The left side wins because it tracks the Chinese mainland coastline for most of the cruise phase, passing within sight distance of the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong's offshore waters, and the Fujian and Zhejiang coasts, in addition to the Singapore skyline at departure. The right side spends most of the flight over open South China Sea and East China Sea with only distant, often unreachable glimpses of Taiwan or the Philippines.
Flown SIN to SHA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Singapore to Shanghai is 2,353 miles (3,787 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
South China Sea east of Hainan Island, the Paracel Islands region, and the approach to the Taiwan Strait where the route runs between the Fujian coast and Taiwan
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIN
LEFTDeparting Changi northbound, the aircraft climbs out with Singapore's city center and harbor falling away to the west side of the cabin. Passengers on the left get a last look at the Marina Bay skyline, the container port, and the Johor Strait before the city gives way to Malaysia's coastline.
Landing at SHA
RIGHTHongqiao Airport sits only about 13 kilometers from downtown Shanghai, and arrivals from the south typically swing past the city before lining up on final. This gives right-side passengers a close, low-altitude view of the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River bends.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Shanghai. The left side wins because it tracks the Chinese mainland coastline for most of the cruise phase, passing within sight distance of the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong's offshore waters, and the Fujian and Zhejiang coasts, in addition to the Singapore skyline at departure. The right side spends most of the flight over open South China Sea and East China Sea with only distant, often unreachable glimpses of Taiwan or the Philippines.
What can I see during takeoff from Singapore Changi in Singapore?
During takeoff from Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Changi northbound, the aircraft climbs out with Singapore's city center and harbor falling away to the west side of the cabin. Passengers on the left get a last look at the Marina Bay skyline, the container port, and the Johor Strait before the city gives way to Malaysia's coastline. Notable sights include: Marina Bay Sands and CBD skyline, Singapore Strait shipping lanes, Johor Strait, Pulau Ubin and nearby islands.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Hongqiao Airport sits only about 13 kilometers from downtown Shanghai, and arrivals from the south typically swing past the city before lining up on final. This gives right-side passengers a close, low-altitude view of the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River bends. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline towers (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), Huangpu River, Yangtze River Delta waterways, Hongqiao's surrounding farmland and canals.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Shanghai?
The flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,353 miles (3,787 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Singapore to Shanghai flight path pass over?
South China Sea east of Hainan Island, the Paracel Islands region, and the approach to the Taiwan Strait where the route runs between the Fujian coast and Taiwan