Distance from Colombo to Shanghai
🇱🇰 Colombo, Sri Lanka → 🇨🇳 Shanghai, China
The distance between Colombo and Shanghai is 5,093 kilometres (3,164 miles) measured as a great-circle (straight) line. Flying out of Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the initial heading is roughly northeast (52°), and a typical nonstop flight takes around 6h 52m. Actual flight paths and times vary with routing, winds and air-traffic constraints.
Travelling the other way, from Shanghai to Colombo, covers the same 5,093 km; the return flight leaves on an initial heading of roughly southwest (247°). Shanghai (UTC+8) is 2h 30m ahead of Colombo (UTC+5:30).
Colombo
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's coastal commercial capital on the Indian Ocean, mixing colonial-era forts, Buddhist temples and a lively seaside promenade.
Top sights: Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Market, Old Dutch Hospital, National Museum
Shanghai
China
China's largest city and global financial center, famous for its futuristic Pudong skyline and historic Bund waterfront along the Huangpu River.
Top sights: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, French Concession
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Shanghai from Colombo?
- 5,093 km (3,164 miles) in a straight line.
- How long is the flight from Colombo to Shanghai?
- About 6h 52m nonstop, at an average 800 km/h cruising speed plus taxi and climb time.
- What direction is Shanghai from Colombo?
- Shanghai lies roughly to the northeast of Colombo (initial bearing 52°).
- How far is Colombo from Shanghai?
- The same 5,093 km (3,164 miles) — great-circle distance does not depend on direction.
- What is the time difference between Colombo and Shanghai?
- Shanghai (UTC+8) is 2h 30m ahead of Colombo (UTC+5:30).
- Which airports serve this route?
- Colombo: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
More distances from Colombo
See the country profiles for Sri Lanka and China, or open the Asia distance calculator.