$547 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai departing on 8/11. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Shanghai

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Shanghai.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Shanghai.
Travelers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 21% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Bundle and saveSave money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$1,040
Typical prices: $1,037-$757
Multiple Airlines
sáb. 9/26dom. 10/18
SFO - SHA • 2 stops
Cheapest non-stop
$1,248
Typical prices: $1,281-$951
China Eastern
lun. 9/7lun. 11/16
SFO - PVG • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
On this long-haul route, United economy meals add value in standard fares.
China Eastern extra legroom seats can improve comfort on the long flight.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $1,040 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 8.4 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines and China Eastern. Average duration is 13h 27m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 87% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Shanghai!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Shanghai (SFO-SHA)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Shanghai that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Shanghai

sáb., sep. 26 - dom., oct. 18
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:41 pm - 10:20 am
SFO
-
SHA
27h 39m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:10 pm - 8:01 am
SHA
-
SFO
30h 51m
2 stops
$1,040Multiple Airlines
mié., jul. 15 - dom., ago. 23
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:30 pm - 12:55 pm
SFO
-
PVG
29h 25m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 8:40 pm
PVG
-
SFO
37h 35m
2 stops
$1,040Multiple Airlines
dom., jul. 5 - jue., jul. 9
ANA Logo
8:55 pm - 12:45 am
SFO
-
PVG
36h 50m
2 stops
ANA Logo
8:25 am - 10:55 am
PVG
-
SFO
17h 30m
1 stop
$1,041ANA
sáb., jul. 18 - sáb., ago. 22
ANA Logo
1:40 am - 12:15 pm
SFO
-
SHA
19h 35m
1 stop
ANA Logo
1:35 pm - 4:55 pm
SHA
-
SFO
18h 20m
1 stop
$1,042ANA
jue., ago. 6 - sáb., ago. 15
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:20 pm - 11:45 am
SFO
-
PVG
21h 25m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:10 pm - 5:55 pm
PVG
-
SFO
41h 45m
1 stop
$1,042Multiple Airlines
mar., jul. 28 - jue., ago. 20
Cathay Pacific Logo
1:20 am - 12:05 pm
SFO
-
SHA
19h 45m
1 stop
Cathay Pacific Logo
10:30 pm - 11:25 am
SHA
-
SFO
27h 55m
1 stop
$1,045Cathay Pacific
jue., jul. 9 - lun., sep. 14
China Southern Logo
12:35 am - 10:00 am
SFO
-
PVG
18h 25m
1 stop
China Southern Logo
6:55 am - 8:40 pm
PVG
-
SFO
28h 45m
2 stops
$1,045China Southern
mar., jul. 28 - dom., ago. 16
Cathay Pacific Logo
2:00 pm - 8:55 pm
SFO
-
SHA
39h 55m
1 stop
Cathay Pacific Logo
10:30 pm - 11:15 pm
SHA
-
SFO
39h 45m
1 stop
$1,047Cathay Pacific
mié., sep. 9 - vie., oct. 23
Asiana Airlines Logo
11:20 pm - 10:05 am
SFO
-
PVG
19h 45m
1 stop
Asiana Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 3:30 pm
PVG
-
SFO
14h 10m
1 stop
$1,048Asiana Airlines
sáb., ago. 1 - vie., ago. 14
Asiana Airlines Logo
11:20 pm - 9:45 am
SFO
-
SHA
19h 25m
1 stop
Asiana Airlines Logo
10:55 am - 4:00 pm
SHA
-
SFO
20h 05m
1 stop
$1,049Asiana Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Francisco to Shanghai flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Francisco to Shanghai to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai departing in September.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Shanghai flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest return flight from San Francisco to Shanghai costs $708 on the route between San Francisco (SFO) and Shanghai Pu Dong Airport (PVG). It is also the most popular route.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Shanghai?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Shanghai, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from San Francisco to Shanghai is November, where tickets cost $427 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are May and January, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $2,056 and $1,836 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Shanghai, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from San Francisco to Shanghai, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 26 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Robert Schrader

Robert Schrader

Expert on China Eastern

One of the web's original travel bloggers, Robert launched his first site Leave Your Daily Hell in 2009. Since then, he's expanded into destination niche sites (one each for Japan, Thailand and Taiwan), in addition to having written for the inflight magazines of Singapore Airlines and Korean Air. Overall, he's visited nearly 100 countries, and flies business as often as possible.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on PVG

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Good to know

Cheapest flight$547
Flight from San Francisco to Shanghai Pudong Airport

When to book flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Shanghai based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

  • What is the cheapest flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai was $547 for a one-way ticket and $1,040 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between San Francisco and Shanghai?

    Yes, you'll most likely have to show a valid passport before boarding the plane in San Francisco and on arrival in Shanghai.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between San Francisco and Shanghai, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • What is the most popular layover when flying to Shanghai from San Francisco?

    Seoul is the most popular layover city among KAYAK users traveling from San Francisco to Shanghai.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from San Francisco to Shanghai.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Shanghai from San Francisco is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Shanghai with an airline and back to San Francisco with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Shanghai from San Francisco up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Shanghai?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from San Francisco to Shanghai.
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Shanghai

Monday

China Eastern,United Airlines

China Eastern,United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

China Eastern,United Airlines

China Eastern,United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

China Eastern,United Airlines

China Eastern,United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Shanghai to San Francisco

Monday

China Eastern,United Airlines

China Eastern,United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

China Eastern,United Airlines

China Eastern,United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

China Eastern,United Airlines

China Eastern,United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Francisco to Shanghai

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from San Francisco to Shanghai. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Francisco to Shanghai? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.4
Korean AirOverall score based on 1218 reviews
8.5Boarding
8.1Food
8.7Crew
8.3Comfort
8.2Entertainment
Airline reviews

Very long flight time. Still better than a connection flight. Staff is very good at service. Vegetarian food is not very good.

8.0 ExcellentGary, Apr 2026
ICN - YYZ
Read more Korean Air reviews

Very long flight time. Still better than a connection flight. Staff is very good at service. Vegetarian food is not very good.

AAAAHHHH... It was shocking in a very positive way, the attention to detail, the courtesy, the manners of all personnel on board, the constant honest smiling. You can see and feel they take pride in all they do no matter how trivial. The plane in general was very comfortable. I can't wait to do it again

The boarding process was efficient and quick. The seats were comfortable. The food was good. The service was excellent. We had a lovely flight from Seattle on Korean air

Flight crew was fantastic. The aircraft was meticulously cleaned at all times. The crew was continuously checking to see if the passengers were ok.

They were trying to get people to check luggage because the over head compartments were full but when we boarded there were lots of empty places that people could have put the luggage.

It was good, I liked the self-serve snacks but it was a little difficult to get the alcohol, which is understandable since I wouldn't want kids sneaking it.

Friendly flight attendants and gate agents. Very clean plane and food was good!

This was an amazing flight. The crew was great. The service was great. The food provided was great.

I was unable to select decent seats, and so I was stuck in the middle seat because it was selected for me

There was a lot of partial tv shows but not enough to last the flight. The food was incredible! The crew were so helpful and patient. Lots more space than what I usually get on an international flight. Very comfortable!

Smooth sailing trip, pilots are good. Less amount of food offered but the quality is okey.

Humm, I should have known that the seat I peaked on my flight from Inchon to Manila was designed for a toddler or very small person.

The staff hold my luggage to steel and exchange my stub, i was very disappointed.

Kayak along with airfare assay are attempting to steal my money. Charges are being pressed.

Customer service and attention to details. The food was good.

Felt like the oldest plane in Asiana Fleet. Screen was 5-6in only and no charging at all. Movie selection wasn't great.

When one asks for water because they are dehydrated, bring more then a sip or two in a small cup. Bring them a whole bottle.

I’d have rated Asiana good except an unfortunate incident in which I felt one of your employee didn’t really help us. During the first leg of the trip, the flight from LAX to ICN, I left my backpack on the plane. When I realized, I reported to one of your employee who promised me that it’d be taken care of, that my backpack will be there at HCM city. When we arrived there, HCM people had no idea and my backpack was still at Incheon airport who denied any knowledge whatsoever. I was left in the cold and felt helpless. I was very disappointed. I’d like someone to look into this and let me know.

I am thankful that I was able to fly using Asiana

It was my first time flying Asiana but i was very pleased with how professional and understanding the flight crew is with little kids. One flight attendant held my 3 year old daughter’s hand guiding her to the exit after landing while i had my hands full with luggage and my infant. She was very helpful.

The plane was dirty, the seats were torn and broken, the service was the most terrible ever, the bathroom dirty, they will not even serve water you had to request it, the meals were terrible, overall less than Zero, I will never fly Cathay Pacific again.

Seat is too small. Food selection is limited and often ran out of selectable item.

Cathay has always been great. Even allowed some leniency on my baggage weight. I believe they are also on the more leg room side of airlines.

Despite the crew's rough day, they were all very focused and friendly. The flight was too short for a meal, so no rating on that. Re. the AA app. It still isn't ready for prime time. AA works with Cathy Pacific for international flights to LA and the Aa jump to PHX. But the AA app can't find my trip and this can be problematic with flight delays and regatings at LAX.

Was not able to board flight because boarding pass name did not match passport name and no one caught it.

Had a bad experience with crew member coming back Hong Kong to la the person next to me one of the passenger have taken video and picture of crew member the person that served meal young kid late 20' s 6 5'10 had attitude at his peak anything I asked for I don't know if it was bad day or racial I felt humiliated as people could see difference towards me I no problem with Cathy and my whole family never had one was very disappointed

Frequently flyer number should and could have been put on at the time of booking as I gave the number when booking.

Very attentive crews Flight was very smooth and safe Only little disappointment was the slight delay of departure (~30 minutes ) which rarely happen with CX flights

Not at all satisfactory. I had stomach upsets after taking food. Quality of Asian vegetarian meal was awful. Further there was no snacks/ fruits/ biscuits available as in between snacks.. only peanuts and pitzels.. except courteous staff rest of my experience was far from satisfactory

Staff was very courteous. Plane was clean and quite spacious even in the last rows. Veg food could have been better.

It was perfect! United Airlines staff was extremely caring, super friendly and professional

United has maintenance issues and can then never recover. No operations ability and simple issues always turn into multiple hours long cascading delays. Worst airline on earth.

I paid for a confirmed upgraded aisle seat and was moved to a center seat in the back of the plane at the last minute.

Horrifying Almost 2 million miles. Bring your own food and drink. One coffee or drink every three hours. Have to order meals on app more than 24 hours ahead Tiny and dirty bathrooms

Easy of boarding, helpfully staff at check in, surprisingly comfortable seating

Lost of requested seat assignments. Lost my husband's meal choice

My service dog and I were asked to deplane just before they closed the door - clearly very last minute they couldn’t find the documentation that I have filled out many many times before that is for flying service animals. I purposely purchase 3seats (a whole row) since he is large and not all passengers want to sit next to a dog on a cross country flight. The plane departed with my husband on it!!! They made me fill out a hard copy of the same form and had to reschedule me on a later flight where they could find 3 seats together!! I’ve done this so many times before - clearly the error was on their part in a technology glitch - but really people - do better!! Very traumatic - and my husband had to wait for us when he landed ….so bad. Poor pup was confused and tired.

My flight time was changed without any notification to me which ruined my time sensitive plans so I ended up completely changing my travel plans and no reimbursement.

No screens or meal options. Freezing cold. Dirty seats. Left late.

I liked that my son and I were reseated next to each other (we had different bookings). I liked that it was a directg flight and mostly on time. I liked that you provided pillows and blankets. Flight attendants were generally courteous. The messaging through wifi did not work well. The food was not good. Seats are very narrow and I felt slightly claustraphobic in the window seat.

This was my first time ever flying China Eatern and it will not be my last. I was very satisfied with my whole experience and trip. Thank you very much and until soon.

It was just fine. The sirlines did live up fully to my expectation.

The flight was delayed. The staff made us wait in the room that is too small and it was crowded and with no seats available for waiting. They did not tell us why the delay occurred.

While boarding at PVG, there was a ticket checking at the gate, then there was another ticket checking at the bottom of the escalator, which created quite a dangerous congestion. Not sure which idiot made this absolutely unnecessary arrangement.

While boarding at PVG, there was a ticket checking by the gate, then there was another ticket checking right at the bottom of the escalator, which created quite a dangerous congestion. Don't understand why the duplication?

I was traveling alone with an infant, so the crew was incredibly helpful. Both the international and subsequent domestic flights were impeccable.

Plane was good. But food was bad and air host was so rude. I will never fly with China Eastern again

The flight was delayed by 2 hours, although to their credit they delayed my connecting flight so people could reach it. Also their site is a nightmare to navigate on a phone. Everything else was good.

The ticket was last minute buy so no concerns about the pricing this time, but the crew in general could have been more accommodating, helpful.

CTU-KMG-CNX with 1.5 hr connection at KMG. Doable but just barely bc immigration exit from China is at the last flight leg, here: KMG to CNX. We hauled out of the domestic terminal to reenter at the international departures (luggage checked thru to CNX thankfully). Immigration had only two agents, even though KMG gets a HUGE number of foreigners. It took forever for such a shot line. Then security also took a while, so I just just made the connection. Recommend if you exit China with domestic international transfer, plan for 2+ hrs to avoid a heart attack. Airline personnel don’t suffer if you miss the flight, you do. Plan accordingly.

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

Information on your arrival and departure airports