While takeoff favors left seats for Brisbane's river and bay views, the landing approach into Shanghai Pudong—where you'll see the Huangpu River's dramatic meander and the iconic financial district—is the more visually compelling segment of this route. Right seats capture this better.
Flown BNE to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brisbane to Shanghai is 4,540 miles (7,306 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
The flight crosses the Coral Sea and Tasman Sea region, passing east of the Australian continent. Around midpoint, you'll be over open ocean with no major landmarks visible. As you approach Chinese airspace, you'll cross the East China Sea with occasional glimpses of shipping traffic and, in clear conditions, the Chinese coastline becoming visible several hundred miles before Shanghai. The Yangtze River delta's flat terrain and extensive waterways become apparent during the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
LEFTBrisbane typically departs runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 19L/19R (southbound). Left seats on northbound departures capture the Brisbane River's distinctive meanders through the city, Moreton Bay's islands, and the coastal strip north toward the Glass House Mountains.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTApproaching Shanghai Pudong typically uses runways 08L/08R (eastbound) or 26L/26R (westbound). Right seats on eastbound approaches offer views of the Huangpu River's dramatic bend, the Pudong skyline including Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Yangtze River estuary's mudflats and shipping channels.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to Shanghai. While takeoff favors left seats for Brisbane's river and bay views, the landing approach into Shanghai Pudong—where you'll see the Huangpu River's dramatic meander and the iconic financial district—is the more visually compelling segment of this route. Right seats capture this better.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Brisbane typically departs runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 19L/19R (southbound). Left seats on northbound departures capture the Brisbane River's distinctive meanders through the city, Moreton Bay's islands, and the coastal strip north toward the Glass House Mountains. Notable sights include: Brisbane River (serpentine through CBD), Moreton Bay with North Stradbroke Island, Glass House Mountains (distant northwest), Bribie Island.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Shanghai Pudong typically uses runways 08L/08R (eastbound) or 26L/26R (westbound). Right seats on eastbound approaches offer views of the Huangpu River's dramatic bend, the Pudong skyline including Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Yangtze River estuary's mudflats and shipping channels. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (sharp meander), Pudong financial district skyline, Yangtze River estuary with mudflats, East China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Brisbane to Shanghai?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 8 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,540 miles (7,306 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brisbane to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Coral Sea and Tasman Sea region, passing east of the Australian continent. Around midpoint, you'll be over open ocean with no major landmarks visible. As you approach Chinese airspace, you'll cross the East China Sea with occasional glimpses of shipping traffic and, in clear conditions, the Chinese coastline becoming visible several hundred miles before Shanghai. The Yangtze River delta's flat terrain and extensive waterways become apparent during the final descent phase.