Travelling from Shanghai to Colombo: what you need to know
Shanghai is home to two main airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Shanghai to Colombo flying out of Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
Disembark at Colombo's major arrival point, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Around 7 hours 20 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Shanghai to Colombo flight.
Colombo is two hours 30 minutes behind Shanghai and follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are nine flights a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Shanghai to Colombo is with China Eastern Airlines at 14:25. Go for the first PVG to CMB departure operated by SriLankan Airlines at 00:20 to fit in more activities on your first day in Colombo.
To ensure you board your Shanghai to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like April, it's best to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Colombo
To snag cheap Shanghai to Colombo flights, book your journey four months before your planned departure.
July is the best month for scoring an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Shanghai to Colombo. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Shanghai to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Shanghai to Colombo flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Colombo jetting off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Start your journey at PVG and arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
China Eastern Airlines is a leading airline that offers direct Shanghai to Colombo plane tickets from PVG.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Shanghai to Colombo flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Central Shanghai to PVG is around 32 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 50 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Shanghai to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, data shows 78.11% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Shanghai to Colombo flight, here's where you can stop when taking off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Driving from central Shanghai to SHA generally takes 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It's around 13 kilometres from the city centre to the airport.
It's your holiday, so why not spend another night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Colombo:
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has earned its reputation for punctuality. 85.58% of flights departing here arrive right on target.
You'll find SHA at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 13 kilometres. It takes around 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near CMB:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Shanghai to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and be off and running.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Shanghai to Shanghai. The city buzzes during high season, but hotel rates are typically higher and attractions can be busy. Go to Shanghai in the low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Shanghai to Colombo ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for cheap flights from Shanghai to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Shanghai to Colombo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Moratuwa is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored after you've experienced Colombo. Around 18 kilometres to the south, top sights here include Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Jaffna is another favourite destination in Sri Lanka and is around 306 kilometres north of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.