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$296 Cheap Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG)

Cheap Flights from Colombo to Shanghai (CMB-PVG)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $296 for one-way flights and $438 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Colombo to Shanghai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Colombo to Shanghai

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Colombo to Shanghai are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Colombo to Shanghai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Colombo to Shanghai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Colombo to Shanghai: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Colombo to Shanghai

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Colombo to Shanghai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $296 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Colombo to Shanghai flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Colombo to Shanghai airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $296 and cheap return flights $438 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $357 to $1437, and return flights typically cost between $737 and $2630. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.

*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

The cheapest month to fly from CMB to PVG is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.

Which airlines fly direct from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

China Eastern Airlines offers around 7 weekly direct flights from CMB to PVG.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

China Eastern Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG), with round-trip tickets starting from around $762. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I find cheap flights from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

What is the best airline to fly with from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

The best airline to fly with from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, China Eastern Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, China Eastern Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. SriLankan Airlines offers the most daily flights from Colombo to Shanghai, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

What is the best time to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.

How many flights per day from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Pudong Intl. (PVG). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.

What is the earliest flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by Malaysia Airlines. This service is seasonal, active in August, September, and October, giving you a chance to maximize your time in Shanghai. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

When flying from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from midnight to 3am. This time window accounts for about 49% of passenger traffic, with airlines like Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines operating flights during this period. Many travelers prefer this timing as it allows for a full day in Shanghai upon arrival.

How long does it take to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

A nonstop flight from CMB to PVG typically takes around 6 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 3,168 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 8 hours to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.

Can you fly business or first class from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

Business class seats are offered on the CMB to PVG route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Air China
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • SriLankan Airlines
  • Thai Airways International

How do I earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

What airports do you fly into for Shanghai from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB)?

When traveling from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Shanghai, you can fly into Hongqiao Intl. (SHA) and Pudong Intl. (PVG). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Velana Intl. (MLE), Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl. (BOM), Changshui Intl. (KMG) before reaching Shanghai. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Is it cheaper to book a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.)?

If you booked your Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Shanghai (PVG-Pudong Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Bandaranaike Intl. Airport
Destination airport
Shanghai Pudong Intl. Airport
Distance
3,168 miles away
Airlines serving
Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Air China, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Vietjet Air, Hahn Air Systems
Popular airline
Malaysia Airlines
Roundtrip price
$438
Average flight time
6 hours 45 mins
*Available to One Key members.