Flying from Shanghai to Dubai: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Shanghai. Explore your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when planning your flight from Shanghai to Dubai.
Touch down in Dubai at Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The average length of a direct Shanghai to Dubai flight is 9 hours 50 minutes.
Dubai's timezone is UTC+4, making Dubai four hours behind Shanghai.
The most popular route for flights from Shanghai to Dubai is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Dubai Airport (DXB). Take your pick of 21 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from PVG to DXB is the 00:05 Emirates option. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 23:00 with Emirates.
To ensure you make your Shanghai to Dubai flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak time such as July? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Dubai
To secure cheap Shanghai to Dubai flights, reserve your trip one month ahead of your departure date.
Plan your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Shanghai to Dubai. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Shanghai to Dubai flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
If you're after a direct flight from Shanghai to Dubai, you can leave from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Travel from PVG to Dubai Airport (DXB) in one continuous trip.
Check out the deals with Emirates. This airline offers direct Shanghai to Dubai plane tickets out of PVG.
We make it a breeze to book a Shanghai to Dubai flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
PVG is around 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to arrive, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Shanghai to Dubai? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
78.11% of flights taking off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport land at their destination on time.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International 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 your plans, check out these options between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Dubai:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
On public transport, you can travel from central Shanghai to SHA in around 40 minutes. The terminal is roughly 13 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Shanghai to Dubai? Relax in a hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport before your break officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
Most flights that leave Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport touch down at their destination right on cue. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 86%.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) is approximately 5 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 50 minutes.
Book a hotel close to DXB if you have a late flight from Shanghai to Dubai. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Dubai Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car or Quicklease Car Hire and explore beyond Dubai's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Dubai Airport about three weeks in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is around 40 kilometres from central Dubai. Following your flight from Shanghai to Dubai, it'll take you approximately 45 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
The journey will take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to DWC. Tuck yourself in after your Shanghai to Dubai flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Quicklease Car Hire, Quick Drive and Golden Key Car Hire.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from DWC three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
April is the quietest month for flights from Shanghai to Dubai, while January is the most popular. Work out the best time to go to Dubai based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Dubai is July, with temperatures ranging between 30ºC (86ºF) and 42ºC (108ºF). Book your Shanghai to Dubai ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap flights from Shanghai to Dubai in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF) on average.
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Shanghai to Dubai, browse our selection of hotels including:
Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall Heart are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your Dubai must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Desert safari tourism.
Explore more of United Arab Emirates
Dubai is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of United Arab Emirates waiting to be discovered. About 23 kilometres north-east of Dubai, a trip to Sharjah will keep you on the move. Start with popular sights like Al majaz waterfront, Petrofac and Al Montazah Park.
Around 121 kilometres south-west of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is another essential stop in United Arab Emirates. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Dubai and Qasr Al Watan.