$308 Cheap Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Kathmandu (KTM)
Popular airlines from Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) to Tribhuvan Intl. Airport (KTM)
Air IndiaAir India
EmiratesEmirates
Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways
Malaysia AirlinesMalaysia Airlines
Singapore AirlinesSingapore Airlines
IndiGoIndiGo
Etihad AirwaysEtihad Airways
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Cheap Flights from Colombo to Kathmandu (CMB-KTM)
Alternative airports near Kathmandu
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Colombo (CMB) to Kathmandu (KTM) at a glance
Travel between Colombo (CMB) and Kathmandu (KTM) with a selection of airlines operating on this international short-haul route. Explore a range of options from full-service carriers to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you visit Kathmandu’s renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Get all the essential flight information for journeys from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $275–$405, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Colombo to Kathmandu, with options for both non-stop and one-stop journeys. Many travelers choose itineraries with a convenient layover at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which typically lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal travel plan.
- SriLankan Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $305 and $950. It represents around 57% of the departures for this route, offering a total travel time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Air India: As a full-service carrier, Air India offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $275 to $410. It accounts for nearly 43% of the flights on this route, and the total journey time, including the layover, is approximately 8 hours, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Alternative routes from Colombo (CMB) to Kathmandu (KTM)
How to find the best prices for flights from Colombo (CMB) to Kathmandu (KTM)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Colombo to Kathmandu is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although many travelers book within two weeks. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., tend to be more affordable and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday often results in lower prices, while Wednesday remains the most favored travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Kathmandu hotel and flight deals.
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Tribhuvan International Airport from Bandaranaike International Airport
Kathmandu 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. Here's how to reach Kathmandu efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Kathmandu, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Tribhuvan International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tribhuvan 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 Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu Seaport, a seaport, is located about 2.8 miles away by car.
Colombo to Kathmandu Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Colombo to Kathmandu
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 Kathmandu are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Colombo to Kathmandu with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Colombo to Kathmandu
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Colombo to Kathmandu: 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 Kathmandu
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 Kathmandu in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $308 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 Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $308 and cheap return flights $577 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $309 and $1376, and return flights often range between $547 and $1477. 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CMB to KTM is October 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
SriLankan Airlines offers around 7 weekly direct flights from CMB to KTM.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
IndiGo is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Tribhuvan Intl. (KTM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $836. 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Colombo (CMB) to Kathmandu (KTM) 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. Air India offers the most daily flights from CMB to KTM, 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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.
How many flights per day from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Tribhuvan Intl. (KTM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Tribhuvan International (KTM) typically departs at around 12:05 AM. This seasonal service is active in May and August, allowing you to start your journey to Kathmandu early. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from CMB to KTM typically takes around 3 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,463 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 17 hours 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 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
You can fly business class between CMB and KTM. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Air India
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- SriLankan Airlines
- Air China
- China Eastern Airlines
- flydubai
- Turkish Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Kathmandu from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB)?
If you're planning to travel to Kathmandu from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB), you can fly into Tribhuvan Intl. (KTM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Velana Intl. (MLE), Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl. (BOM), Chennai Intl. (MAA) before reaching Kathmandu. 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) Nepal 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.)?
If you booked your Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Tribhuvan Intl. Airport |
Distance | 1,462 miles away |
Airlines serving | Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, flydubai, China Eastern Airlines, Malindo Air, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways International |
Popular airline | Air India |
Roundtrip price | $577 |
Average flight time | 3 hours 40 mins |