Cheap flights to Colombo from £172

Take a flight to Colombo and see its many historic religious sites against modern skyscrapers, a spread of ethnicities living side by side and extensive green spaces surrounded by the fumes of heavy traffic. History and modernity live side by side in Sri Lanka’s capital city on the ocean shore. First time visitors taking cheap flights to Colombo may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people, traffic and activity that fill the streets of Colombo, but with time, the city’s charms begin to win over newcomers. There’s plenty to see, but many visitors choose to start with the stunning temples found throughout Colombo. Of these, the colourful Gangaramaya Temple is a favourite among visitors for its incredible Buddhist statues and museum. Colombo’s past is on full display at sites like The National Museum of Colombo, the Natural History Museum and the Dutch Period Museum, while contemporary and Sri Lankan art greet visitors to the National Art Gallery. A metropolis Colombo surely is, but there are ample opportunities to escape the urban in favour of a more natural retreat. The wildlife that takes up residence at Viharamahadevi Park adds a lively element to a stroll through this lushly landscaped green space, while the Talangama Wetland just outside the city proper offers lakeside relaxation amongst butterflies and greenery. After recharging, visitors can head to Galle Face Green, an oceanfront promenade that attracts many for some of the best sunset views in the city.

There are flights from Glasgow, United Kingdom, to Colombo, Sri Lanka, that range from 20h-22h. You can find flights from London to Colombo that are around 11h-19h, while flights from Manchester are around 18h-20h. Flights from Bristol to Colombo range from 20h-22h and flights from Edinburgh are around 20h-22h.

There are direct flights from London to Colombo that are around 11h, making the trip much faster than those with stops. However, finding direct flights from other cities in the United Kingdom are harder to come by. Most major cities in the United Kingdom do offer one-stop flights to Colombo.

Bandaranaike International Airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka and as such offers multiple transportation options for the many visitors that arrive from all over the world. The Sri Lanka Express Bus HighWay-Bus takes you from the airport to the city of Colombo is around an hour, even including the city’s heavy traffic. The buses depart every half hour from the airport, but stop running after 8:30 p.m. For a little longer travel time–around 1.5h–the minibus also takes travelers to the city from the airport, and it runs sparingly at night when the Sri Lanka Express Bus line id shut down. However, finding the bus stop at night outside the airport can be difficult. The most recommended mode of transport, due to comfort and short travel time, is a taxi. It can take you to the city from the airport in around 45m, and taxis run all day, every day, so you can rely on a taxi no matter when your plane lands. Also, instead of being dropped off at the city centre, like you would with the buses, the taxi can take you directly to your destination lodging. You can also book online to avoid extra fees.

Colombo is known for its vibrant and flavorful food. Taking a walking food tour is a great way to sample all the delicacies and unforgettable foods of Sri Lanka. You can even opt for a private street food tour. On this private tour, you’ll get to try 10 distinctive meals and treats of the city. There are also plenty of day outings where you can grab memorable photos in front of historical sites and beautiful landscapes. Buddhist temples and world-famous gardens are not only beautiful but also a great place to learn about the history of the city and country, as well as the culture it is steeped in. Some of these locations also offer private tours, where you can have a well-versed expert to educate you on the story behind each place.

Citizens traveling from the United Kingdom are required to have a passport for at least six months, as well as a visa. You can apply for a visa online.

Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Colombo on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, China Eastern is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Colombo.

Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Colombo. One-way flights to Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport typically cost £61, while return flights cost around £93.

A return flight to Colombo will typically cost around £235, however they can be found for as little as £116.

For those looking to save time traveling to Colombo, London offers the quickest one-way flight (10 hours 45 minutes).

Yes. Those touching down at Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

Yes. Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Green Star Residence is the closest property to Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport (0.0 mi away from Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport).