Travelling from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Zanzibar, where Zanzibar International Airport is located. Colombo runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave enough time to get on your ZNZ to Colombo flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
ZNZ is around 6 kilometres from central Zanzibar. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near ZNZ. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the flights that depart from Zanzibar International Airport, 71.9% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) to Colombo
₹ 39,486 is currently the best price for a one-way Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket starts at ₹ 108,485. These prices can change based on demand.
To pick up cheap flights from ZNZ to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines tend to offer lower fares when tickets are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Save time looking for cheap flights from ZNZ to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Snag an affordable flight from Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you about 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. After your flight from Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Following your ZNZ to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel near CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and be off and running.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel rates are generally higher and attractions can be crowded. Visit Colombo in low season for a quieter vibe.
When booking your Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from ZNZ to Colombo around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Zanzibar International Airport to Colombo:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are essential stops on your Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Travel about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
