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$491 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Shanghai (PVG)

View $491 flight on Wed, Sep 2, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Shanghai Pudong Intl. Airport (PVG)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Shanghai (DCA-PVG)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $491 for one-way flights and $1,147 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Alaska Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Wed, Nov 25
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,147 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,147
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Wed, Nov 25, priced at $1,147 found 1 day ago
All Nippon Airways
Mon, Feb 22 - Tue, Mar 9
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,157 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$1,157
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select All Nippon Airways flight, departing Mon, Feb 22 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Tue, Mar 9, priced at $1,157 found 20 hours ago
American Airlines
Sun, Aug 30 - Sun, Sep 13
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,158 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,158
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sun, Aug 30 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Sun, Sep 13, priced at $1,158 found 5 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Dec 3
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,164 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,164
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Thu, Dec 3, priced at $1,164 found 2 days ago
All Nippon Airways
Mon, Feb 22 - Tue, Mar 9
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,168 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$1,168
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select All Nippon Airways flight, departing Mon, Feb 22 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Tue, Mar 9, priced at $1,168 found 20 hours ago
All Nippon Airways
Tue, Sep 8 - Tue, Sep 22
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,187 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,187
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select All Nippon Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 8 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $1,187 found 2 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 2 - Tue, Oct 6
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,194 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,194
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $1,194 found 1 day ago
Air Canada
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Jan 12
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,277 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,277
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $1,277 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Nov 3 - Thu, Mar 11
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,378 Roundtrip, just found
$1,378
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Thu, Mar 11, priced at $1,378 just found
Delta
Tue, Nov 3 - Thu, Mar 11
DCA
Washington
PVG
Shanghai
$1,378 Roundtrip, just found
$1,378
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Washington to Shanghai, returning Thu, Mar 11, priced at $1,378 just found

Alternative airports near Shanghai

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Hongqiao Intl. SHA. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 21 minutes. Flights from $2,777
SHA
Hongqiao Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center21 min
Flights from $2,777

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to Pudong Intl.

Washington (DCA) to Shanghai (PVG) at a glance

Embark on an international adventure with a selection of airlines offering flights from Washington (DCA) to Shanghai (PVG) along this long-haul route. Evaluate a range of full-service carriers to discover an itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans while you delve into the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Shanghai. Here, you’ll find essential information for flights departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Pudong International Airport (PVG).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 19h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 7,500 miles (12,070 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $525–$1235, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Pudong International Airport (PVG)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Shanghai, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover spots include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with about a 1-hour layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) featuring approximately a 3-hour layover, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also offering around 3 hours of waiting time. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the best option.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $525 and $1005. It operates around 40% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 21 hours, including layovers.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop journeys with one-way fares usually ranging from $650 to $1220. It represents about 25% of all departures along this route, with an in-flight time of 19 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total trip duration close to 21 hours, accounting for layovers.
  • United: As a full-service airline, United provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically between $685 and $1050. It commands around 10% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 19 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of roughly 21 hours, including layover periods.
  • Japan Airlines: This full-service carrier offers multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices commonly ranging from $750 to $2575. It accounts for about 6% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 20 hours and an overall travel duration of approximately 27 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.

Alternative routes from Washington (DCA) to Shanghai (PVG)

  • Washington to Shanghai (IAD-SHA): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), while Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) lies about 27 miles from Pudong International Airport (PVG). One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $490 and $960, influenced by the season and timing of the booking. This route is commonly served by one-stop flights, mainly connecting through Capital International Airport (PEK). Air China is the leading airline for this route, and business class service is also offered.
  • Washington to Shanghai (IAD-PVG): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). For this route, one-way economy fares typically range from $540 to $1305, depending on seasonal factors and advance booking. Flights on this route can be found as either one-stop or multi-stop options, with frequent layovers at Haneda Airport (HND) and Incheon International Airport (ICN). All Nippon Airways and United are among the top airlines for this journey, and business class service is available as well.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Shanghai (PVG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Shanghai is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their arrangements. Departures in the morning (5 AM to 12 PM) tend to be more affordable and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday can offer lower prices, while Tuesday is the most commonly chosen travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Pudong International Airport from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Shanghai welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. Here's how to reach Shanghai efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Shanghai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Pudong International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Pudong International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Pudong International Airport, Pudong International Airport Station (a metro station) is about 0.2 miles away on foot, providing easy access to the metro. Meanwhile, Shanghai-Pu Dong Seaport (a seaport) is located approximately 1.1 miles from the airport and is best reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $491 and cheap return flights from $1,147 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $727 to $6041, and return flights typically cost between $1375 and $8814. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DCA to PVG is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
Enter DCA to PVG and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
Air France is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Pudong Intl. (PVG), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,794 with a layover in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Pudong International Airport (PVG) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This early flight allows you to maximize your time in Shanghai. This service is seasonal and active in April and May. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Shanghai (PVG) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 38% of passengers prefer this time window. Major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines operate flights during this period. Many travelers prefer this timing as it allows for a full day in Shanghai upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
Flights from DCA to PVG with one stop typically take around 20 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 7,451 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from DCA to PVG. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • American Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Shanghai from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
When traveling from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Shanghai, you can fly into Hongqiao Intl. (SHA) and Pudong Intl. (PVG). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Logan Intl. (BOS), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) before reaching Shanghai. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Pudong Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Delta, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$1,147
Distance
7450 mi

Book with confidence

Washington to Shanghai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Shanghai

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Washington to Shanghai are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Shanghai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Shanghai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington to Shanghai: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Washington to Shanghai

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Washington to Shanghai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $491 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Washington to Shanghai flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Washington to Shanghai airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Washington to Shanghai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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