Find Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Cape Town – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Direct flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between Shanghai and Cape Town. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
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Insights
When to travel
November
Cheapest • 20% price drop
February
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Istanbul (IST)
Cheapest • Avg R18 460 (return)
Addis Ababa Bole (ADD)
Shortest trip • 20h 05m (one-way)
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Insights
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Cape Town!
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Cape Town

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Shanghai to Cape Town

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CN2  London Canonbury-CPT Cape Town Airport
20852 kmmulti-stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
CPT  Cape Town Airport-CN2 London Canonbury
20852 kmmulti-stop
Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Shanghai to Cape Town flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Shanghai to Cape Town?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Shanghai to Cape Town. It’s 20% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 85% higher.

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Key details for Shanghai to Cape Town flights

Low season

May
Beat the crowds with an average 80% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 44% increase in traveller numbers.

When to book flights from Shanghai to Cape Town

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Shanghai to Cape Town based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your Shanghai to Cape Town flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from Shanghai to Cape Town?

    Only Economy class is available on flights from Shanghai to Cape Town.

  • How long is a flight from Shanghai to Cape Town?

    A direct flight from Shanghai to Cape Town takes 00m, covering 20 852 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Shanghai to Cape Town?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Shanghai to Cape Town flight?

    Return flights from Shanghai to Cape Town range from R15 315 to R22 332, with an average of R18 925 over the past 12 months. Anything below R15 315 counts as a good deal.

  • Which car hire options are available at Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT)?

    Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around R49 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Sixt
    • Europcar
    • Woodford
    • GREEN MOTION
    • Hertz

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Shanghai to Cape Town?

    Flights from Shanghai to Cape Town may depart from several airports in Shanghai area, including Shanghai Pu Dong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Intl (SHA). Flights usually arrive at Cape Town Intl (CPT).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Shanghai to Cape Town pass through?

    One-stop flights from Shanghai to Cape Town most commonly connect through:

    • Doha Hamad Intl (DOH) – 45% of one-stop connections
    • Istanbul (IST) – 30% of one-stop connections
    • Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) – 15% of one-stop connections
    • Dubai Intl (DXB) – 10% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Shanghai to Cape Town?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 57% on flights from Shanghai to Cape Town. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at R15 211 return on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at R35 124, a difference of R19 913.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from Shanghai to Cape Town?

    Flying via Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 20h 05m, compared to 21h 26m via Dubai Intl (DXB) and 22h via Doha Hamad Intl (DOH).

  • What is the time difference between Shanghai and Cape Town?

    Cape Town is 6 hours behind Shanghai (South Africa Time vs China Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Cape Town?

    Some of the most popular sights in Cape Town are Sea Point Pavilion, Bloubergstrand Beach, and Cape Town Stadium. These are among the most viewed places in Cape Town on KAYAK.

Your guide to booking Shanghai to Cape Town flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average R15 211, about R19 913 less than Sunday fares (57% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Shanghai to Cape Town trip for November. Fares historically average R15 195 return in that month – typically R19 930 less than the most expensive month, which is May (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Cape Town Intl Airport.

    • Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
    • Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

More options for your flight from Shanghai to Cape Town

Complete your trip to Cape Town with a hotel stay or car hire

Car hire in Cape Town
Hotels in Cape Town