Direct (nonstop) flights from London to Shanghai

2 airlines fly nonstop from Heathrow (LHR) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). It's 5,755 miles (9,261 km), about 12h 50m in the air. Operated by British Airways, China Eastern Airlines.

LHR
Heathrow
🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
PVG
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
🇨🇳 Shanghai, China
Flight Time
12h 50m
Distance
5,755 mi
9,261 km
CO₂/pax
880 kg
−47 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
British Airways +1
Time Diff
+7h
Operated by British Airways British Airways China Eastern Airlines China Eastern Airlines

Route data last updated: May 26, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

British Airways BA British Airways
Route
LHR → PVG
Flight Time
12h 50m
Distance
5,755 mi
China Eastern Airlines MU China Eastern Airlines
Route
LHR → PVG
Flight Time
12h 50m
Distance
5,755 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from London to Shanghai with one stop · direct emits 880 kg CO₂ per passenger

LHR MAN (Manchester) PVG
Leg 1: 1h (152 mi) Leg 2: 10h 55m (5,720 mi) Total: ~11h 55m 🍃 927 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → MAN
1h · 152 mi
View LHR to MAN flights →
Leg 2
MAN → PVG
10h 55m · 5,720 mi
View MAN to PVG flights →
LHR LGW (London) PVG
Leg 1: 45m (25 mi) Leg 2: 11h 20m (5,761 mi) Total: ~12h 5m 🍃 911 kg CO₂ (+4% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → LGW
45m · 25 mi
View LHR to LGW flights →
Leg 2
LGW → PVG
11h 20m · 5,761 mi
View LGW to PVG flights →
LHR PKX (Beijing) PVG
Leg 1: 9h 55m (5,106 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (652 mi) Total: ~12h 10m 🍃 927 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → PKX
9h 55m · 5,106 mi
View LHR to PKX flights →
Leg 2
PKX → PVG
2h 15m · 652 mi
View PKX to PVG flights →
LHR BRU (Brussels) PVG
Leg 1: 1h 15m (217 mi) Leg 2: 11h (5,620 mi) Total: ~12h 15m 🍃 924 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → BRU
1h 15m · 217 mi
View LHR to BRU flights →
Leg 2
BRU → PVG
11h · 5,620 mi
View BRU to PVG flights →
LHR CPH (Copenhagen) PVG
Leg 1: 1h 55m (610 mi) Leg 2: 10h 23m (5,154 mi) Total: ~12h 18m 🍃 926 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → CPH
1h 55m · 610 mi
View LHR to CPH flights →
Leg 2
CPH → PVG
10h 23m · 5,154 mi
View CPH to PVG flights →

Looking for the return flight?

PVG → LHR: Flights from Shanghai to London

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from London to Shanghai?

A nonstop flight from London (LHR) to Shanghai (PVG) takes approximately 12 hours and 50 minutes. The distance is 5,755 miles (9,261 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from London to Shanghai?

2 airlines: British Airways, China Eastern Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from London to Shanghai?

Yes. 2 airlines: British Airways, China Eastern Airlines.

How far is London from Shanghai?

The flight distance from London to Shanghai is 5,755 miles (9,261 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between London and Shanghai?

Shanghai is 7 hours ahead of London. (Europe/London vs Asia/Shanghai.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from London to Shanghai?

Probably — 7-hour time difference means moderate jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying eastward is generally harder to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from London to Shanghai?

At 12h 50m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from United Kingdom to China?

Depends on your passport. Check with the China embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from London to Shanghai?

Roughly 880 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,400 km.

Is the return flight from Shanghai to London also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from London to Shanghai?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Heathrow for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.