$236 Cheap Flights from Kathmandu (KTM) to Colombo (CMB)
Popular airlines from Tribhuvan Intl. Airport (KTM) to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)
Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways
Air IndiaAir India
Thai Airways InternationalThai Airways International
Singapore AirlinesSingapore Airlines
IndiGoIndiGo
SriLankan AirlinesSriLankan Airlines
flydubaiflydubai
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Cheap Flights from Kathmandu to Colombo (KTM-CMB)
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Kathmandu (KTM) to Colombo (CMB) at a glance
Embark on your journey from Kathmandu (KTM) to Colombo (CMB) with an array of airlines providing options on this international short-haul route. Explore various choices, from full-service to budget carriers, to identify the best flights from Kathmandu that align with your travel plans and budget. As you prepare to discover Colombo's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, you can find essential details for flights from Tribhuvan International Airport to Bandaranaike International Airport.
- 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 $245–$520, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Kathmandu to Colombo, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for connections through Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), with layovers averaging around 3 hours and 30 minutes. This provides the flexibility to consider different prices, total travel durations, and cabin classes to craft the ideal itinerary for your journey.
- SriLankan Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, typically offering one-way fares between $260 and $605. It represents around 71% of the departures on this route, with a total travel duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Air India: As a full-service carrier with one-stop options, Air India's one-way fares generally range from $245 to $470. They account for about 17% of flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and an overall journey time of approximately 19 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
Alternative routes from Kathmandu (KTM) to Colombo (CMB)
How to find the best prices for flights from Kathmandu (KTM) to Colombo (CMB)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Kathmandu 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 generally available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6pm-12am) often provide lower prices, despite Afternoon flights (12pm-6pm) being more popular. Additionally, flying on Monday tends to offer both better prices and high demand.
- 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 Tribhuvan International Airport
Colombo welcomes travelers from Kathmandu 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 best accessed by car.
Kathmandu to Colombo Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu to Colombo are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Kathmandu to Colombo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Kathmandu to Colombo
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $236 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 Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $236 and cheap return flights $481 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $260 and $1700, and roundtrip flights usually range from $524 to $1002. 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from KTM to CMB 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
You can fly direct from KTM to CMB on SriLankan Airlines, with around 7 flights per week.
How do I find cheap flights from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 airline to fly with from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Kathmandu (KTM) 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. flydubai offers the most daily flights from Kathmandu to Colombo, 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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.
How many flights per day from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Tribhuvan Intl. (KTM) to Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) usually leaves at around 12:20 AM, operated by flydubai. This is a seasonal service active in October, and an early flight allows you to arrive in Colombo with a full day ahead of you. 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
When flying from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.), the most popular departure times are in the late evening, from 9pm to midnight. This time frame is preferred by about 20% of passengers, allowing you to enjoy a full day in Kathmandu before heading to Colombo. Major airlines like Air India and Singapore Airlines operate flights during this window.
How long does it take to fly from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from KTM to CMB typically takes around 3 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,463 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 20 hours 20 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
You can fly business class between KTM and CMB. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Qatar Airways
- Air India
- Air China
- Malaysia Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Thai Airways International
How do I earn miles on a Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Tribhuvan Intl. (KTM)?
From Tribhuvan Intl. (KTM), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to reach Colombo. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Indira Gandhi Intl. (DEL), Dubai Intl. (DXB), Kempegowda Intl. (BLR) 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
If you booked your Kathmandu (KTM-Tribhuvan 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 | Tribhuvan Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Bandaranaike Intl. Airport |
Distance | 1,462 miles away |
Airlines serving | Qatar Airways, Air India, Thai Airways International, Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, China Eastern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malindo Air, China Southern Airlines |
Popular airline | Qatar Airways |
Roundtrip price | $481 |
Average flight time | 3 hours 35 mins |