$265 Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Colombo (CMB)

View $265 flight on Tue, Nov 10, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)

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Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Colombo (MEL-CMB)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $265 for one-way flights and $525 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Thu, Aug 27 - Thu, Sep 10
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$525 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$525
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $525 found 15 hours ago
Jetstar
Tue, Nov 3 - Tue, Nov 17
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$546 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$546
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $546 found 3 days ago
Jetstar
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 24
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$550 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$550
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $550 found 3 days ago
Jetstar
Sat, Oct 31 - Sat, Nov 21
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$567 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$567
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, Oct 31 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Sat, Nov 21, priced at $567 found 3 days ago
Jetstar
Sat, Nov 28 - Tue, Dec 1
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$567 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$567
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sat, Nov 28 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $567 found 3 days ago
Jetstar
Tue, Nov 3 - Tue, Nov 24
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$571 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$571
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, Nov 3 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Tue, Nov 24, priced at $571 found 3 days ago
Air India
Mon, Jul 27 - Mon, Aug 17
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$738 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$738
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Air India flight, departing Mon, Jul 27 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Mon, Aug 17, priced at $738 found 6 hours ago
Singapore Airlines
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Nov 1
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$740 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$740
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Singapore Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $740 found 3 days ago
SriLankan Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Thu, Sep 10
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$752 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$752
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select SriLankan Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $752 found 15 hours ago
China Eastern Airlines
Sun, May 31 - Sun, Jun 7
MEL
Melbourne
CMB
Colombo
$922 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$922
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select China Eastern Airlines flight, departing Sun, May 31 from Melbourne to Colombo, returning Sun, Jun 7, priced at $922 found 1 hour ago

Alternative airports near Colombo

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Bandaranaike Intl. CMB. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 28 minutes. Flights from $801
CMB
Bandaranaike Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center28 min
Flights from $801

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $265 and cheap return flights from $525 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $405 to $4541, and return flights typically cost between $894 and $7335. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
September is typically the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Colombo (CMB), with average return fares around $651. This is about 30% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to decrease after the winter holidays. Other cheap months to fly from Melbourne to Colombo include August and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
SriLankan Airlines offers around 7 weekly direct flights from MEL to CMB.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
SriLankan Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Colombo (CMB), with round-trip tickets starting from around $920. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Colombo (CMB) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, SriLankan Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, SriLankan Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Qantas Airways offers the most daily flights from MEL to CMB, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
For flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Colombo (CMB), September and August are the best months to fly. You can expect return flights to be around $651, which is quite reasonable. September is particularly appealing as it marks the end of winter in Melbourne, while August offers a chance to enjoy the cooler weather in both cities.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Tullamarine (MEL) to Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Tullamarine (MEL) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) usually departs at around 12:30 AM, operated by Malaysia Airlines. This seasonal service is active in January, February, March, October, November, and December, allowing you to start your journey to Colombo early. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Colombo (CMB) are in the late evening, from 9pm to midnight. This time window accounts for about 29% of total traffic, making it a popular choice among travelers. Many major carriers, including Emirates, operate flights during this time, allowing you to enjoy your day in Melbourne before your flight.
How long does it take to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MEL to CMB typically takes around 10 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 5,194 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the MEL to CMB route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Thai Airways International
  • Virgin Australia
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Emirates
  • Air India
  • Qantas Airways
  • Etihad Airways
  • China Eastern Airlines

First class is available with Emirates.
How do I earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Colombo from Tullamarine (MEL)?
If you're planning to travel to Colombo from Tullamarine (MEL), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), Dubai Intl. (DXB), BNE (BNE) before reaching Colombo. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
If you booked your Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Tullamarine
Destination airport
Bandaranaike Intl.
Airlines serving
Air India, Batik air , Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways International
Roundtrip price
$524
Distance
5193 mi
Average flight time
11 hours 45 mins

Book with confidence

Melbourne to Colombo Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Melbourne to Colombo

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Melbourne to Colombo are during the month of August. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Colombo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Colombo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Melbourne to Colombo: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Melbourne to Colombo

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Melbourne to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $265 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Melbourne to Colombo flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Melbourne to Colombo airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

Melbourne to Colombo Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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