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

$334 Cheap Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Colombo (CMB)

Cheap Flights from Sydney to Colombo (SYD-CMB)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $334 for one-way flights and $772 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.

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Sydney to Colombo Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Sydney to Colombo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney to Colombo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $334 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 Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $334 and cheap return flights $772 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $366 and $7951, and return flights often range between $870 and $6787. 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

August is the cheapest month to fly from Sydney (SYD) to Colombo (CMB), with average round-trip fares around $675. This price is about 28% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand is typically lower during this time. Other budget-friendly months include March and October.

*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Which airlines fly direct from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

SriLankan Airlines offers around 7 weekly direct flights from SYD to CMB.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

AirAsia X is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD) to Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB), with round-trip tickets starting from around $482. 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

The best airline to fly with from Sydney, NSW (SYD) 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. Qantas Airways offers the most daily flights from SYD to CMB, 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

When flying from Sydney, NSW (SYD) to Colombo (CMB), consider August and October as your best options. August has an average price of about $675, making it a reasonable choice, while October is popular for travel, ensuring you have plenty of flight options. This combination of affordability and availability makes these months ideal for your trip.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How many flights per day from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD) to Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.

What is the earliest flight from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) usually departs at around 6:00 AM, operated by Emirates. This service operates year-round, making it a great option for early risers looking to explore 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

The most popular departure times for flights from Sydney (SYD) to Colombo (CMB) are from 9pm to midnight. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Emirates and Malaysia Airlines, operate flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in Sydney before your evening flight.

How long does it take to fly from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

Direct flights from SYD to CMB usually take about 11 hours, traveling roughly 5,444 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 6 hours 50 minutes to your journey. 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

Business class seats are offered on the SYD to CMB route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas Airways
  • Etihad Airways
  • Thai Airways International
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Emirates
  • Air India
  • Qatar Airways
  • Singapore Airlines

First class is available with Emirates and Qantas Airways.

How much is a business class flight from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

A direct, return business class ticket from Sydney, NSW (SYD) to Colombo (CMB) typically costs between $5,500 - $5,524. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $2,690 - $2,760. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I earn miles on a Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith 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 Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD)?

If you're planning to travel to Colombo from Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), you can fly into Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Tullamarine (MEL), Dubai Intl. (DXB), Changi (SIN) 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith 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 Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) to Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)?

If you booked your Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith 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
Sydney Airport
Destination airport
Bandaranaike Intl. Airport
Distance
5,443 miles away
Airlines serving
Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways International, SriLankan Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, IndiGo, Qatar Airways, Air India, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, China Eastern Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Jetstar, Vietjet Air, Malindo Air, Hahn Air Systems, W2
Popular airline
Malaysia Airlines
Roundtrip price
$772
Average flight time
11 hours 15 mins
*Available to One Key members.