$486 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Colombo (CMB)
Popular airlines from Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)
Turkish AirlinesTurkish Airlines
Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines
EmiratesEmirates
SriLankan AirlinesSriLankan Airlines
British AirwaysBritish Airways
Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways
JetBlue AirwaysJetBlue Airways
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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Colombo (ORD-CMB)
Alternative airports near Colombo
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Chicago (ORD) to Colombo (CMB) at a glance
Embark on an exciting journey from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) with a range of airlines offering diverse options. Whether you prefer full-service or budget-friendly carriers, you can easily compare fares and schedules to find the best flights from Chicago to Colombo that align with your travel plans. Get ready to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Colombo on this international long-haul adventure!
- Fastest flight duration: around 18h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 9,000 miles (14,480 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $400–$1245, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Chicago to Colombo, typically featuring one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover points include Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with about a 2-hour layover and Hamad International Airport (DOH) offering approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. These choices provide the flexibility to mix and match pricing, overall travel duration, and cabin class, ensuring you can find the most suitable itinerary for your journey.
- Etihad Airways: This full-service airline provides a one-stop journey, with one-way ticket prices generally between $465 and $1085. It represents around 40% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 18 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 20 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
- Cathay Pacific: Offering a full-service experience with one-stop options, Cathay Pacific's one-way fares usually range from $400 to $2075. The airline makes up about 14% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 18 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey duration of roughly 20 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
- Qatar Airways: This full-service carrier features one-stop service, with one-way fares that typically fall between $585 and $1180. Qatar Airways accounts for nearly 8% of departures along this route, providing an in-flight time of 18 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time close to 20 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
- Air Canada: As a full-service airline offering multi-stop flights, Air Canada has one-way fares that usually range from $485 to $1010. It comprises about 6% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of around 26 hours, including layovers.
- Turkish Airlines: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically priced between $475 and $1440. Turkish Airlines represents approximately 6% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 18 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel duration of roughly 20 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
Alternative route from Chicago (ORD) to Colombo (CMB)
- Chicago to Kandy (ORD-KDZ): Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is located approximately 53 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Colombo (CMB)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago 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 often available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12 PM and 6 PM usually provide lower prices and are popular among flyers. Additionally, flying on Friday can yield cheaper rates, although Tuesday remains 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 O'Hare International Airport
Colombo welcomes travelers from Chicago 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 approximately 7.4 miles away by car, providing convenient options for both rail and maritime travel.
Chicago to Colombo Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Chicago 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 Chicago to Colombo are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Colombo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Colombo
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $486 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $486 and cheap return flights $1,020 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $849 and $7576, and return flights often range between $1386 and $9677. 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from ORD 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Enter ORD to CMB and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
EVA Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Chicago (ORD) to Colombo (CMB) with a layover in Taoyuan Intl. (TPE), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,254. 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from ORD to CMB. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Colombo (CMB) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and SriLankan Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows travelers to rest during the flight and arrive in Colombo the next day.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
A flight from ORD to CMB with a layover takes around 19 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 8,955 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from ORD to CMB. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- British Airways
- Air Canada
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Turkish Airlines
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- EVA Airways
First class cabins are available on:
- Emirates
- Lufthansa
- Swiss International Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 O'Hare Intl. (ORD)?
If you're planning to travel to Colombo from O'Hare Intl. (ORD), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Heathrow (LHR), Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Logan Intl. (BOS) 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?
If you booked your Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 | Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Bandaranaike Intl. Airport |
Distance | 8,953 miles away |
Airlines serving | Turkish Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Emirates, SriLankan Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, JetBlue Airways, Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo, Air Canada, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, Air France, Swiss International Air Lines, KLM, Lufthansa |
Popular airline | Turkish Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $1,020 |