Manila to Shanghai Flights — Schedule, Carriers, Best Time | 2026

Manila (MNL) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is China’s main eastern corridor for Pinoy travelers, flown nonstop by China Eastern, Air China, and Philippine Airlines with around 14 weekly departures and a 3.8-hour block. Off-peak roundtrip economy fares sit between PHP 16,000-26,000, climbing during Chinese New Year. Demand is tourism + business — the Bund, Disneyland Shanghai, at trade-fair travel.

Route at a glance

• Distance & duration: ~3.8 hours nonstop, MNL to PVG.
• Carriers nonstop: China Eastern (MU), Air China (CA), Philippine Airlines (PR).
• Frequency: ~14 weekly departures combined.
• Travel profile: Tourism-dominant + business travel — Disneyland Shanghai, Yu Garden, the Bund, plus trade fairs.

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Best time to book

Cheapest pockets are late March through May at September through early November, when fares dip to PHP 16,000-22,000 roundtrip. Avoid Chinese New Year window (mid-Jan to mid-Feb), kasi peak ang traffic; Shanghai’s Disneyland Christmas + October Pinoy school break also push fares. China’s Golden Week (Oct 1-7) is double whammy with PH October half-term — fares can hit PHP 50,000. China Eastern’s Tuesday-Wednesday departures are usually pinaka-mura. Book 5-8 weeks ahead po. Spring (Apr-May) is pleasant weather + best fares combined.

Carriers compared

Fare bracket (peso-first)

• Low (Mar-May, Sep-early Nov): PHP 16,000-22,000 (CNY 2,150-2,955 / USD 285-395).
• Mid (Jun-Aug, late Nov): PHP 23,000-32,000 (CNY 3,090-4,300 / USD 410-570).
• Peak (Chinese New Year, Oct Golden Week, Dec): PHP 38,000-52,000 (CNY 5,105-6,990 / USD 680-930).

Tourism + visa tips

Shanghai is China’s New York — modern, neon-lit, sulit para sa first-timer in mainland China. Pinoy must-dos: the Bund (sunset photos), Yu Garden, Nanjing Road shopping, French Concession cafes, at Disneyland Shanghai (1-2 day trip, similar lineup sa HK Disneyland pero mas malaki). From PVG, Maglev train sa Longyang Road in 8 minutes (~PHP 375 / CNY 50) — world’s fastest commercial train at 431 km/h. Then Metro Line 2 sa downtown. 144-hour transit visa-free window applies for Filipinos kapag may onward third-country flight, mag-explore Shanghai without tourist visa. Pasalubong tip: silk scarves, tea, mooncakes, at xiaolongbao freezer packs are PH-customs-friendly. Bring Alipay or WeChat Pay since cashless ang Shanghai.

FAQ

Magkano ang ticket Manila to Shanghai? Roughly PHP 16,000-26,000 (CNY 2,150-3,495 / USD 285-465) off-peak; peak hits PHP 38,000-52,000.

Kailangan ba ng China visa? Yes — tourist L visa, processing 5-7 days. Pwede ring 144-hour transit visa-free.

Anong airline ang sulit? China Eastern (30kg, mura), Air China (30kg), PAL (Tagalog crew). MU usually pinaka-mura.

Saan magkita ang Bund at airport? Maglev + Metro Line 2 sa Bund — 45 min total, ~PHP 450 / CNY 60.

Related guides on this site

• Flights to China →
• Cheap flights from Manila →
• Philippine Airlines carrier guide →
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) →

Updated 9 May 2026. FlyPilipinas is a 14-person Filipino editorial team; content is researched and edited by Filipino travel and OFW specialists. About the author →.