Flights to Shanghai from Singapore: Direct, Cheap & Best Times

Anyone who’s stared at a flight search for too long knows the feeling: Singapore to Shanghai is one of Asia’s busiest routes, yet finding the right balance of price, comfort, and timing can feel like a puzzle. With four airlines offering direct flights and one-way fares starting as low as $100 on aggregators, the choice isn’t just about which plane to board — it’s about what kind of traveler you are. This guide lays out the concrete data on airlines, flight times, and even cost-of-living comparisons so you can book with real confidence.

Cheapest one-way flight: $149 (Skyscanner) ·
Average direct flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes ·
Direct airlines: 4 (Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Scoot) ·
Flight distance: 3,800 km ·
Best month to fly: March or November

What are the direct flights from Singapore to Shanghai?

Which airlines operate direct flights?

• Singapore Airlines — full-service carrier with complimentary meals and drinks (NerdWallet confirms free drinks in economy)
• China Airlines — full-service, based in Taiwan, offers meals and entertainment
• Cathay Pacific — full-service Hong Kong-based carrier with a strong reputation for comfort
• Scoot — Singapore-based low-cost carrier, subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, offers base fares without frills

These four airlines serve the route from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG). According to FlightsFrom.com, these carriers collectively operate the nonstop segment. Some flights may also arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), but the vast majority use PVG.

How many daily flights are available?

Skyscanner reports 91 weekly flights between Singapore Changi and Shanghai Pudong — that’s roughly 13 per day on average. The earliest departure is operated by China Eastern Airlines at 00:25, while the latest is Juneyao Airlines at 23:40, giving travelers near round-the-clock coverage.

The pattern: more flights don’t just mean more choice — they drive competition on price, which benefits anyone booking last minute.

How many hours from Singapore to Shanghai by plane?

What is the shortest flight duration?

• Direct flights average 5 hours 26 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes depending on the source (Expedia: 5h 26m; FlightsFrom.com: 6h 20m)
• The most consistent figure across aggregators is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
• Distance: roughly 2,364 to 2,377 miles (3,800 km) (Expedia)

The variance between 5h 26m and 6h 20m comes from different measurement methods — block time vs airborne time — but for planning purposes, expect to be in the air for about five and a half hours.

How does layover affect total travel time?

Flights with one or more stops can take 8 to 15 hours total. Common layover cities include Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines), Taipei (China Airlines), and Bangkok (various). A layover can add 2 to 8 hours depending on connection length. If your priority is speed, book the direct flight — the time saved is significant.

The implication: five and a half hours in the air is the benchmark; anything longer should raise a red flag about the actual route being flown.

Which airline to take to Shanghai?

Singapore Airlines vs Scoot: What’s the difference?

These two carriers are owned by the same group but serve completely different travelers. Here’s the breakdown:

• Singapore Airlines: Full-service with complimentary meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages confirmed by NerdWallet), seatback entertainment, and 30 kg checked baggage on economy
• Scoot: Low-cost with pay-per-add-on model — meals, baggage, seat selection all cost extra. Base fares can be significantly cheaper, but the final price with extras often narrows the gap

How do China Airlines and Cathay Pacific compare?

Both are full-service carriers with strong reputations. China Airlines offers competitive fares from Taipei connections, while Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong hub gives it one of the most frequent schedules. According to CheapFlights.com.sg, the cheapest airlines for this route are Hainan Airlines, China Southern, and Shenzhen Airlines — though these typically involve layovers.

Five carriers compete on this route, but the core choice is between full-service comfort and budget savings.

Three major carriers, one clear pattern: full-service airlines dominate the direct market, while budget options like Scoot and Spring Airlines compete on price.

Is Shanghai more expensive than Singapore?

Cost of living: accommodation, food, transport

• Shanghai is roughly 30% cheaper than Singapore overall, according to Numbeo’s cost-of-living index
• Rent in Shanghai is about 40–50% lower than in Singapore
• Dining out: a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Shanghai costs around $8–12, compared to $18–25 in Singapore
• Public transport: Shanghai’s metro is extensive and affordable — a single ride costs about $0.50, versus $1.50 in Singapore

How do travel budgets differ?

For a tourist, daily spending in Shanghai (accommodation, food, transport, activities) averages $60–$100 per day, while Singapore runs closer to $120–$180 per day. For expats, the gap widens: rent alone can save $1,000–$2,000 per month in Shanghai. The flight cost difference — a one-way ticket from Singapore to Shanghai can be as low as $100 on Skyscanner — only adds to the appeal.

What this means: the cost advantage compounds — cheaper flights plus lower daily spend makes Shanghai a financially smart escape from Singapore.

What’s the best month to fly to Shanghai?

Weather considerations

• Best months: March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn) — mild temperatures, low humidity
• Avoid July–August: typhoon season brings heavy rain and flight disruptions
• January–February: cold (0–10°C) but clear skies — cheap flights but pack a coat

Peak vs off-peak pricing

Skyscanner data shows the cheapest month for Singapore–Shanghai flights is March. Fares also dip in February (after Chinese New Year) and October (shoulder season). The most expensive periods are June–August (summer holidays) and December (year-end travel). According to Momondo, booking several weeks ahead and choosing evening departures can save you up to 20% compared to morning flights.

The pattern: timing your booking and departure day part is as important as picking the airline — a March evening flight consistently beats a July noon departure on both price and comfort.

Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

What travelers are saying

“Singapore Airlines economy class includes complimentary drinks — even alcohol. That’s rare for a 5.5-hour flight and adds real value compared to budget carriers.”

NerdWallet (travel rewards analysis)

“The cheapest one-way price we observed from Singapore to Shanghai was $100 — that’s lower than a weekend staycation in Sentosa.”

Skyscanner (fare analysis)

“Flights from Singapore to Shanghai are often cheaper in the evening. Morning departures tend to be more expensive, averaging around $460.”

Momondo (pricing research)

Summary

The Singapore–Shanghai route is well-served, with 13 daily direct flights from four airlines, a reliable 5.5-hour journey time, and one-way fares that can dip below $150. The real decision isn’t about whether to go — it’s about which trade-offs you’re willing to make. Full-service carriers like Singapore Airlines offer comfort and included perks, while budget options like Scoot save cash upfront but cost extra in add-ons. Add in the lower cost of living in Shanghai, and the financial case for booking that flight is stronger than ever. For the Singapore traveler looking to stretch their dollar further while exploring one of China’s most dynamic cities, the choice is clear: book a direct evening flight in March, skip the add-ons, and spend the savings on a week of exceptional dining in Shanghai.

For travelers considering the trip, it’s worth comparing options across other China routes from Singapore to find the best overall value and timing.

Frequently asked questions