If you prefer flexibility, fewer crowds, or a slower pace, flying outside peak times is a smart choice. During high-demand periods, planning ahead is essential to secure convenient departure times and avoid last-minute restrictions on this route.

With the eDreams search tool, you can easily compare dates and flight times throughout the year, helping you pick the best time to fly from Cape Town to Shanghai based on your travel plans.

Search and book cheap flights from Cape Town to Shanghai

When planning flights from Cape Town to Shanghai, considering a few practical points can help ensure a smoother booking experience.

  • Maintain flexibility with travel dates: where possible, adjusting your departure or return by a day or two may result in more competitive fares when flying to Shanghai.
  • Assess airlines and flight schedules carefully: the shortest journey is not always the most cost-effective, and longer routes may offer greater convenience depending on timing.
  • Review available offers: eDreams Prime provides access to additional discounts on selected flights from Cape Town to Shanghai.

Fly from Cape Town to Shanghai with eDreams

With eDreams, comparing flights from Cape Town to Shanghai is simple and efficient, with transparent prices and practical filters to help you choose the option that best fits your plans.

You can also book accommodation and car hire in one place, making it easy to organise your trip in just a few minutes. From departure to arrival, everything you need to plan your journey is brought together in a smooth, end-to-end experience. Booking your flight from Cape Town to Shanghai with eDreams has never been more straightforward.

FAQs about flights from Cape Town to Shanghai

Can I get a flexible ticket for my trip from Cape Town to Shanghai?
At eDreams, we want your trip to run smoothly. Whether your flight gets canned or China suddenly changes travel rules, you’ll be covered. Flight cancelled? No dramas! With our flexible ticket option, you can rebook your Cape Town to Shanghai flight with no change fee, or grab a full refund.
What’s the typical cost of a ticket from Cape Town to Shanghai?
The average airfare for flights from Cape Town to Shanghai is about $1,586. Prices can shift depending on the season and how early you lock in your tickets.
How do I score the cheapest flights from Cape Town to Shanghai with eDreams?
At eDreams, we use smart machine learning tech to hunt down the cheapest fares from Cape Town to Shanghai. By checking out direct flights, stopovers, airline mixes, and different options for your trip there and back, we make sure you always snag the best deal.
Is Shanghai more expensive than Cape Town?
In Shanghai, taxis are about 85% pricier, costing roughly 3.09 AUD, compared with Cape Town where a ride averages 1.67 AUD.
When it comes to getting around, the average cab fare in Shanghai is 3.09 AUD, pretty similar to Cape Town.
Cab rides in Shanghai can be about 85% cheaper, averaging 3.09 AUD, compared to 1.67 AUD in Cape Town.
Catching the train in Shanghai will cost you about 63% more, sitting at 0.62 AUD compared with 1.67 AUD in Cape Town.
Train tickets are much the same in Shanghai and Cape Town, averaging 0.62 AUD.
Fares are roughly 63% cheaper in Shanghai, with tickets priced at 0.62 AUD compared to 1.67 AUD in Cape Town.
In some cases, eating out in Shanghai will sting you about 63% more, with average meals at 6.19 AUD, compared with 16.65 AUD in Cape Town.
As for lunch, expect to pay about 6.19 AUD in both Shanghai and Cape Town.
Meals in Shanghai cost around 6.19 AUD, which is about 63% less than the 16.65 AUD you’d fork out in Cape Town.
A coffee will set you back about 30% more in Shanghai, averaging 4.27 AUD, while in Cape Town it’s around 3.28 AUD.
Coffee prices are pretty much on par in both Cape Town and Shanghai, averaging about 4.27 AUD.
Coffee is roughly 30% cheaper in Shanghai, coming in at 4.27 AUD, compared to 3.28 AUD in Cape Town.
What’s the average flight time from Cape Town to Shanghai?
A standard flight between Cape Town and Shanghai takes around 18 hours, covering about 12,981.39 km. This includes both direct flights and connections.
How does the weather in Shanghai compare with Cape Town?
In summer, Cape Town usually sees highs around 20.58 ºC. Over in Shanghai, temps sit around 26.68 ºC. In winter, Shanghai averages about 5.22 ºC, while Cape Town hovers near 12.62 ºC.

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