Direct (nonstop) flights from Colombo to Shanghai

2 airlines fly nonstop from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). It's 3,168 miles (5,098 km), about 6h 45m in the air. Operated by China Eastern Airlines, SriLankan Airlines.

CMB
Bandaranaike International
🇱🇰 Colombo, Sri Lanka
PVG
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
🇨🇳 Shanghai, China
Flight Time
6h 45m
Distance
3,168 mi
5,098 km
CO₂/pax
484 kg
−103 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
China Eastern Airlines +1
Time Diff
+3h
Operated by China Eastern Airlines China Eastern Airlines SriLankan Airlines SriLankan Airlines

Route data last updated: May 25, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

China Eastern Airlines MU China Eastern Airlines
Route
CMB → PVG
Flight Time
6h 45m
Distance
3,168 mi
SriLankan Airlines UL SriLankan Airlines
Route
CMB → PVG
Flight Time
6h 45m
Distance
3,168 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Colombo to Shanghai with one stop · direct emits 484 kg CO₂ per passenger

CMB CKG (Chongqing) PVG
Leg 1: 5h 3m (2,330 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (910 mi) Total: ~7h 33m 🍃 587 kg CO₂ (+21% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → CKG
5h 3m · 2,330 mi
View CMB to CKG flights →
Leg 2
CKG → PVG
2h 30m · 910 mi
View CKG to PVG flights →
CMB DMK (Bangkok) PVG
Leg 1: 3h 25m (1,482 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,793 mi) Total: ~7h 40m 🍃 578 kg CO₂ (+19% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → DMK
3h 25m · 1,482 mi
View CMB to DMK flights →
Leg 2
DMK → PVG
4h 15m · 1,793 mi
View DMK to PVG flights →
CMB TFU (Chengdu) PVG
Leg 1: 5h (2,251 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,033 mi) Total: ~7h 40m 🍃 580 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → TFU
5h · 2,251 mi
View CMB to TFU flights →
Leg 2
TFU → PVG
2h 40m · 1,033 mi
View TFU to PVG flights →
CMB BKK (Bangkok) PVG
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,487 mi) Leg 2: 4h 20m (1,798 mi) Total: ~7h 55m 🍃 580 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → BKK
3h 35m · 1,487 mi
View CMB to BKK flights →
Leg 2
BKK → PVG
4h 20m · 1,798 mi
View BKK to PVG flights →
CMB KMG (Kunming) PVG
Leg 1: 5h 3m (1,959 mi) Leg 2: 3h (1,223 mi) Total: ~8h 3m 🍃 563 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → KMG
5h 3m · 1,959 mi
View CMB to KMG flights →
Leg 2
KMG → PVG
3h · 1,223 mi
View KMG to PVG flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Colombo to Shanghai?

A nonstop flight from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG) takes approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes. The distance is 3,168 miles (5,098 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Colombo to Shanghai?

2 airlines: China Eastern Airlines, SriLankan Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Colombo to Shanghai?

Yes. 2 airlines: China Eastern Airlines, SriLankan Airlines.

How far is Colombo from Shanghai?

The flight distance from Colombo to Shanghai is 3,168 miles (5,098 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to New York.

What is the time difference between Colombo and Shanghai?

Shanghai is 3 hours ahead of Colombo. (Asia/Colombo vs Asia/Shanghai.)

What type of aircraft flies from Colombo to Shanghai?

At 6h 45m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Sri Lanka to China?

Depends on your passport. Check with the China embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Colombo to Shanghai?

Roughly 484 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 2,420 km.

Is the return flight from Shanghai to Colombo also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Colombo to Shanghai?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Bandaranaike International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.