Book Cheap Flights to Colombo from UK

Cheap Flights to Colombo from the UK

Colombo flights from London take 10 hours 30 minutes on direct services. SriLankan Airlines operate nonstop flights from Heathrow. The city is served by Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located 32km from Colombo city centre (Katunayake).

Direct flights operate daily (7 flights per week). For connecting options, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines offer services via their respective hubs. Layovers typically range from 2-4 hours.

Return fares range from £420-520 in low season to £680-920 during peak periods. December-March (peak season) sees the highest demand. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best deals.

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) - Facilities & Travel Guide

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary airport serving Colombo, Sri Lanka. Located 32km from Colombo city centre (Katunayake), it handles both domestic and international flights. The airport connects Colombo to destinations across the globe.

Bandaranaike International Airport provides a range of facilities for travellers:

Terminals: Domestic and international terminals with modern amenities.
Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and local cuisine options.
Lounges: Business and premium lounges available (Priority Pass accepted at most).
Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage, and Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

Bandaranaike International Airport is well-connected to the city centre and surrounding areas:

Taxis: Airport Express to Colombo Fort (LKR 150), Taxis (LKR 3,500-5,000). Travel time: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Ride-hailing: Grab/local apps available in most areas.
Public Transport: Bus services and metro connections where available.

To ensure a smooth journey through Bandaranaike International Airport:

Arrive Early: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
Currency: Carry local currency (Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)) for minor purchases and taxis.
Time Zone: Colombo is 4.5 hours ahead of UK (5.5 in winter).
Best Time to Visit: December to April offers the most pleasant weather.

Flight Times to Colombo

The direct flight from London to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines takes approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. Flights operate daily (7 flights per week) from London Heathrow.

One-stop flights to Colombo typically take 12-16 hours total, depending on your chosen routing and layover duration:

Via Dubai: 2-4 hour layovers typical.
Via Doha: Similar timings with excellent connections.

Dubai offers some of the shortest and most convenient connections for Colombo. Minimum connection times are typically 90 minutes for international transfers. Some airlines offer stopover packages if you want to explore the connecting city.

Colombo operates on IST (GMT+5:30), which is 4.5 hours ahead of UK (5.5 in winter). Factor in jet lag recovery time when planning your itinerary, especially for trips shorter than a week.

Airlines Flying to Colombo

Emirates Airways

Qatar Airways

Etihad Airways

Singapore Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Gulf Air

Colombo Flight Prices

Category	Period	Average Return Fares
Economy - Low Season	May-September (southwest monsoon)	£420-520
Economy - Mid Season	October-November / April	£520-680
Economy - High Season	December-March (peak season)	£680-920
Business - Low Season	May-September (southwest monsoon)	£1,800-2,500
Business - High Season	December-March (peak season)	£2,500-3,800

Booking Tips:

Book 6-8 weeks before travel to save up to 15-25%.
Avoid peak periods: Prices can surge by 30-50% during holidays.
Fly midweek (Tue-Thu): Fares are often cheaper.
Consider one-stop flights: They can offer better value than direct options.

Best Time to Book Colombo Flights

Price Patterns

Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings

Last-minute deals are rare for this route due to steady demand

Peak periods (December-March (peak season)): Book 3-4 months ahead

Ideal Booking Window

Low season (May-September (southwest monsoon)): Book 4-6 weeks ahead

High season (December-March (peak season)): Book 8-12 weeks ahead

Set price alerts to catch fare drops

Money-Saving Tips

Consider Dubai connections for competitive fares

Fly midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) for better prices

Check airline sales during major shopping events

Things to Do in Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple

Visit one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples, known for its mix of modern and traditional design.

Galle Face Green

Enjoy a seaside walk at sunset and try local street snacks along the promenade.

Viharamahadevi Park

Relax under shady trees in Colombo’s largest public park, right in the city centre.

Old Parliament

See the grand colonial-era building facing the ocean in the historic Fort area.

Arcade Square

Shop and dine in a beautifully restored colonial complex near Independence Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from London to Colombo?

How much does it cost to fly to Colombo?

Which airport serves Colombo?

Which airlines fly to Colombo from the UK?

When is the best time to visit Colombo?

How far in advance should I book Colombo flights?

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. If you have booked a flight only where the ticket is not issued immediately, your flight will be protected under our ATOL. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to ATOL Certificate