Seoul to Shanghai: Road Trip Guide & Distance

538.4 miles 866.5 km · straight line
855.3 miles actual route 1376.5 km · driving distance
26h 49min estimated drive time
KRW 147630 - KRW 181698 estimated fuel cost
~1h 35min flight time
217° SW bearing direction

How far is Seoul from Shanghai?

The distance from Seoul to Shanghai is 538.4 miles (866.5 km) as the crow flies. Shanghai is located SW of Seoul. By car, the driving distance is approximately 855.3 miles, taking about 26h 49min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 35min. Seoul is in South Korea, while Shanghai is in China.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Keep in mind this route crosses international borders. Don't forget your passport, and check current border crossing times and vehicle insurance requirements. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Seoul and Shanghai. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Seoul to Shanghai

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 26h 49min KRW 147630 - KRW 181698 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 35min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~32h 11min $68–$128* Budget
Train ~34h 52min $103–$299* Comfort

Quick Facts

Seoul
37.57°N, 126.98°E
Asia/Seoul
38m elevation
Shanghai
31.23°N, 121.47°E
Asia/Shanghai
4m elevation
Explore more routes from Shanghai

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 179 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 45 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 46.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM