Singapore to Shanghai Flight Time: Duration, Airlines, and Costs

Direct flights from Singapore to Shanghai take just over five hours, but prices swing from S$150 to S$800 depending on airline and booking timing. This guide breaks down duration, costs, and layover trade-offs to help you plan without surprises.

Average flight time: 5 hours 28 minutes ·
Shortest flight time: 5 hours 5 minutes ·
Longest direct flight: 5 hours 55 minutes ·
Direct flights per day: 15 ·
Airlines operating direct: 6 ·
Distance: 2,377 miles

Six data points, one pattern: the direct flight from Singapore to Shanghai is consistently under six hours, but the price you pay can swing wildly. Here’s a quick look at the key numbers.

How long is the flight from Singapore to Shanghai today?

Most travellers want a straight answer: the flight duration from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) falls between 5 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 55 minutes. The average across major booking platforms is about 5 hours 28 minutes, according to Skyscanner (flight aggregator). KAYAK (flight aggregator) puts the average at 5 hours 29 minutes, while Trip.com (travel booking platform) reports 5 hours 24 to 5 hours 26 minutes.

How long does it take to fly from Singapore to Shanghai?

• Shortest scheduled direct flight: 5 hours 5 minutes (Traveloka (travel booking platform))
• Longest scheduled direct flight: 5 hours 55 minutes (FlightConnections (route database))
• One-stop options (Hong Kong, Guangzhou): 8 to15 hours total (Cathay Pacific (official airline))

The implication: if you’re after speed, direct is the only choice; if you’re after price, a stopover can cut the fare by 30–50%.

The pattern: Direct flights are fast but pricey; stopovers can save money at the cost of time.

Why are flights to Shanghai so expensive?

Flights from Singapore to Shanghai can feel pricey, especially during peak season. The main drivers include strong demand on a high-traffic route, rising fuel costs, and airport taxes at both Changi and Pudong. KAYAK (flight aggregator) data shows that the cheapest return fare seen in the last five days was S$359, but peak fares can climb above S$800.

Why is China so expensive to fly to?

• China’s aviation market is heavily regulated, with landing fees and fuel surcharges that are often higher than in Southeast Asia.
• Limited competition on some routes — only a handful of airlines operate direct between Singapore and Shanghai.
• Seasonal demand spikes around Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and summer holidays push prices up.

The pattern: the same route to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur is typically 30–50% cheaper because of more carriers and lower airport charges.

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Shanghai?

Flying to Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) from Singapore is often slightly cheaper than flying to Shanghai, but the difference is usually less than S$50. KAYAK (flight aggregator) shows that average fares to Shanghai Pudong are about S$30–60 higher than to Beijing, partly because Shanghai has more premium business travellers. However, Beijing’s longer flight time (6 hours 15 minutes average) offsets some of the savings.

Three airlines, one takeaway: if you’re flexible on destination, check both Beijing and Shanghai — the cheapest option can flip depending on the day.

How much cash for1 week in China?

Budget travellers often ask how much they need for a week in Shanghai. According to Numbeo (cost-of-living database), a daily budget of S$50 to S$100 (about ¥250–¥500) covers mid-range meals, local transport, and entry fees. Cash is still king in many small shops, but major hotels and restaurants accept cards.

Is100 dollars a lot in China?

Yes — S$100 (about ¥500) can cover a full day of sightseeing, three meals, and metro rides, with some left over. It’s a comfortable daily budget for a solo traveller.

Is China cheap for tourists?

China is generally affordable compared to Singapore. Accommodation, food, and transport are significantly cheaper. A meal at a local restaurant costs around S$5–10, and a metro ride is under S$1.

Is Japan or China cheaper?

China is considerably cheaper than Japan. Numbeo (cost-of-living database) shows consumer prices in Shanghai are about40% lower than in Tokyo. For a one-week trip, you can expect to spend roughly half as much in China.

Why this matters: the flight cost may be your biggest expense, so budget travellers should prioritise finding a cheap airfare over cutting costs on the ground.

What is the flight time from Singapore to Shanghai on Singapore Airlines?

Singapore Airlines operates direct flights from Changi to both Pudong and Hongqiao. The block time is typically 5 hours 20 minutes to5 hours45 minutes, according to Singapore Airlines (official carrier). Other airlines offering direct service include China Eastern, Scoot, Juneyao Airlines, and Air China.

• Singapore Airlines: 5h20m –5h45m
• China Eastern: 5h15m –5h35m (Traveloka (travel booking platform))
• Scoot: 5h30m –5h55m
• Juneyao Airlines: 5h25m –5h50m

The trade-off: full-service carriers like Singapore Airlines charge more but include meals and baggage; budget carriers like Scoot can save you S$100–200 but add fees for extras.

The trade-off: full-service carriers provide conveniences but cost more; budget airlines save money but with fewer amenities.

Five airlines, two airport pairs, one clear takeaway: the fastest option isn’t always the cheapest. Here’s how the major carriers stack up.

Direct flight duration is approximately 5h20m to5h45m.

Singapore Airlines (official carrier)

Average flight time from Singapore Changi to Shanghai is5 hours28 minutes.

Skyscanner (flight aggregator)

For the Singapore traveller heading to Shanghai, the choice is clear: direct flights save time but cost more, while one-stop options can halve the fare at the expense of a few extra hours. The smartest move is to book six weeks ahead, compare both budget and full-service carriers, and check both Pudong and Hongqiao airports. For a budget-conscious traveller, the cheapest route is often Scoot from SIN to PVG with an early-morning departure — a S$150 return that beats the average by a wide margin.