Direct (nonstop) flights from Shanghai to Colombo

2 airlines fly nonstop from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Bandaranaike International (CMB). It's 3,168 miles (5,098 km), about 7h 28m in the air. Operated by China Eastern Airlines, SriLankan Airlines.

PVG
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
🇨🇳 Shanghai, China
CMB
Bandaranaike International
🇱🇰 Colombo, Sri Lanka
Flight Time
7h 28m
Distance
3,168 mi
5,098 km
CO₂/pax
484 kg
−94 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 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

China Eastern Airlines MU China Eastern Airlines
Route
PVG → CMB
Flight Time
7h 28m
Distance
3,168 mi
SriLankan Airlines UL SriLankan Airlines
Route
PVG → CMB
Flight Time
7h 28m
Distance
3,168 mi

Alternative Routes

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

PVG DMK (Bangkok) CMB
Leg 1: 4h 30m (1,793 mi) Leg 2: 3h 20m (1,482 mi) Total: ~7h 50m 🍃 578 kg CO₂ (+19% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → DMK
4h 30m · 1,793 mi
View PVG to DMK flights →
Leg 2
DMK → CMB
3h 20m · 1,482 mi
View DMK to CMB flights →
PVG CAN (Guangzhou) CMB
Leg 1: 2h 45m (747 mi) Leg 2: 5h 25m (2,482 mi) Total: ~8h 10m 🍃 582 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → CAN
2h 45m · 747 mi
View PVG to CAN flights →
Leg 2
CAN → CMB
5h 25m · 2,482 mi
View CAN to CMB flights →
PVG BKK (Bangkok) CMB
Leg 1: 4h 45m (1,798 mi) Leg 2: 3h 30m (1,487 mi) Total: ~8h 15m 🍃 580 kg CO₂ (+20% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → BKK
4h 45m · 1,798 mi
View PVG to BKK flights →
Leg 2
BKK → CMB
3h 30m · 1,487 mi
View BKK to CMB flights →
PVG HKG (Hong Kong) CMB
Leg 1: 2h 55m (777 mi) Leg 2: 5h 45m (2,495 mi) Total: ~8h 40m 🍃 550 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → HKG
2h 55m · 777 mi
View PVG to HKG flights →
Leg 2
HKG → CMB
5h 45m · 2,495 mi
View HKG to CMB flights →
PVG CKG (Chongqing) CMB
Leg 1: 3h 10m (910 mi) Leg 2: 5h 55m (2,330 mi) Total: ~9h 5m 🍃 587 kg CO₂ (+21% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → CKG
3h 10m · 910 mi
View PVG to CKG flights →
Leg 2
CKG → CMB
5h 55m · 2,330 mi
View CKG to CMB flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Shanghai to Colombo?

A nonstop flight from Shanghai (PVG) to Colombo (CMB) takes approximately 7 hours and 28 minutes. The distance is 3,168 miles (5,098 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Shanghai to Colombo?

2 airlines: China Eastern Airlines, SriLankan Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Shanghai to Colombo?

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

How far is Shanghai from Colombo?

The flight distance from Shanghai to Colombo 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 Shanghai and Colombo?

Colombo is 3 hours behind Shanghai. (Asia/Shanghai vs Asia/Colombo.)

What type of aircraft flies from Shanghai to Colombo?

At 7h 28m, 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 China to Sri Lanka?

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

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

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

Is the return flight from Colombo to Shanghai 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 Shanghai to Colombo?

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 Shanghai Pudong International Airport for this flight?

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