Travelling from Colombo to Washington DC: what you need to know
Planning your trip starts with figuring out where you'll fly out of in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the city's main base, so explore your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Washington DC jetting off from here.
When arriving in Washington DC, get off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another major gateway to this city.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Colombo to Washington DC flight.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Washington DC
Booking early is often the key to securing a cheap Colombo to Washington DC flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Colombo to Washington DC.
Finding a cheap flight from Colombo to Washington DC is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Colombo to Washington DC flights.
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
We make it a cinch to book a Colombo to Washington DC flight with a stopover. To see the options departing from Bandaranaike International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
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.
Catching an early flight from Colombo to Washington DC? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to Bandaranaike International Airport:
When it comes to Bandaranaike International Airport's on-time performance, 75.71% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC takes around 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 5 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you roughly 45 minutes.
Book a hotel near DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from Colombo to Washington DC. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar to explore Washington DC and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Once your flight from Colombo to Washington DC has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 10 minutes.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near IAD. Tuck yourself in after your Colombo to Washington DC flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD can get you a lower rate.
You can find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 40 kilometres from central Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to get to the city centre by car once you've stepped off your flight from Colombo to Washington DC.
The journey will take around 1 hour 30 minutes when travelling by public transport.
If you don't want to travel to the centre, find a hotel close to BWI. Check in to one of these options after your Colombo to Washington DC flight:
Take control of the next chapter of your journey with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget make getting on the road smooth sailing.
Plan ahead and reap the rewards. Book your vehicle from BWI two weeks before your flight from Colombo to Washington DC for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the most popular month for flights from Colombo to Washington DC. To avoid the crowds, visit Washington DC in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC and 33ºC. Book your Colombo to Washington DC ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Colombo to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 10ºC.
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from Colombo to Washington DC, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Washington DC:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are top attractions which should feature on every Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be discovered after you've seen Washington DC. Around 322 kilometres to the north-east, top sights here include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another favourite stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
