$682 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to Colombo (CMB)
Popular airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)
EmiratesEmirates
Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways
Turkish AirlinesTurkish Airlines
SriLankan AirlinesSriLankan Airlines
Malaysia AirlinesMalaysia Airlines
British AirwaysBritish Airways
IndiGoIndiGo
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Cheap Flights from Houston to Colombo (IAH-CMB)
Alternative airports near Colombo
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Houston (IAH) to Colombo (CMB) at a glance
Travel from Houston (IAH) to Colombo (CMB) with a selection of airlines offering international long-haul options. Whether you prefer full-service or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare various itineraries to find the perfect fit for your travel plans, budget, and schedule. Discover essential information about flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) as you prepare to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Colombo.
- Fastest flight duration: around 19h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 5h 45m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 9,900 miles (15,930 km)
- Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $610–$1385, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Houston to Colombo, often selected for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. A popular layover option is Hamad International Airport (DOH), which typically offers about a 2h 45m stop. This variety allows you to combine pricing, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your needs.
- Qatar Airways: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $635 and $1270. It represents about 23% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 24 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
- SriLankan Airlines: Offering both one-stop and multi-stop services, this full-service carrier has one-way fares typically ranging from $620 to $2425. It accounts for around 20% of flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 19 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 24 hours and 30 minutes.
- Emirates: Another full-service airline, Emirates provides one-stop travel options, with one-way fares usually between $665 and $1385. This carrier makes up roughly 18% of departures on this route, maintaining an in-flight time of 19 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 24 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
- EVA Airways: This full-service airline specializes in multi-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $945 to $1050. It constitutes about 5% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of 24 hours and an overall journey time of roughly 33 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
- Delta: Delta offers multi-stop service as a full-service carrier, with one-way fares commonly ranging from $725 to $915. It accounts for approximately 5% of flights on this route, featuring a flight duration of 24 hours and a total travel time of around 33 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
Alternative route from Houston (IAH) to Colombo (CMB)
- Houston to Colombo (HOU-CMB): William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) lies approximately 23 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), providing travelers with accessible flight options.
How to find the best prices for flights from Houston (IAH) to Colombo (CMB)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston to Colombo is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers book within 2 weeks. Morning departures from 5 am to 12 pm tend to be cheaper, while evening flights from 6 pm to 12 am are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays usually offers lower prices, but Wednesday is the most common 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 Colombo 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 Bandaranaike International Airport from George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Colombo welcomes travelers from Houston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 situated approximately 7.4 miles from the airport and is also most conveniently accessed by car.
Houston to Colombo Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Houston 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 Houston to Colombo are during the month of March. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Houston to Colombo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Houston to Colombo
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $682 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 Houston 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 Houston 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $682 and cheap return flights $1,235 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $921 and $10611, and return flights often range between $1861 and $10123. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAH to CMB is March 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Enter IAH to CMB and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
EVA Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Houston, TX (IAH) to Colombo (CMB), with round-trip tickets starting from around $2,172. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The earliest flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) usually departs at around 12:40 AM, operated by EVA Airways and Thai Airways International. This seasonal service is active in March, giving you a head start on your travels to 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Houston (IAH) to Colombo (CMB) are in the late afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 49% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows travelers to maximize their day in Houston before departing for their journey.
How long does it take to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
A flight from IAH to CMB with a layover takes around 21 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 9,850 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from IAH to CMB. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Air Canada
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Airways
First class is available with Emirates.
How do I earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)?
From George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to reach Colombo. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), Heathrow (LHR), 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
If you booked your Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Bandaranaike Intl. Airport |
Distance | 9,849 miles away |
Airlines serving | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, British Airways, IndiGo, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Air France, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, KLM, Singapore Airlines |
Popular airline | Emirates |
Roundtrip price | $1,235 |