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$638 Cheap Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Washington (DCA)

View $638 flight on Mon, Nov 23, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Washington (PVG-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $638 for one-way flights and $1,213 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
Tue, Nov 10 - Tue, Nov 17
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,213 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,213
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Nov 10 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $1,213 found 5 days ago
United
Tue, Sep 15 - Mon, Nov 23
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,216 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,216
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $1,216 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Mon, Nov 23
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,216 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,216
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $1,216 found 2 hours ago
United
Tue, Sep 15 - Mon, Nov 23
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,220 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,220
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $1,220 found 2 hours ago
Air Canada
Thu, Nov 26 - Tue, Jan 12
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,220 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,220
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Thu, Nov 26 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $1,220 found 5 days ago
Delta
Tue, Sep 15 - Mon, Nov 23
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,222 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,222
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $1,222 found 2 hours ago
Air Canada
Thu, Nov 26 - Tue, Jan 12
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,224 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,224
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Thu, Nov 26 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Tue, Jan 12, priced at $1,224 found 5 days ago
Delta
Sat, Nov 7 - Sun, Nov 15
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,226 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$1,226
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $1,226 found 14 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Nov 7 - Sun, Nov 15
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,231 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$1,231
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $1,231 found 14 hours ago
Asiana Airlines
Tue, Nov 10 - Tue, Nov 17
PVG
Shanghai
DCA
Washington
$1,234 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,234
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Asiana Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 10 from Shanghai to Washington, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $1,234 found 5 days ago

Alternative airports near Washington

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

Select flight to Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall BWI. Average driving time to city center is 40 minutes. Flights from $2,498
BWI
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Average driving time to city center40 min
Flights from $2,498
Select flight to Washington Dulles Intl. IAD. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 36 minutes. Flights from $1,775
IAD
Washington Dulles Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center36 min
Flights from $1,775

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

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

Travel from Shanghai (PVG) to Washington (DCA) with a range of airline options on this long-haul international route. Discover cheap flights from Shanghai and compare various itineraries from full-service carriers that align with your budget and schedule. As you plan your trip to explore Washington's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, you'll find essential information about flight times and Shanghai to Washington airfare to help you make the best choice for your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 16h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 3h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 7,500 miles (12,070 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $630–$1320, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Recent traveler bookings highlight the most popular airlines for flights from Shanghai to Washington, featuring both one-stop and multi-stop options. Key layover airports include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), with a layover of about 3 hours and 30 minutes; Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), offering a 1 hour and 45-minute layover; and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which has a layover of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. This allows you to tailor your itinerary by weighing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • Delta: As a leading full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop travel options with one-way fares generally falling between $725 and $1930. This carrier handles roughly 32% of the departures along this route, with an in-flight duration of 16 hours and 15 minutes and an overall journey time of about 19 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Another prominent full-service airline, American Airlines offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $630 to $1320. It accounts for around 30% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 16 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel duration close to 19 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • United: United, a well-regarded full-service carrier, provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $670 and $1100. It represents approximately 13% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 16 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time of around 19 hours and 15 minutes, including layover periods.
  • Air Canada: Offering multi-stop services, Air Canada is a full-service airline with one-way fares that typically range from $630 to $2105. It accounts for about 13% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 16 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 23 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Japan Airlines: Japan Airlines, also a full-service carrier, features multi-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $965 and $1270. It makes up roughly 8% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 16 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of around 23 hours and 45 minutes, accounting for layovers.

Travelers flying from Shanghai to Washington can opt for an upgrade, as Delta provides premium economy class service on this route, enhancing their travel experience.

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

  • Shanghai to Washington (PVG-IAD): Located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) serves as a key entry point. Economy fares for one-way trips generally fluctuate between $575 and $1525, influenced by the season and timing of your booking. This route often features both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover locations including Haneda Airport (HND) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Leading airlines for this journey are All Nippon Airways and United, and business class service is also available.
  • Shanghai to Washington (SHA-IAD): Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is situated around 27 miles from Pudong International Airport (PVG), while Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located about 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy ticket prices on this route typically vary from $540 to $1100, depending on travel season and booking period. Flights generally include both one-stop and multi-stop options, primarily connecting through Capital International Airport (PEK). Prominent airlines for this route feature Air China and All Nippon Airways, with business class also offered.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Shanghai to Washington 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 typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book two to eight weeks in advance. Departures in the afternoon, between 12 PM and 6 PM, tend to be less expensive and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday usually offers lower prices, while Friday remains the most popular 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Pudong International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Washington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ronald Reagan Washington National 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, National Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car. For those looking to reach the waterfront, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is situated about 4.8 miles away by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $638 and cheap return flights from $1,213 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $681 to $5500, and return flights typically cost between $1467 and $6383. 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The cheapest month to fly from PVG to DCA 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter PVG to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
China Eastern Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1966. 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Shanghai (Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (Ronald Reagan Washington National) usually leaves at around 12:05 AM, operated by Emirates and United. This is a seasonal service active in August, and an early departure allows you to maximize your time in Washington. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Flights from PVG to DCA with one stop typically take around 18 hours 30 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
You can fly business class between PVG and DCA. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • All Nippon Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Korean Air
  • Air China
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Air Canada
  • Juneyao Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Lufthansa

First class is available with Emirates.
How do I earn miles on a Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington from Pudong Intl. (PVG)?
From Pudong Intl. (PVG), you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Incheon Intl. (ICN), Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC), Narita Intl. (NRT) before reaching Washington. 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) Washington Vacation Packages 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 Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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
Pudong Intl.
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$1,213
Distance
7450 mi

Book with confidence

Shanghai to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Shanghai to Washington

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 Shanghai to Washington are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Shanghai to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Shanghai to Washington: 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 Shanghai to Washington

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 Shanghai to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $638 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 Shanghai to Washington 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 Shanghai to Washington 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.

 

Shanghai to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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