Golden Buddha statues along a riverside walkway with a city skyline in the background.

$445 Cheap Flights from Washington (IAD) to Colombo (CMB)

View $445 flight on Thu, Sep 10, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Colombo (IAD-CMB)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $445 for one-way flights and $990 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Etihad Airways
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 25
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$990 Roundtrip, just found
$990
Roundtrip
just found
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Washington to Colombo, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $990 just found
Etihad Airways
Mon, Sep 14 - Wed, Sep 30
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$991 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$991
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Washington to Colombo, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $991 found 3 days ago
Qatar Airways
Tue, Sep 8 - Wed, Sep 16
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,004 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,004
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 8 from Washington to Colombo, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $1,004 found 2 days ago
Turkish Airlines
Tue, Nov 24 - Tue, Dec 8
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,066 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,066
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 24 from Washington to Colombo, returning Tue, Dec 8, priced at $1,066 found 2 hours ago
Emirates
Sun, Sep 13 - Thu, Sep 17
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,093 Roundtrip, just found
$1,093
Roundtrip
just found
Select Emirates flight, departing Sun, Sep 13 from Washington to Colombo, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $1,093 just found
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 25
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,178 Roundtrip, just found
$1,178
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Washington to Colombo, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $1,178 just found
JetBlue Airways
Sat, Feb 6 - Sun, Jul 25
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,190 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,190
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Sat, Feb 6 from Washington to Colombo, returning Sun, Jul 25, priced at $1,190 found 2 days ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Thu, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 13
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,314 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,314
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Thu, Apr 1 from Washington to Colombo, returning Tue, Apr 13, priced at $1,314 found 1 day ago
Air Canada
Tue, Mar 2 - Sat, Mar 20
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,334 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$1,334
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Tue, Mar 2 from Washington to Colombo, returning Sat, Mar 20, priced at $1,334 found 3 days ago
Lufthansa
Thu, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 13
IAD
Washington
CMB
Colombo
$1,371 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,371
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Thu, Apr 1 from Washington to Colombo, returning Tue, Apr 13, priced at $1,371 found 1 day 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 $1,639
CMB
Bandaranaike Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center28 min
Flights from $1,639

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

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

Discover a range of airlines offering flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Whether you're looking for affordable options or full-service experiences, you can compare routes to find the best Washington to Colombo airfare that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you prepare to explore Colombo's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, check the key details for your journey today.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 17h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 15m 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 $440–$1095, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Colombo, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop routes. Many travelers opt for convenient layovers at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH, around 1h 45m), Hamad International Airport (DOH, approximately 2h 45m), and Dubai International Airport (DXB, about 2h 45m). This variety allows you to mix and match factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.

  • Etihad Airways: This full-service airline provides a one-stop travel experience, with one-way fares generally ranging from $440 to $910. It accounts for about 43% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 17 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of around 20 hours, including layover.
  • Qatar Airways: As a full-service carrier, Qatar Airways offers a one-stop journey with one-way ticket prices typically between $450 and $1,095. Representing about 23% of the departures, it features an in-flight time of 17 hours and 30 minutes, making the total journey approximately 20 hours with layover included.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop services, with one-way fares ranging from $520 to $2,035. It makes up around 9% of departures for this route, boasting an in-flight duration of 17 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of close to 20 hours, factoring in layover time.
  • Emirates: Emirates, a full-service carrier, offers one-stop flights priced between $755 and $2,940 for one-way journeys. It comprises roughly 8% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 17 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall journey time of about 20 hours, including layover.
  • Turkish Airlines: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $490 to $1,850. It accounts for approximately 6% of departures, with an in-flight time of 17 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total travel duration of around 20 hours when incorporating layover.

Travelers flying from Washington to Colombo can enhance their journey by upgrading to Emirates' business class service, which offers a refined travel experience on this route.

Best time to fly from Washington (IAD) to Colombo (CMB)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Colombo are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Colombo reach up to 82.2°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 80.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $484). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $484, roughly 31% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $522.
  • Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Washington to Colombo, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January79.2°F (26.2°C)High9$656
February80.6°F (27.0°C)High9$685
March82.2°F (27.9°C)High10$680
April82.9°F (28.3°C)Average7$618
May82.4°F (28.0°C)Low8$662
June81.0°F (27.2°C)Average7$952
July80.4°F (26.9°C)Average8$919
August80.2°F (26.8°C)Average9$737
September80.1°F (26.7°C)Average7$522
October80.2°F (26.8°C)Low7$484
November79.9°F (26.6°C)Low7$622
December79.0°F (26.1°C)Average8$984

*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.

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

  • Washington to Colombo (DCA-CMB): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) lies approximately 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), providing convenient access for travelers.
  • Washington to Kandy (DCA-KDZ): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located about 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), while Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is roughly 53 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Colombo 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 typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book at least two months in advance. Evening departures between 6 PM and midnight tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper rates, while Monday is the most popular 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.* Find Colombo hotel and flight deals.
  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 Bandaranaike International Airport from Washington Dulles International Airport

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

  • 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 from Bandaranaike International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Bandaranaike 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 Bandaranaike International Airport, Seeduwa, a train station, is located about 5.4 miles away by car, while Negombo Seaport, a seaport, is around 7.4 miles from the airport and is also most conveniently accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $445 and cheap return flights from $990 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $512 and $8343, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1282 to $7973. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAD to CMB is September 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Enter IAD to CMB and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Gulf Air is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) to Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,689 with a layover in Abu Dhabi Intl. (AUH). 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 time to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines and Etihad Airways. This is a seasonal service active in April, making it a great option for early risers looking to make the most of their time in Colombo. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Colombo (CMB) are in the late evening, from 9pm to midnight. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Etihad Airways, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows you to maximize your day in Washington before your overnight flight.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
A flight from IAD to CMB with a layover takes around 19 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from IAD to CMB. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Qatar Airways
  • Etihad Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Emirates
  • United Airlines
  • Aer Lingus
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • American Airlines
  • Air Canada

First class is available with Emirates and Swiss International Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD)?
From Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to reach Colombo. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Heathrow (LHR), Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Dubai Intl. (DXB) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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
Washington Dulles Intl.
Destination airport
Bandaranaike Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, IndiGo, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$989
Distance
8933 mi

Book with confidence

Washington to Colombo Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Colombo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $445 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Colombo Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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