Traveling to Shanghai? This most westernized of Chinese destinations is no better place to experience the most dynamic and cutting-edge race for modernization to happen in the Republic. It is here, where eyes pop and roll at the hi-tech skyline of intelligent skyscrapers, massive construction projects taking place and the streets pulsating with the most recent electronic gadgetry and go-get-it vibe.
Fortunately, however jaw-dropping, this is only the glitzy icing and if you dig beneath it you'll find what is truly and intimately Chinese in Shanghai- charming winding streets of pocket sized eateries, Buddhist temples hidden in the nooks and crannies of the buzzing alleys and street stalls to savor the sweet and sour delicacies. Ready to explore? If so, it's the high time to find the right plane and fare to Shanghai.
When considering a flight to Shanghai, remember that the city has two major airports. The most international flights are operated by the ultramodern Pudong International Airport (PVG) located 30 kilometers east of the city center. The PVG serves 70 international destinations as well as Macau and Hong Kong flights and over 50 domestic routes. Its annual throughput is about 20 million passengers. The magnet levitation shuttle train (MagLev) will take you fast and comfortably from the airport to the Longyang Lu metro station in Pudong in not more than 8 minutes. For your convenience there are also free shuttle buses which transfer passengers between T1 and T2, and run every 15 minutes between 0600-2100.
The majority of domestic routes fly in and out of the older Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) situated approximately 15 kilometers west of Shanghai's center. Both airports are well-equipped with tourist information desks, car hire, restaurants and business facilities like Internet access, phones and faxes.
To reduce the traveling costs remember to book off-peak times of holiday season and possibly long in advance. Simple cost-cutting tips also include an intensive web search of the chosen destination, operating airlines and a thorough comparison of fares. Allow enough time to do it if you're on a skimpy budget or looking for some reasonable solutions.
Passengers flying from the UK can expect the fare to Shanghai to range from about 140£ to 579£ depending on the airline. Should you choose Heathrow as your departure point, the cheapest flights are offered by Swiss Air (139£) and Finnair (179£). If you're not on a tight budget, you can opt for Air France, Air India or Korean Air with ticket prices from 249£, 349£ to 419£, respectively. The most expensive of air operators are Asiana Airlines which will charge you 509£ and Gulf Air with the most costly fare of about 579£.
For air travelers from the USA, there are non-stop daily services available from Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Cleveland, Atlanta, Detroit and Newark. Flights from New York normally have a stopover in Beijing, Hong Kong, or a U.S. city, and can take between 17 and 25 hours.
Depending on your budget, you can choose from a wide range of airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, Air China, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, Air China and more. The fare to Shanghai varies from $690 to $890.