How to find cheap flights to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way flight to Colombo is ₹ 8,894. A round-trip ticket starts at ₹ 18,190.
Snag an amazing deal by creating a Price Alert. We'll do the monitoring for you, sending notifications when fares go down.
Don't put things off until the last moment. You're more likely to secure the best price on tickets if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
Select the 'Add nearby airports' option to widen your search for cheap flights to Colombo. This will display all the airports around your departure and destination points.
Indirect routes are often cheaper, so consider taking a flight with a stop. Just uncheck the 'Direct flights' box when searching for your tickets.
Best time to go to Colombo
Use the 'Whole month' tool if you have flexible travel dates. Browse fares for an entire month and find a flight that fits your schedule and budget.
Plan your stay for February if you prefer to be there when it's busy. This is the most popular month for flights, but also when fares are likely to be more expensive.
Visit in March if you'd rather avoid the crowds. This is the quietest time of year and also when plane tickets to Colombo are generally more affordable.
The weather can make or break your trip, so consider the kind of conditions you enjoy travelling in. Colombo is warmest in March, averaging between 24ºC and 33ºC.
January is when temperatures reach their lowest, between 22ºC and 32ºC.
Hoping for clearer skies? January is the driest month in Colombo, averaging seven days of rain.
It rains the most in May, which gets around 21 days of wet weather.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Colombo stays consistently warm and humid year-round, with tropical temperatures and regular rainfall patterns. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Monsoon season brings frequent showers with highs around 30°C and lows near 23°C, making these some of the best times to explore Colombo between downpours. Pack a lightweight raincoat and breathable clothing.
March – May: The inter-monsoon season brings warm, humid days with highs around 31°C and nights near 25°C. You'll find mornings generally drier before afternoon showers arrive. Stay hydrated and seek shade during midday heat.
June – September: Southwest monsoon season brings warm, humid conditions with frequent rainfall, averaging 27°C during the day and 24°C at night. Perfect for exploring indoor attractions, museums, and covered markets while enjoying the lush green landscapes.
October – November: The inter-monsoon season brings warm, humid days with temperatures reaching 31°C and nights around 24°C. You'll find this perfect weather for exploring outdoor attractions, wandering through nature spots, and enjoying evening walks along the waterfront areas.
Travelling to Colombo: what you need to know
Most passengers fly into Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the busiest airport serving the city.
Offering direct flights to Colombo, these leading airlines make reaching your destination nice and easy:
When you touch down in Colombo, you'll be in the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Book your tickets and then find the ideal place to stay. Explore these options and find your match:
Getting to central Colombo from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 32 kilometres from CMB, the city's main airport.
After landing from your flight to Colombo, the drive to the centre takes around 40 minutes.
About 50 minutes is how long it'll take to get there on public transport.
Rest or simply freshen up after your flight to Colombo. These hotels near Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport offer the ideal place to relax and recharge:
Colombo highlights
These top sights should feature on your to-do list after hopping off your flight to Colombo:
Mount Lavinia Beach: Around 10 kilometres south of the city centre, this landmark is an ideal spot to start your sightseeing in the city.
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall: Take on this landmark next. About 3 kilometres south of the city centre in Colombo 07, it's well worth stopping by for the full Colombo experience.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Things to do in Colombo: Stroll along Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade just 2 kilometres west of the city centre where you can watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean and enjoy street food from local vendors. Head to Pettah Market, about 3 kilometres northeast, to browse through narrow lanes filled with textiles, spices, and electronics. For a beach escape, visit Mount Lavinia Beach roughly 12 kilometres south, where you can swim in calm waters and walk along the sandy coastline.
Cultural experiences: Admire centuries-old Buddhist and Hindu art at the historic Gangaramaya Temple, just 2 kilometres south of central Colombo. Sample traditional hoppers and curry at local eateries in Pettah district, about 1 kilometre northeast, alongside spice merchants and tea vendors. The Lionel Wendt Centre in Cinnamon Gardens, roughly 4 kilometres south, hosts classical music performances and contemporary theatre productions that celebrate the island's artistic heritage.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the colourful Vesak Festival in May with illuminated temples and street decorations celebrating Buddha's birth. Join the lively Duruthu Perahera parade in January featuring traditional dancers and decorated elephants. The dry season from December to March offers the best time to visit Colombo with less rainfall and comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoor markets and waterfront areas.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has plenty more ways to surprise you. Carry on to Moratuwa, located around 18 kilometres south of Colombo. Holy Emmanuel Church, Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum and Lahugala Sanctuary should be on your must-see list.
Negombo is another standout destination in Sri Lanka and is roughly 32 kilometres north of Colombo. Make it a trip to remember with stops at Negombo Beach, Ettukala Beach and Moya Beach.
Or head to Kandy, about 97 kilometres northeast of Colombo. Sri Dalada Maligawa, Royal Botanical Gardens and Royal Botanical Garden are just the start of reasons to go.
Complete your trip with a Colombo car hire
Rent a car in the city and drive off when you're ready. Check out the range of car rentals in Colombo and unlock the top deals with a single search. You can also compare rental cars on everything from mileage limits to customer reviews and booking flexibility.
