Flying from Colombo to Shanghai: what you need to know
Colombo's main base, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), is where many great holidays begin. Explore the options for leaving from here when booking your flight from Colombo to Shanghai.
Arrive in Shanghai at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
The average length of a direct Colombo to Shanghai flight is 6 hours 55 minutes.
To ensure you get on your Colombo to Shanghai flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Heading away during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Shanghai
Rs40,755 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Shanghai. A return flight starts from Rs66,424. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
Lock in cheap Colombo to Shanghai flights by booking seven months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for bagging a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Colombo to Shanghai is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Colombo to Shanghai by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Colombo to Shanghai flights.
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
You can book a direct flight from Colombo to Shanghai taking off from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Start your journey at CMB and end it at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
China Eastern Airlines is a leading airline that offers direct Colombo to Shanghai plane tickets leaving from CMB.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing Colombo to Shanghai flights departing from Bandaranaike International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Located around 27 kilometres from central Colombo, CMB can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Colombo to Shanghai? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Bandaranaike International Airport:
When it comes to Bandaranaike International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 75.71% of flights complete their journey on time.
Arriving in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to central Shanghai takes about 50 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 32 kilometres away.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Colombo to Shanghai. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PVG instead:
Pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car and explore corners of Shanghai that are off the usual tourist route. Check out the deals from Hertz.
To lock in the best rate, book your vehicle from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance. Prices usually increase closer to your date of travel.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Once your flight from Colombo to Shanghai has hit the runway, you can get to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Shanghai is approximately 13 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near SHA. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Colombo to Shanghai:
Why be tied to someone else's timetable? Grab a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car and decide exactly where your journey goes. Reserve your wheels here with Hertz.
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just what's available, by booking your ride from SHA ahead of time. You'll also avoid last-minute price surges, especially when demand is high.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport can be found at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
April is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Shanghai, while April is the most popular. Figure out the best time to visit Shanghai based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Colombo to Shanghai ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Shanghai to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -1ºC and 10ºC. Search for cheap flights from Colombo to Shanghai around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Shanghai
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Shanghai right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from Colombo to Shanghai:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. The Bund Sightseeing Avenue, Yu Garden and Shanghai Tower are essential stops on your Shanghai itinerary.
Explore more of China
You've done Shanghai, now it's time to discover other parts of China. Travel about 274 kilometres west to Nanjing to check off its must-visit sights. From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another major destination in China, consider Suzhou, roughly 80 kilometres west of Shanghai. Lotus Peak, Tianpingshan and Shangfang Tower are key reasons to visit.