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$714 Cheap Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Washington (IAD)

View $714 flight on Tue, Sep 22, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) to Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD)

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Cheap Flights from Colombo to Washington (CMB-IAD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $714 for one-way flights and $894 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

SriLankan Airlines
Tue, Nov 17 - Tue, Apr 27
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$894 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$894
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select SriLankan Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Colombo to Washington, returning Tue, Apr 27, priced at $894 found 4 hours ago
SriLankan Airlines
Thu, Dec 17 - Sat, Jan 16
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$896 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$896
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select SriLankan Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 17 from Colombo to Washington, returning Sat, Jan 16, priced at $896 found 1 day ago
SriLankan Airlines
Fri, Nov 13 - Thu, Dec 3
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$904 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$904
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select SriLankan Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Colombo to Washington, returning Thu, Dec 3, priced at $904 found 1 day ago
Emirates
Sat, Nov 14 - Wed, Nov 18
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$910 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$910
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Sat, Nov 14 from Colombo to Washington, returning Wed, Nov 18, priced at $910 found 4 hours ago
Etihad Airways
Tue, Nov 17 - Tue, Apr 27
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$1,064 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$1,064
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Colombo to Washington, returning Tue, Apr 27, priced at $1,064 found 4 hours ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Sat, Nov 7 - Sun, Nov 15
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$1,213 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,213
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Colombo to Washington, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $1,213 found 1 day ago
Air Canada
Fri, Nov 13 - Thu, Dec 3
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$1,247 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,247
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Colombo to Washington, returning Thu, Dec 3, priced at $1,247 found 1 day ago
Qatar Airways
Mon, Oct 19 - Mon, Oct 26
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$1,265 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$1,265
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Colombo to Washington, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $1,265 found 17 hours ago
American Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Mon, Oct 26
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$1,265 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$1,265
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Colombo to Washington, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $1,265 found 17 hours ago
Lufthansa
Sat, Nov 7 - Sun, Nov 15
CMB
Colombo
IAD
Washington
$1,292 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,292
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Colombo to Washington, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $1,292 found 1 day ago

What you need to know for your flight from Bandaranaike Intl. to Washington Dulles Intl.

Colombo (CMB) to Washington (IAD) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines that operate flights from Colombo (CMB) to Washington (IAD) on this long-haul international route. You can choose between full-service and budget carriers to discover the best travel options that align with your budget, schedule, and plans while you visit Washington's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. Check out the essential information for flights departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 19h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,900 miles (14,320 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $435–$1645, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Colombo to Washington, especially for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover options include Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with approximately a 2-hour and 30-minute layover, Hamad International Airport (DOH) at around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and Istanbul Airport (IST) with a 2-hour and 15-minute layover. These choices offer the flexibility to consider various prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to create your ideal itinerary.

  • Etihad Airways: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally priced between $660 and $2345. It represents about 29% of departures on this route. The flight duration is approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • Qatar Airways: Known for its full-service offerings, Qatar Airways features one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices typically between $890 and $2800. About 15% of flights on this route are operated by them, with an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Swiss International Air Lines: This full-service carrier offers a multi-stop service, with one-way fares usually ranging from $435 to $2415. It accounts for roughly 12% of departures on this route, with a flight time of around 21 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of about 31 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • American Airlines: Providing one-stop service, this full-service airline has one-way fares that typically vary from $565 to $1395. It makes up about 10% of the departures on this route. The in-flight time is approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes, while the overall journey takes about 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layover periods.
  • Turkish Airlines: As a full-service carrier, Turkish Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares ranging from $825 to $5975. They account for around 8% of the flights on this route. The flight duration is about 19 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an approximate total travel time of 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.

Alternative route from Colombo (CMB) to Washington (IAD)

  • Colombo to Washington (CMB-DCA): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located approximately 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), providing convenient access to the capital.

How to find the best prices for flights from Colombo (CMB) to Washington (IAD)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the evening (6 PM-12 AM) often feature lower prices and are among the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Wednesday tends to be cheaper, although Tuesday remains the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport from Bandaranaike International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Colombo with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Bandaranaike International Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive (covering about 24 miles) from central Colombo. Washington city center is approximately a 40-minute drive (covering about 29 miles) from Washington Dulles International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Washington efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Washington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Washington Dulles International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Washington Dulles International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Washington Dulles International Airport, the Washington Dulles International Airport Metrorail Station, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, providing convenient access to rail services into the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $714 and cheap return flights from $894 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $896 and $3928, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1300 to $6059. 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CMB to IAD is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
Enter CMB to IAD and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
Lufthansa is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Colombo (CMB) to Washington, DC (IAD), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,101.63 with a layover in Zurich (ZRH). 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 time to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Colombo (CMB) to Washington, DC (IAD) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by SriLankan Airlines and American Airlines. This service is seasonal and active in August, so if you're planning to travel then, this early flight can help you make the most of your time in Washington, DC. 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Colombo (CMB) to Washington, DC (IAD) are in the afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Air India and Etihad Airways, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to have a leisurely morning before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
Flying from CMB to IAD with a connection usually takes about 22 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 8,935 miles. 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from CMB to IAD. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Qatar Airways
  • SriLankan Airlines
  • Air India
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Etihad Airways
  • Edelweiss Air
  • Cathay Pacific
  • flydubai
  • Air China
  • Emirates

How do I earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Washington from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB)?
When traveling from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Washington, you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hamad Intl. (DOH), Dubai Intl. (DXB), Abu Dhabi Intl. (AUH) before reaching Washington. 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) Fairfax County Vacation Packages 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.)?
If you booked your Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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
Bandaranaike Intl.
Destination airport
Washington Dulles Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$894
Distance
8933 mi

Book with confidence

Colombo to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Colombo to Washington

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 Colombo to Washington are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Colombo to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Colombo to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Colombo to Washington: 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 Colombo to Washington

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 Colombo to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $714 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 Colombo to Washington 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 Colombo to Washington 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.

 

Colombo to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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