Sri Lanka
ChinaColombo to Shanghai shipping route.
3,813 nautical miles via Strait of Malacca, about 11.4 days of steaming at 14 knots.
Sea Distance Between Ports: Colombo and Shanghai
Port to Port Distance on the map, along real shipping lanes.
ColomboStrait of MalaccaShanghaiShipping time from Colombo to Shanghai
| Route | Distance | 12 kn | 14 kn | 18 kn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| via Strait of Malacca (shortest) | 3,813 nm | 13.2 d | 11.3 d | 8.8 d |
| via Sunda Strait | 4,438 nm | 15.4 d | 13.2 d | 10.3 d |
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Live numbers for this lane from Navo apps, updated 2026-10-31.
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About the Colombo to Shanghai shipping route
The shipping route from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Shanghai, China covers 3,813 nautical miles port to port, via Strait of Malacca. On a globe the two ports sit 5,103 km apart, so the ship sails 1.38 times the straight line distance. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca.
At sea, the voyage lasts 13.2 days at 12 knots, 11.4 days at 14 knots and 8.8 days at 18 knots. Liner schedules on the lane quote 13 to 40 days port to port, because the services call at other ports and some transship. Over the last 30 days we counted 37 sailings by 6 carriers (CMA CGM, Interasia, Maersk, MSC and ONE).
The next option is via Sunda Strait, 4,438 nautical miles, 625 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.
Recent freight rates for LKCMB to CNSHA start at $3,150 for a 20GP and $3,286 for a 40GP. These are spot market prices from carriers that sail the lane; your quote will also include terminal handling, documentation and any bunker surcharge. At Shanghai (CNSHA) carriers give about 6 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.
Of the 65 port to port routes from Colombo in this directory, Shanghai is the 23rd shortest. Closer destinations include Durban (3,794 nm), Ningbo (3,699 nm) and Port Said (3,525 nm).
FAQ
How many nautical miles from Colombo to Shanghai?
The port to port distance from Colombo to Shanghai is 3,813 nautical miles (7,061 km), via Strait of Malacca. The route passes Strait of Malacca.
What is the shipping time from Colombo to Shanghai?
About 11.3 days at 14 knots and 8.8 days at 18 knots of steaming, without port calls. Scheduled liner services on this lane quote 13 to 40 days.
What are freight rates from Colombo to Shanghai?
Recent spot rates for LKCMB to CNSHA start at $3,150 per 20GP and $3,286 per 40GP, before local charges. Rates change weekly.
Is the return route the same?
The reverse route Shanghai to Colombo has its own page with the same distance and route.
More port to port distance
- Colombo to
Nhava Sheva931 nm - Colombo to Mundra1,265 nm
- Colombo to
Karachi1,419 nm - Colombo to
Port Klang1,420 nm - Colombo to
Singapore1,605 nm - Colombo to
Salalah1,838 nm - Qingdao to Shanghai410 nm
Busan to Shanghai469 nm- Incheon to Shanghai538 nm
- Dalian to Shanghai553 nm
- Xiamen to Shanghai589 nm
Kaohsiung to Shanghai635 nm
How we count: sea routes follow shipping lanes and canals, time is pure steaming at 14 knots without port calls. Engine navo-distance-time 0.3.0. See all sea distance between ports or the Shipping Routes Directory.