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

$401 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Colombo (CMB)

Cheap Flights from Seattle to Colombo (SEA-CMB)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $401 for one-way flights and $831 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Alternative airports near Colombo

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Book with confidence

Seattle (SEA) to Colombo (CMB) at a glance

Embark on your journey from Seattle (SEA) to Colombo (CMB) with a selection of airlines catering to this international long-haul route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to find the ideal itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you discover Colombo's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Below, you’ll find essential details for flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 20 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,400 miles (13,520 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $360–$1380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines favored for flights from Seattle to Colombo, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Key layovers include Hamad International Airport (DOH) with an approximate 1 hour and 45 minute layover, Changi Airport (SIN) at around 4 hours and 45 minutes, and Istanbul Airport (IST) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class preferences.

  • Singapore Airlines: This premium airline provides a one-stop service, with one-way tickets usually priced between $360 and $970. It represents about 26% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 20 hours and a total travel time of approximately 22 hours, including layover time.
  • Qatar Airways: Offering a full-service one-stop experience, Qatar Airways has one-way fares generally ranging from $590 to $3260. It constitutes around 24% of departures for this route, with a flight time of 20 hours and a complete journey duration of roughly 22 hours, factoring in layovers.
  • Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline also provides one-stop options, with one-way fares typically between $570 and $3365. It accounts for about 18% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 20 hours and a total journey duration of around 22 hours, including layover periods.
  • Cathay Pacific: Known for its multi-stop service, Cathay Pacific offers one-way fares ranging from $530 to $1590. This airline makes up roughly 8% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 22 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 28 hours, including layovers.
  • Emirates: This reputable full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally between $665 and $1740. Emirates represents about 8% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 20 hours and a total journey duration of around 22 hours, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Seattle to Colombo can opt to enhance their experience with an upgrade, as Turkish Airlines provides business class service on this route.

Alternative routes from Seattle (SEA) to Colombo (CMB)

  • Seattle to Kandy (SEA-KDZ): The Polgolla Reservoir Airport (KDZ) is located approximately 53 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
  • Seattle to Sigiriya (SEA-GIU): Sigiriya Airport (GIU) lies around 79 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Colombo (CMB)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Seattle 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 usually available when booking at least two months in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning flights (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) often provide lower prices, although afternoon flights (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday tends to be cheaper, while Thursday remains the most favored 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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Colombo welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. 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 from the airport and is also typically reached by car.

Seattle to Colombo Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Seattle to Colombo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $401 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $401 and cheap return flights $831 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $752 and $8176, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1337 to $8209. 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

The cheapest month to fly from SEA to CMB is May 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

Enter SEA to CMB and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.

How do I find cheap flights from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by American Airlines and Etihad Airways. This seasonal service is active in June, 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

The most popular departure times for flights from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) to Colombo (CMB) are in the late afternoon to early evening, from 3pm to 6pm. About 42% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Flydubai, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in Seattle before heading to the airport.

How long does it take to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

Flying from SEA to CMB with a connection usually takes about 21 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 8,427 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

Business class is available on flights from SEA to CMB. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • United Airlines
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • EVA Airways
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines

First class is available with Emirates.

How do I earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA)?

If you're planning to travel to Colombo from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Heathrow (LHR), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

If you booked your Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma 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
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Destination airport
Bandaranaike Intl. Airport
Distance
8,426 miles away
Airlines serving
Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Alaska Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air Canada, SriLankan Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Swiss International Air Lines
Popular airline
Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$831
*Available to One Key members.