Kota Kinabalu (BKI) → Shanghai (PVG)

2,866 km
4h 5m flight
From $430
Shanghai destination photo

About Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai Flights

Discover the best flights from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai, covering 2,866 km in approximately 4h 5m. Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Shanghai (PVG) is one of the popular medium-haul routes connecting Malaysia and China. With 7 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai.

12-Month Price History

Flight prices from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $584, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $989. Savvy travelers can save up to 41% by choosing their travel dates wisely.

Best Time to Fly

Cheapest Month

February

Save up to 40% on average

Most Expensive

July

Peak season pricing

Book in Advance

153 days

For best prices

Booking Tips

For the best prices on Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai flights, we recommend booking 119 days in advance. International flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.

Airlines Serving This Route

United Airlines

UA

Economy

$1060

Business

$3920

First

$5950

China Eastern Airlines

MU

Economy

$1090

Business

$4250

First

$6790

Air China

CA

Economy

$1120

Business

$4340

First

$5780

Delta Air Lines

DL

Economy

$1170

Business

$3470

First

$5920

American Airlines

AA

Economy

$1190

Business

$3760

First

$5380

China Southern Airlines

CZ

Economy

$1200

Business

$4360

First

$5520

Shanghai Airlines

FM

Economy

$1280

Business

$3810

First

$6770

Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.

Alternative Flight Options

Hangzhou destination photo

Kota KinabaluHangzhou

Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)

Distance: 2,740 km

Average price: $664

View this route →
Shanghai destination photo

Kota KinabaluShanghai

Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) to Shanghai Hongqiao International (SHA)

Distance: 2,862 km

Average price: $688

View this route →

Don't Forget Travel Insurance!

Found your flight? Protect your trip with SafetyWing's comprehensive travel insurance. Perfect for trips to Shanghai, China.

  • Medical coverage up to $250,000
  • Trip interruption & delays covered
  • Lost luggage protection included

From just $45/month • Works in 180+ countries • COVID-19 coverage included

Get Travel Insurance Quote

Trusted by 100,000+ travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai?

The flight time from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Shanghai (PVG) is approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.

What is the distance between Kota Kinabalu and Shanghai?

The aerial distance between Kota Kinabalu and Shanghai is 2,866 kilometers (1,781 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.

Which airlines fly from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai?

Several airlines operate flights between Kota Kinabalu and Shanghai, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and 4 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai?

Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.

How far in advance should I book my flight to Shanghai?

For the best prices on Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai flights, we recommend booking 168 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.

Do I need a visa to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of Malaysia traveling to China should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.

What is the time difference between Kota Kinabalu and Shanghai?

Kota Kinabalu operates on Asia/Kuala_Lumpur time zone, while Shanghai is in the Asia/Shanghai time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.