Shanghai (Minhang) to Frankfurt am Main
11h 23m The flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA) covers 8,827 km (5,485 miles) and takes approximately 11h 23m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads north-west on an initial great-circle bearing of 323°, passing near 56.6° N, 77.0° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 16h 03m | 16h 28m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 11h 19m | 11h 44m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 9h 48m | 10h 14m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 10h 23m | 10h 48m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| SHA | FRA | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Frankfurt Main Airport |
| City | Shanghai (Minhang) | Frankfurt am Main |
| Country | China | Germany |
| ICAO | ZSSS | EDDF |
| Coordinates | 31.1981, 121.3343 | 50.0267, 8.5584 |
| Elevation | 10 ft | 364 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Shanghai (Minhang) to Frankfurt am Main?
A non-stop flight from Shanghai (Minhang) (SHA) to Frankfurt am Main (FRA) takes about 11h 23m. The great-circle distance is 8,827 km (5,485 miles, 4,766 nautical miles), flying north-west on an initial bearing of 323°.
How far is Shanghai (Minhang) from Frankfurt am Main?
8,827 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 5,485 miles or 4,766 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between SHA and FRA?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 8,827 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
What should I expect on a 11h 23m flight?
Anything past six hours is a long-haul flight: expect at least one meal service, a significant time-zone shift, and enough sitting that circulation and hydration start to matter. Cabin altitude, dry air and disrupted sleep do more damage to a training routine than the flight itself.
Other routes from Shanghai (Minhang)
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.