Bali to Shanghai is a growing long-haul route out of Denpasar, linking Indonesia's top island getaway with one of Asia's largest and most futuristic cities. Airlines compete on this route with a mix of direct full-service flights and cheaper one-stop connections, so fares can vary widely depending on when and how you book.
Shanghai blends colonial-era architecture along the Bund with the towering skyline of Pudong across the river, alongside world-class shopping, dining, and museums. It's also one of China's busiest flight hubs, so many travelers pair a Bali trip with a Shanghai stopover en route elsewhere in Asia.
In this guide, we compare the airlines flying Bali to Shanghai, share tips for finding the cheapest fares, and answer the most common questions about this route — plus everything else you need to plan your trip, from hotels and rental cars in Shanghai, to eSIMs, bikes, and top-rated tours.
Airlines Flying Bali to Shanghai
China Eastern Airlines
Shanghai’s home carrier flies direct between Denpasar (DPS) and Shanghai (PVG) in around 6.5 hours with a full-service experience and reliable schedules on this route.
Garuda Indonesia
Indonesia’s flag carrier operates connecting flights via Jakarta, a comfortable option that keeps you with one airline for the whole journey.
AirAsia
Runs budget-friendly connecting flights via Kuala Lumpur, usually the cheapest way to reach Shanghai if you don’t mind a longer total travel time.
China Southern Airlines
Offers connecting routes via Guangzhou, a useful alternative when direct Shanghai fares are high or your travel dates are flexible.
Tips for Finding Cheap Fares
- Book 4-8 weeks ahead for the best fares on this route — prices climb sharply inside the final 2 weeks
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper than Friday/Sunday flights
- Direct China Eastern flights take about 6.5 hours, one of the more convenient long-haul routes out of Bali
- Avoid flying around Lunar New Year and Golden Week (early October), when fares on this route spike sharply
- Set a price alert if your dates are flexible — fares can fluctuate by 20-30% week to week
- Budget carriers connecting via Kuala Lumpur or Guangzhou charge extra for checked baggage — factor this into your fare comparison
- Compare direct versus connecting fares — a one-stop flight can sometimes beat the direct China Eastern fare by a wide margin
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Shanghai has four distinct seasons, with the most comfortable months to visit typically falling in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are mild and skies are clearer. Summers (June-August) are hot, humid, and occasionally affected by typhoons, while winters can be cold and damp.
For flights, avoid booking around Lunar New Year (dates vary by year) and Golden Week in early October, when both fares and hotel rates rise sharply across the city.
Planning Your Arrival in Shanghai
Once you land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the Maglev train gets you into the city center in about 8 minutes at top speed, or you can take a metro or taxi for a more direct door-to-door option. Most first-time visitors base themselves near the Bund, People's Square, or Xintiandi for easy access to major sights and dining.
A rental car is rarely necessary in Shanghai itself given the extensive metro network, but can be useful if you're planning a side trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao or Wuzhen.
Where to Stay in Shanghai
The Bund and People's Square put you steps from Shanghai's most iconic skyline views and colonial-era architecture, ideal if you want a central base close to major sights. Pudong, across the river, offers towering hotels with sweeping views back toward the Bund and easy access to the Financial District.
For a more local, character-filled base, consider Xintiandi or the French Concession — both offer tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and easy metro connections to the rest of the city.
Flights to Shanghai
Compare live fares from Denpasar (DPS) to Shanghai (PVG) across all major airlines.
Hotels in Shanghai
Book your accommodation in Shanghai ahead of arrival to lock in the best rates.
Book HotelsRental Cars in Shanghai
Pick up a self-drive rental or driver package as soon as you land in Shanghai.
Stay Connected with an eSIM
Skip SIM card queues at either end of your trip by setting up an eSIM for Bali or Shanghai in advance.
Get an eSIMRent a Bike in Shanghai
Explore Shanghai's riverside paths and tree-lined old-town streets easily with an affordable bike rental.
Rent a BikeThings to Do in Shanghai
Landing in Shanghai? Fit in a Bund night walk, a trip up the Shanghai Tower, or a day at Shanghai Disneyland with these top-rated Shanghai experiences.
Shanghai Disneyland Park Entry TicketFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Bali to Shanghai?
Direct flights from Denpasar (DPS) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) on China Eastern Airlines take approximately 6.5 hours, making it one of the more convenient long-haul routes out of Bali.
What is the cheapest airline for Bali to Shanghai flights?
AirAsia connecting via Kuala Lumpur generally offers the lowest fares, while China Eastern Airlines is worth comparing for a faster, more comfortable direct flight.
When is the cheapest time to fly from Bali to Shanghai?
Fares are typically lowest in the shoulder months and on midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday), while prices peak around Lunar New Year, Golden Week, and major Chinese public holidays.
Do I need a visa to fly from Bali to Shanghai?
Most nationalities need a visa to enter mainland China, though some countries qualify for visa-free transit or short stays under recent policy changes — check current Chinese entry requirements before booking your flight.
Is it cheaper to fly direct or with a layover from Bali to Shanghai?
Direct China Eastern flights are usually the fastest option, but a connecting flight via Kuala Lumpur or Guangzhou on a budget carrier can sometimes be noticeably cheaper if you don’t mind a longer journey.
Which airport do I land at in Shanghai?
Most international flights from Bali land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), about 45-60 minutes by taxi or the Maglev train from the city center.
Start Planning Your Flight to Shanghai
Whether you're booking months ahead or need a last-minute deal, compare fares now and take care of the rest of your trip below.