Contents
Leaving behind the subtropical charm of Xiamen for the skyline of Shanghai is a transition between two of China's most dynamic coastal cities. While Xiamen offers a relaxed island pace and colonial architecture on Gulangyu, Shanghai is a vast metropolis of financial towers and historic districts. The distance between the two is large, which makes the choice of transport a key part of your planning.
As you move north from the Fujian coast toward the Yangtze River Delta, the landscape shifts to the dense urban sprawl of East China. The route is popular with business travelers and with tourists pairing a beach stay with a city break, and flights run frequently.
Xiamen to Shanghai by Flight
Flying is the most efficient way to cover the distance between Xiamen and Shanghai. Flights depart from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and arrive at either Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) or Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Fares and schedules change by season and airline, so compare them for your own dates on GoAsia.cc.
Choosing the right arrival airport can save you time once you land. Hongqiao is in western Shanghai, just 13 km from the city center, and mainly serves domestic and regional flights. Pudong is the main international gateway, about 30 km from downtown, and 40 km from Hongqiao.[1]
Getting into Shanghai from the airport
From Hongqiao, Terminal 2 is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10, and Terminal 1 by Line 10. A taxi into the center typically takes around 30 minutes and costs 100 to 150 yuan, depending on traffic.[1] From Pudong, Metro Line 2 is the most economical way into the city at about 7 yuan, and the trip to People's Square takes about an hour.[1] The Shanghai Maglev runs from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station on Metro Line 2, a 30 km line with a top speed of 430 km/h that takes about 8 minutes.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Departs from | Arrives at |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) | Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) or Shanghai Pudong (PVG) |
Tips for Traveling from Xiamen to Shanghai
Chinese airports are straightforward, but a few local insights make the trip easier. Arrive at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport in good time before your departure, because security lines for domestic flights can be long at peak hours.
- Airport Selection: When booking, check whether your flight lands at Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA). If your hotel is in the west or center of the city, Hongqiao is usually more convenient.
- Transportation from the Airport: The maglev from Pudong Airport is a quick way to reach the metro network and a popular experience for first-time visitors.
- Weather Considerations: Heavy rain and typhoons in summer can cause flight delays, so keep an eye on the forecast and your airline's app.
- Language: Airport signage is in both Chinese and English, but a hotel address written in Chinese characters helps with taxi drivers.
- Booking: Book early, especially for Chinese public holidays, when fares tend to rise and seats sell out.
Timetable
| Flight Xiamen - Shanghai $ 92.64–389.87 1h 35m – 2h 5m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Xiamen to Shanghai, including current prices and schedules.
Booking an Economy Class flight in advance is usually the most economical option. Fares depend on the date and airline, so compare them on GoAsia.cc and avoid last-minute and holiday bookings.
Flying is the fastest way to travel this route. Even with check-in and airport transfers it remains the quickest option.
The flight itself is short. Add time for check-in, security and the transfer between the airport and the city, which differs between Hongqiao and Pudong.
If you want to reach the city quickly, choose Hongqiao (SHA), which is just 13 km from the city center. Pudong (PVG) is the main international gateway, about 30 km from downtown, and has the maglev to Longyang Road.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is on Xiamen Island and reachable by taxi, bus and the local BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). Check the current options for your hotel before you leave.
Booking in advance is recommended. While there are many daily flights, prices tend to rise as the departure date nears or during Chinese public holidays.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Shanghai Municipal People's Government (Shanghai International Service Portal): Transportation at Shanghai airports. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd.: Shanghai Maglev official website: Maglev passenger experience. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.