Flights from Cairns (CNS) to Shanghai (PVG)
Reasons to fly Qantas
Baggage included
Pack more into your trip with checked and carry-on baggage included in every fare.
Inflight entertainment
Visiting from Cairns to Shanghai (Pudong)
Shanghai is a non-stop mega city, located on the southern end of the Yangtze River in China. Pockets of its old history mixed with its art deco buildings, skyscrapers and glitzy nightlife offer a diverse mix of experiences like no other city. The densely populated city is popular with history buffs, futurists, foodies and shopping fans alike. Enjoy the Shanghai food scene, luxury stores, pop-up boutiques, art galleries and Chinese Opera. Be sure to visit the Yuyuan Gardens & Bazaar, The Bund, Jade Budda Temple and check out China's tallest tower, the Shanghai Tower. There are plenty of attractions to explore in this glamorous city.
Flight information
Fly Darwin to Shanghai (DRW to PVG)
The approximate time for a flight from Darwin to Shanghai is 18 hours and 15 minutes.
When to visit
Shanghai experiences monsoon rains in the spring and summer with hot summers and milder winters. The best times to visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the views are lovely. The average temperatures in spring are between 9°C and 26°C, making it a great time to enjoy the blossoms and Yuyuan Gardens. September and October (after the summer monsoon) offer cool and comfortable temperatures with an average around 25°C. Summers are hot and humid, though it’s a good time to shop the luxury stores, pop-up boutiques, visit the galleries and eat out from Michelin starred restaurants to food markets.
Arrival information
What is the main airport called?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) Is the main international airport serving the city of Shanghai in China. It is located 30 km from Shanghai city centre, in Pudong.
Arriving in Shanghai
The staff at Shanghai Airport will greet you when you land and assist with your travel needs. Once you collect your bags from the arrivals area, there are various transport options available to get you on your way.
Getting into Shanghai from Shanghai Airport
With a range of transport options available at Shanghai Airport, travelling into the city centre is easy. Choose from taxis, high speed train, metro, private transfer or hotel shuttle. Shanghai Airport has the first high-speed maglev railway and it gets to city centre in just 8 minutes. It's the fastest train in the world running at a speed of 430km per hour. The Metro at Shanghai Airport is served by Metro Line 2, which gets to city centre in around 60 minutes. It's a good option to get to city centre as it is economic, but it can take some time depending on your destination. There are different bus services that can take you to several places with regular services. Most major hotels offer a courtesy shuttle to your hotel, and it’s best to book these in advance. A taxi in Shanghai from the airport to downtown takes approximately 45 minutes, though this can be longer if you're travelling during rush hour. Alternatively, you may wish to book a private transfer. You can hire a car, though you need a Chinese driver's licence and there can be a lot of traffic.
Getting around Shanghai
The best way to get around Shanghai is to use the metro. The metro is a fast and cheap way to travel within the city, and its extensive reach can take you close to all the top attractions and hotels. Signs are in both English and Chinese making it easy to get to where you need to go. Taxis are another convenient and useful option, but they'll cost a bit more. Buses are plentiful with many routes, though some lines are in Chinese only. DiDi (China's version of Uber) is available and a comfortable way to travel. Walking through Shanghai city is an awe-inspiring experience and a good way to see individual neighbourhoods. Alternatively, you may wish to join a tour.
Departure information
Fly from Cairns
Fly from Cairns. Once you’ve purchased your tickets from Cairns, there are a few things you should know to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for your upcoming trip.
What is the main airport called?
Cairns Airport. Located 8km (5 miles) from the city centre, Cairns Airport (CNS) is an international airport in Far North Queensland. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 - international airport and Terminal 2 - domestic airport.
Baggage allowance
Passengers on Qantas flights from Cairns are allocated checked baggage If you need more luggage, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance online prior to departure.
Checking in
Ensure you check-in online or via the Qantas App before you arrive at the airport from 24 hours before departure.
Important information
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Disclaimer: ∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.
Disclaimer: ± Inflight entertainment varies by route and aircraft.
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