$274 Cheap Flights from Shanghai (SHA) to Colombo (CMB)

View $274 flight on Fri, Mar 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Colombo (SHA-CMB)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $274 for one-way flights and $510 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

China Eastern Airlines
Tue, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 8
SHA
Shanghai
CMB
Colombo
$510 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$510
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select China Eastern Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Shanghai to Colombo, returning Tue, Sep 8, priced at $510 found 1 day ago

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $274 and cheap return flights from $510 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $226 and $1752, and roundtrip flights usually range from $603 to $3639. 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SHA to CMB is September 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Enter SHA to CMB and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
AirAsia X is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Hongqiao Intl. (SHA) to Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB), with round-trip tickets starting from around $690. 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Shanghai (SHA) to Colombo (CMB) 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. China Eastern Airlines also offers the most daily flights from SHA to CMB, 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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.
What is the earliest flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from SHA to CMB. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) are in the early afternoon, from noon to 3pm. About 36% of passengers choose this time window. Major airlines like China Eastern Airlines and Cathay Pacific operate flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows for a relaxed morning before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Flying from SHA to CMB with a connection usually takes about 14 hours, traveling roughly 3,145 miles. 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
You can fly business class between SHA and CMB. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Air China
  • Thai Airways International
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Emirates
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Shandong Airlines
  • Hong Kong Airlines
  • Shanghai Airlines

First class is available with Emirates.
How do I earn miles on a Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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 Colombo from Hongqiao Intl. (SHA)?
If you're planning to travel to Colombo from Hongqiao Intl. (SHA), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hong Kong Intl. (HKG), Liuting Intl. (TAO), Jinan Intl. (TNA) before reaching Colombo. 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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 Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
If you booked your Shanghai (SHA-Hongqiao Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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
Hongqiao Intl.
Destination airport
Bandaranaike Intl.
Airlines serving
Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines
Roundtrip price
$510
Distance
3143 mi

Book with confidence

Shanghai to Colombo Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Shanghai to Colombo

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 Shanghai to Colombo are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Colombo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Shanghai to Colombo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Shanghai to Colombo: 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 Shanghai to Colombo

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 Shanghai to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $274 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 Shanghai to Colombo 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 Shanghai to Colombo 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.

 

Shanghai to Colombo Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

*Available to One Key members.