Flying from Shanghai to Frankfurt: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Shanghai. Explore your options departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when reserving your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt.
When it comes to landing in Frankfurt, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN) are the chief entry points.
Around 12 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Shanghai to Frankfurt flight.
The timezone in Frankfurt is UTC+1, which is seven hours behind Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 22 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt is with Lufthansa at 23:50. Opt for the first PVG to FRA departure operated by China Eastern Airlines at 00:05 to make the most of your first day in Frankfurt.
To ensure you board your Shanghai to Frankfurt flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt
Book three months before your departure date. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Shanghai to Frankfurt flights.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to Frankfurt. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Shanghai to Frankfurt flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Take off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on a nonstop flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. From PVG, you can land directly at Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
Well-known carriers that offer direct Shanghai to Frankfurt plane tickets departing from PVG include:
We make it a breeze to book a Shanghai to Frankfurt flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
PVG is about 32 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Looking for a handy hotel close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
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)
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Shanghai to Frankfurt flight. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these options between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Frankfurt:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
You can reach SHA from central Shanghai in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt:
Most flights that depart Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport reach their destination on schedule. It maintains a strong on-time performance rate of 86%.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to central Frankfurt takes around 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 11 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 35 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt. Stay at one of these accommodation options near FRA instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Frankfurt Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Wheego, Alamo or OK Mobility and explore beyond Frankfurt's usual tourist stops.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from Frankfurt Airport about three weeks before your departure date.
Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN)
Central Frankfurt is around 105 kilometres from Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN). Once your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 1 hour 30 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take approximately 2 hours 40 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near HHN. Settle in and get cosy after your Shanghai to Frankfurt flight at one of these well-located options:
Flex To Go, Alamo and Keddy By Europcar make picking up a Frankfurt - Hahn Airport rental car simple. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Snap up the best price by securing your ride from HHN four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Frankfurt
April is the most popular month for flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt. To steer clear of the crowds, go to Frankfurt in January.
The warmest month in Frankfurt is July, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Lock in your Shanghai to Frankfurt ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt in January when temperatures average between -4ºC (25ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).
More about Frankfurt
Start your Frankfurt trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt, browse our range of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Palmengarten, Goethe House and Frankfurt Cathedral are must-do's during your Frankfurt adventure.
Explore more of Germany
You've seen Frankfurt, now it's time to discover more of Germany. Journey about 418 kilometres north-east to Berlin to check off its popular sights. From Brandenburg Gate to Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 386 kilometres north of Frankfurt, Hamburg is another essential stop in Germany. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Port of Hamburg.