Travelling from Colombo to Melbourne: what you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Melbourne taking off from here.
Touch down at Melbourne's chief entry point, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Around 9 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Colombo to Melbourne flight.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Colombo to Melbourne flight.
Heading away during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Melbourne
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Melbourne is ₹ 20,317. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ₹ 35,682. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Get cheap Colombo to Melbourne flights by booking three months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for landing a bargain.
June is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Colombo to Melbourne. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Colombo to Melbourne by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Colombo to Melbourne flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Jet off from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) on a nonstop flight from Colombo to Melbourne. From CMB, you can fly straight to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Secure your Colombo to Melbourne plane tickets with SriLankan Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from CMB.
We make it a cinch to book a Colombo to Melbourne flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Bandaranaike International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Located around 27 kilometres from the centre of Colombo, CMB can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Need a convenient hotel close to Bandaranaike International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Colombo to Melbourne, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
When it comes to Bandaranaike International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 75.71% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 19 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Colombo to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near MEL:
Follow your own route with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and discover more of Melbourne and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks before your trip.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. Once you've disembarked your flight from Colombo to Melbourne, it'll take you approximately 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make collecting an Avalon Airport rental car simple. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Get the pick of the lot. Securing your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 11 kilometres from central Melbourne. It'll take you about 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a cab or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from Colombo to Melbourne.
If you're using public transport, the journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Begin your travels without stressing over how to get to your next stop with an Essendon Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with reliable suppliers here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental providers sometimes offer deals for early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from MEB well ahead of your flight from Colombo to Melbourne. A little prep work can make a big difference in cost.
Best time to go to Melbourne
April is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Melbourne, while January is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Melbourne based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Colombo to Melbourne ticket departing in January if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Melbourne to range from 12ºC to 29ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Colombo to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 13ºC.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Colombo to Melbourne, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria and Eureka Skydeck 88 are top sights which should be on every Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've done Melbourne, now it's time to discover other corners of Australia. Travel around 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to check off its top sights. From Australian War Memorial to National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Geelong is another sought-after destination in Australia and is around 64 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. No trip is complete without seeing Ford Motor Company, Roraima Nursery and RTC Resource Centre.