Flights to Colombo

Exploring Colombo's tourist attractions

The port city of Colombo offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. The metropolis is a cultural melting pot capable of capturing your imagination. You can experience its way of life by visiting the Pettah market, eating Kottu or taking a tuk tuk ride. Some of its most notable attractions include the Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Viharamahadevi Park and many more. 

Colombo throughout the year

Colombo is a year-round destination, thanks to the pleasant weather. However, pencil out June until September if you want to avoid the heavy rain in the monsoon season. The period between January and March is typically characterised by sunny days. Hordes of visitors prefer travelling during this period to witness the Duruthu Perahera Festival, which commemorates the anniversary of the Buddha's maiden visit to Sri Lanka. Colombo is less crowded between May and September allowing you to enjoy cheaper deals on flights and hotels. The period starting November through to December is a great time to visit because the days are sunny and the Diwali celebrations are held during this time. 

Some tips prior to leaving

The majority of visitors from different parts of the globe require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Application fees are applicable and children under the age of 12 are exempt from paying for stays of less than 30 days. Check with your local embassy or travel agent for up-to-date information. You can extend your stay by applying through the immigration department's online portal.

Important local information

International flights arriving in Colombo land at Bandaranaike International Airport. The facility offers a number of options for airport to city centre transfers. The airport taxi service operates a counter in the lobby of the arrivals terminal. Current taxi rates are available at the official airport website and at the counter. Shuttle buses run every 15 minutes between the airport and the main bus station in the city centre. Once you reach the city, you can consider hailing a three-wheeler, renting a motorbike, hiring a car with driver, hopping on the train, bus, or booking a taxi. Colombo offers different types of accommodation that range from high-end hotels to budget hotels and hostels. The city hosts a wide variety of leading chain hotels offering luxurious amenities. If you intend spending less on accommodation, consider hotels located near the airport. Budget travellers can opt for the youth hostels, which offer bunk beds in rooms or dormitories.

Airport Colombo CMB

Colombo - Bandaranaike International airport is the only international and also the main airport of the island nation of Sri Lanka, which is south of the Indian subcontinent in the Indian Ocean.

• URL: Official website
• Parking: Yes; paid short and long-term parking
• Nearby cities: Negombo (6 km), Colombo (28 km), Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (31 km), Pita Kotte (33 km), Galkissa (39 km), Moratuwa (45 km), Kandy (84 km)
• Directions by car: The airport is near the main road A3 about 32 km or 19 miles from Colombo near the town of Katunayake.

Location

The airport is about 32 kilometres or 19 miles north of Colombo, near the municipality Katunayake. It is easy to reach on the highway A3. there are plenty of taxis at the airport for the onward journey. Alternatively take the 187 bus from the main road opposite the airport terminal that operates a daily service to the city between 5 am and 11 pm at 30-minute intervals. In Colombo there are further connections, for instance to Kandy. Negombo to Negombo use the # 187 and after about 1 mile change for the 240 bus that leaves from the A3 every 15 minutes. Alternatively take a car rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk).