$423 Cheap Flights to Colombo

Flights to Colombo at a glance

Traveling to Colombo is easy; you can choose from a variety of full-service or budget airlines. Compare flight durations and prices to find the best option that fits your budget and itinerary while planning to discover the city's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Colombo: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Flights per week: 500+ flights arriving at Colombo airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Colombo: around 30+ carriers

Popular airport near Colombo

Colombo is a bustling city ideal for family vacations, business trips, and urban exploration. Travelers flock to this vibrant destination for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and entertainment options. The city is conveniently accessible through Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, making it easy to plan your journey.

• Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): Situated in Katana, within the Gampaha District of the Western Province, this airport is approximately 17 miles from Colombo. It operates international flights to over 65 destinations globally, allowing passengers to opt for business class or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, depending on their chosen airline and route. Notable carriers at this airport include SriLankan Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways.

Top routes to Colombo

• New York (JFK) to Colombo (CMB), with one-way fares starting at around $420
• Male (MLE) to Colombo (CMB), with one-way flight options from around $130
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Colombo (CMB), with one-way fares starting at around $430
• Washington (IAD) to Colombo (CMB), with one-way fares starting at around $440
• Mumbai (BOM) to Colombo (CMB), with one-way flight options from around $120

Cheapest routes to Colombo

• Bengaluru (BLR) to Colombo (CMB), with low one-way fares from around $65
• Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) to Colombo (CMB), with affordable one-way prices from around $70
• Chennai (MAA) to Colombo (CMB), with affordable one-way prices from around $70
• Hyderabad (HYD) to Colombo (CMB), with low one-way fares from around $80
• Singapore (SIN) to Colombo (CMB), with budget one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Colombo

• SriLankan Airlines: Operating flights to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), SriLankan Airlines represents approximately 29% of arrivals in Colombo. The typical one-way fare is around $520, with business class available as a premium service depending on the route.
• Etihad Airways: With its services to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Etihad Airways accounts for about 14% of arrivals to Colombo. The average fare for a one-way ticket is close to $520, and business class may be included as a premium offering based on the route.
• Qatar Airways: Serving Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Qatar Airways comprises nearly 10% of arrivals in Colombo. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $720, with business class possibly offered as a premium cabin option depending on the route.
• Cathay Pacific: Providing flights to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Cathay Pacific makes up around 7% of arrivals to Colombo. The average fare for a one-way journey is about $530, and business class could be available as a premium service based on the route.
• Emirates: Operating to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Emirates accounts for roughly 6% of arrivals in Colombo. The average one-way ticket costs about $770, and business class may be included as a premium cabin option depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Colombo

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Colombo are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Colombo can reach up to 82.2°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 80.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $431), roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? November and October offer average one-way fares of around $466, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Colombo

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Colombo is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Colombo hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Colombo flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Colombo

Colombo welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Colombo efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Bandaranaike International Airport, Seeduwa, a train station, is located about 5.4 miles away by car, while Negombo Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 7.4 miles from the airport and typically reached by car as well.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Colombo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Colombo is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Colombo on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Colombo

• Kotikawatta: Located 3 miles drive away from Colombo, Kotikawatta is a charming village known for its cultural experiences and beach activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local wildlife and enjoy birdwatching. The area features significant landmarks such as the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple, perfect for those seeking a cultural vacation. Additionally, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall offers facilities for business travelers, while the Colombo Lotus Tower stands out as a symbolic landmark worth visiting.
• Pagoda: Pagoda is located 4 miles drive away from Colombo and offers a rich cultural experience for travelers. This quaint village is home to historical monuments and significant sites, including the Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya temple, which is ideal for cultural exploration. Business visitors will find the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall useful, and the modern Parliament of Sri Lanka adds a contemporary touch to the area's historic landscape.
• Wellawatte: Wellawatte is located around the area of Colombo and is a vibrant neighborhood that caters to families, business travelers, and city explorers. The area boasts shopping malls, markets, and family-friendly beaches, making it a versatile destination. Notable attractions include Mount Lavinia Beach, perfect for beachgoers, and the Isipathanaramaya Buddhist Temple, which offers a glimpse into local culture. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall also serves as a key venue for business events.

Tips for short-haul flights to Colombo

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This approach also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, accounting for traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Colombo

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for long flights, choosing your seat ahead of time is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights, giving yourself ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Colombo

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Colombo on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Colombo. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Colombo. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Colombo, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Colombo

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Colombo in 2026 starts from $762, while one-way tickets start from from $423. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Colombo. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Colombo

Etihad Airways, American Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Swiss International Air Lines, Air Canada are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Colombo. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Colombo and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Colombo, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Colombo. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Colombo plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Colombo

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Colombo.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Colombo are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Colombo. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Colombo for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Colombo. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Colombo flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Colombo. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.