Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Colombo

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Flight deals from Shanghai to Colombo

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Shanghai to Colombo? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Colombo

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Shanghai to Colombo flights are currently cheapest in September.

Direct flights from Shanghai to Colombo

Alternative Shanghai to Colombo routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Shanghai to Colombo? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Shanghai to Colombo: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundR 2,549
Cheapest month to flySeptember
Average flight time7 hrs, 20 mins
Most popular airlineChina Eastern
Average flights per week16

Finding cheap flights from Shanghai to Colombo: Frequently asked questions

There are 5 airports in Colombo: Kelaniya, Colombo Ratmalana, Colombo Bandaranayake, Bentota River, and Katugastota.
The best price we found for a return flight from Shanghai to Colombo is R 6,013. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
7 hours and 20 minutes is the average flight time from Shanghai to Colombo.
China Eastern and SriLankan Airlines fly direct from Shanghai to Colombo.
As of March 2025, there are 8 flights per week flying from Shanghai to Colombo.
The cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Colombo is usually March 2025.
If you're flying from Shanghai, the cheapest airport near Colombo is Colombo Bandaranayake – which is 27.5 km away from the centre of Colombo. We've found flights into this airport from R 6,013.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Shanghai to Colombo on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.
Yes – the average flight time is 7 hours and 20 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Colombo but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Colombo is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In March, the average temperature is usually around 28°C. May is typically the warmest month in Colombo, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in February. The coldest month is July, with temperatures averaging 25°C. The rainiest month is November.
The cheapest airline that flies to Colombo is AirAsia X. And the cheapest airline that flies to Colombo Ratmalana Airport is SriLankan Airlines.

Flying from Shanghai to Colombo: what you need to know

  • There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Shanghai. Check out your options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) when planning your flight from Shanghai to Colombo.

  • Disembark at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the primary hub in Colombo.

  • The average length of a direct flight from Shanghai to Colombo is 7 hours 12 minutes. Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, making Colombo 2 hours 30 minutes behind Shanghai.

  • The most popular route for flights from Shanghai to Colombo is from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). You can select from 16 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off first thing, the earliest flight from PVG to CMB is the 00:20 SriLankan Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 14:25 with China Eastern Airlines.

  • Leave enough time to make your flight from Shanghai to Colombo. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.

  • During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.

  • To visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you will require an e-visa if you have a passport from China. However, visa rules can change and you may need additional documents depending on the length and purpose of your visit. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines before you book your cheap flight from Shanghai to Colombo.

Flying from Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

  • You can book a nonstop flight from Shanghai to Colombo jetting off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Begin your trip at PVG and land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

  • China Eastern Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from Shanghai to Colombo leaving from PVG.

  • We make it a breeze to book a flight from Shanghai to Colombo that includes a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:

    • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

    • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

    • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

  • PVG is around 56 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 49 minutes or so to arrive, depending on traffic conditions.

  • Planning to catch an early flight from Shanghai to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport:

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Arriving in Colombo

Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)

  • Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo is about 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.

  • If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes.

  • Reserve a hotel close to RML if you're taking a late flight from Shanghai to Colombo. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

  • Central Colombo is located around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Shanghai to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 39 minutes.

  • You can also travel using public transport, which will take approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.

  • There are some cosy stays ready to welcome you near CMB. Unwind after your flight from Shanghai to Colombo at one of these perfectly located options:

How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Colombo

  • The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Colombo is R 2,549. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 6,013. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.

  • Book 11 months before you travel. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from Shanghai to Colombo.

  • Schedule your trip for July. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Shanghai to Colombo. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.

  • Locking in a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Colombo is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.

  • Take advantage of filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Shanghai to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.

Best time to go to Colombo

  • Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Shanghai to Colombo. The city buzzes during peak season, but hotel prices are generally higher and top attractions can get busy. Go to Colombo in low season if you want a quieter vibe.

  • The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your flights from Shanghai to Colombo in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.

  • If you want cooler conditions, book a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.

More about Colombo

  • Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Colombo, check out our range of hotels including:

  • Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are essential stops on your Colombo itinerary.

Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental

  • We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Shanghai to Colombo to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Colombo, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.