Travelling from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering the departure point for your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the main airports in Shanghai.
Expect to be travelling for 12 hours 4 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Istanbul is 5 hours behind Shanghai. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul, which operates on the UTC+3 timezone.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. There are 21 direct flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, hop on the last flight with Turkish Airlines at 22:50. Opt for the first PVG to IST departure with China Eastern at 01:20 if you want to get going earlier.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules to live by. Be at the airport on time to catch your flight from Shanghai to IST.
Flying over a peak time such as July? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) take off from this terminal.
China Eastern is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport leaving from PVG.
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from Shanghai to IST with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers between PVG and IST include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
From central Shanghai, PVG is approximately 56 kilometres away. Check the official airport website or use navigation apps to work out the best way to reach the terminal.
Want a handy hotel close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Searching for more options for a direct flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)? Browse the fares leaving from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Split up your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport with a stop so you can freshen up or tick a new place off your list. Popular stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and IST include:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to SHA from the centre of Shanghai in about 21 minutes. The airport is approximately 14 kilometres away.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Shanghai to IST, take things easy in one of these hotels close to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:
About Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Consider staying in a hotel close to IST if you're catching a late flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport to the centre of Istanbul is about 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away. Find out what options are available, such as car rentals, cabs or ride-sharing.
It takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Book a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport from 234 € or travel return from just 462 €. The prices shown are based on availability and could change when you book.
You're more likely to score cheap tickets from Shanghai to IST if you book 8 months ahead. We crunched the flight price data and found that's when fares for this journey tend to be at their lowest.
The cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' search feature to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your departure dates.
Finding a cheap ticket from Shanghai to IST is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Simply select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
The best time to fly from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
It's time to figure out your trip dates for your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. August is the most popular month to visit Istanbul. If you want a quieter vibe, go in February.
Book your flight from Shanghai to IST for August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Istanbul to range from 20ºC to 30ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport sometime around then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Istanbul:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are top attractions which should feature on any well-planned Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Close all those tabs and leave the hard work to us. We can also help you find deals on car rentals in Istanbul once you've booked your cheap flight from Shanghai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Instantly compare prices all in one place and drive off with the perfect rental for less.
