$201 Cheap Flights from Shanghai (SHA) to Riyadh (RUH)

Popular airlines from Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to King Khaled Intl. Airport (RUH)

Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Riyadh (SHA-RUH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $201 for one-way flights and $356 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Air China
China Southern Airlines
Air China
Air China
Air China
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific

Alternative airports near Riyadh

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

Flights from Shanghai (SHA) to Riyadh (RUH)
Origin airport
Hongqiao Intl.
Destination airport
King Khaled Intl.
Airlines serving
Air China, China Southern Airlines
Roundtrip price
$355
Distance
4484 mi

Shanghai to Riyadh Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Shanghai to Riyadh

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Shanghai to Riyadh

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

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 Riyadh in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $201 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 Riyadh 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 Riyadh 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.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $201 and cheap return flights from $356 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $210 and $4495, and roundtrip flights usually range from $845 to $3436. 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 (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SHA to RUH is March 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 (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
Enter SHA to RUH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
KLM is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Shanghai (SHA) to Riyadh (RUH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,207. 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 (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled 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 airline to fly with from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Shanghai (SHA) to Riyadh (RUH) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, China Eastern Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, China Eastern Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. China Southern Airlines offers the most daily flights from SHA to RUH, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to King Khaled International Airport (RUH) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by Emirates. This seasonal service is available in August and October, providing an early start to your travels to Riyadh. 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Shanghai (SHA) to Riyadh (RUH) are in the afternoon, from 12pm to 3pm. About 27% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows travelers to have a relaxed morning before their flight.
How long does it take to fly from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
Flights from SHA to RUH with one stop typically take around 16 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 4,485 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 (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
You can fly business class between SHA and RUH. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Emirates
  • China Southern Airlines
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Gulf Air
  • Air China
  • Cathay Pacific
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Thai Airways International
  • Qatar Airways
  • Lufthansa

First class is available with Emirates.
How much is a business class flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Shanghai (SHA) to Riyadh (RUH) typically costs between $4,720 - $5,692. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $2,974 - $3,738 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled 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 Riyadh from Hongqiao Intl. (SHA)?
From Hongqiao Intl. (SHA), you can fly into King Khaled Intl. (RUH) to reach Riyadh. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hong Kong Intl. (HKG), Baiyun Intl. (CAN), Daxing Intl. (PKX) before reaching Riyadh. 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 (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.) Riyadh 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 (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled Intl.)?
If you booked your Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Riyadh (RUH-King Khaled 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.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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*Available to One Key members.