Flying from Shanghai to Dubai: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Shanghai. Explore your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) when planning your flight from Shanghai to Dubai.
Dubai Airport (DXB) and Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are Dubai's major entry points.
Take a direct Shanghai to Dubai flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 9 hours 45 minutes.
Dubai is four hours behind Shanghai and is in the UTC+4 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Shanghai to Dubai is from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Dubai Airport (DXB). Choose from 21 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from PVG to DXB is the 00:05 Emirates option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last departure is at 23:00 with Emirates.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Shanghai to Dubai flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues during popular months such as April. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Dubai
Get cheap Shanghai to Dubai flights by booking 11 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for picking up a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to Dubai is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
There's no need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Shanghai to Dubai flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
You can get a direct flight from Shanghai to Dubai jetting off from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). Start your trip at PVG and come in for landing at Dubai Airport (DXB).
Emirates is a popular carrier that offers direct Shanghai to Dubai plane tickets from PVG.
We make it simple to book a Shanghai to Dubai flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Hong Kong Intl Airport (HKG)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Shanghai, PVG can be reached in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 50 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel near Shanghai Pudong Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Dubai, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
83% of flights departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport touch down at their destination on schedule. Given its strong performance rating, you're unlikely to experience delays when jetting out of PVG.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Shanghai to Dubai flight. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, here's where you can stop between Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Dubai:
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Kunming Airport (KMG)
Chongqing Airport (CKG)
You can get to SHA from the centre of Shanghai in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport takes roughly 40 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy another night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Dubai:
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has a solid reputation for punctual service. 85% of flights taking off from here make it to their final destination as planned.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) to central Dubai takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 5 kilometres away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 35 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Shanghai to Dubai. Reserve one of these accommodation options near DXB instead:
Pick up a Dubai Airport rental car and discover Dubai and beyond with your own wheels. AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car and Quicklease Car Rental are popular providers to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Dubai Airport about three weeks in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is about 48 kilometres from central Dubai. Once you've disembarked your flight from Shanghai to Dubai, it'll take you approximately 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near DWC. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Shanghai to Dubai:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or long taxi queues. Pick up a Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare offers from Quicklease Car Rental, Quick Drive and Golden Key Car Rental.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from DWC three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
March is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Dubai, while December is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to go to Dubai based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Shanghai to Dubai ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Dubai to range from 30ºC (86ºF) to 42ºC (108ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 14ºC (57ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF). Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Dubai
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Dubai, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Dubai:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and Dubai Gold Souk are popular attractions which should be on every Dubai itinerary.
Explore more of the United Arab Emirates
You've done Dubai, now it's time to explore more of the United Arab Emirates. Travel about 26 kilometres east to Sharjah to tick off its top attractions. From Sharjah Archaeology Museum to Cultural Palace and Sharjah Science Museum, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in the United Arab Emirates, consider Abu Dhabi, roughly 129 kilometres southwest of Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Zayed The 2nd Mosque and Masjid are key highlights.