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Air France · Route guide

Flying Air France from CDG (Paris) to PVG (Shanghai) – Route Insights

Everything you need to fly Paris to Shanghai: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

4 airlines on this route · Daily long-haul service

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Airline

Air France

Service

Daily long-haul service

Region

Europe to East Asia

The route

Welcome to your comprehensive guide for the Air France route connecting Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). This popular long-haul route links two major global hubs, offering passengers a direct gateway between Europe and Asia. Key data points for this route include an average flight duration of approximately , covering a distance of around . Common aircraft operating on this sector include the . Discover more statistics, travel tips, and insights below.

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One-way from

$766

Indicative fare via Duffel, ~6 weeks out

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

CDG
Check-in
Air France long-haul departures typically use Terminal 2E/2F — confirm your specific terminal, and keep the standard international buffer given CDG's size.
Security
CDG can have inconsistent security wait times across terminals — checking current status before leaving for the airport is worthwhile.
Connections
The RER B train connects CDG to central Paris in around 35-50 minutes depending on your terminal.
Arrival

Shanghai Pudong (PVG)

PVG
On arrival
Confirm your arrival terminal in advance — PVG's two terminals are not within easy walking distance of each other.
Ground transport
The Maglev train covers the ~19 miles into central Shanghai in under 8 minutes.
Planning ahead
Check current Chinese visa/transit-visa-free rules for your nationality well ahead of travel — these have changed periodically in recent years.
Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Fares & booking

Booking window
Booking 2-3 months ahead is a sensible target for this long-haul route outside major French and Chinese holiday periods.
Cabin advice
At 11-13 hours in the air, Air France's business class lie-flat seating is a meaningful comfort upgrade over economy on this sector.
Peak pricing
Chinese New Year and the European summer holiday season both push demand up on this corridor.

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Shanghai and Paris, through our travel partner.

When to fly

Best Time to Fly from CDG (Paris) to PVG (Shanghai)

The best times to fly from Paris to Shanghai are generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months. During these periods, Shanghai experiences pleasant weather, avoiding the intense summer heat and humidity, or the cold of winter. You might also find compared to peak seasons like major holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, Golden Week). Booking is often recommended for better deals, especially if your travel dates are flexible. Summer months (June-August) can see higher demand and prices, while winter (December-February) can be cheaper but colder.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the CDG (Paris) - PVG (Shanghai) Route

  1. 01

    Ensure your Chinese visa is sorted well in advance of your travel date; requirements can vary based on nationality.

  2. 02

    Familiarize yourself with basic Mandarin phrases or have a translation app handy, as English proficiency can vary outside tourist hotspots in Shanghai.

  3. 03

    Exchange currency to Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) or ensure your cards are enabled for international transactions. Mobile payment is prevalent in China.

  4. 04

    Prepare for a long flight: bring a neck pillow, entertainment, and stay hydrated to combat jet lag effectively.

  5. 05

    Research transportation options from PVG to your accommodation in Shanghai beforehand (e.g., Maglev train, metro, taxi).

Carriers

Airlines Operating the CDG (Paris) to PVG (Shanghai) Route

Air France

Operates on this route. Check current schedules for exact timings.

China Eastern Airlines

Often offers and is a major carrier for this route.

Lufthansa (via FRA/MUC)

Provides connecting flights, typically with a layover in Germany.

Emirates (via DXB)

Offers connecting flights with a stop in Dubai, available .

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Paris to Shanghai.

How long is the flight from Paris to Shanghai?

Typically around 11-13 hours, per the route's published schedule.

What aircraft does Air France use?

Air France has operated Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft on this route — check your specific booking.

Do I need a visa for China?

Requirements vary by nationality and length of stay — check current Chinese entry and transit-visa-free rules before booking.

Keep exploring

Where to next.

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