Travelling from Belfast to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Belfast. Check out your options departing from Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) when organising your flight from Belfast to Colombo.
Come in for landing at Colombo's major arrival point, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which makes Colombo five hours 30 minutes ahead of Belfast.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Belfast to Colombo flight.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast to Colombo
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Belfast to Colombo flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Belfast to Colombo is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares across each month and land an incredible deal.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Belfast to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Belfast to Colombo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Whether you're eager to explore another city along the way or just take a break, we make it easy to book a flight with a stopover. To check out your options departing from Belfast International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is a stop you can make during your Belfast to Colombo flight.
Located around 19 kilometres from central Belfast, BFS can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 2 hours.
In search of a handy hotel close to Belfast International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Belfast to Colombo, these accommodation options will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
Of all flights departing from Belfast International Airport, 67.55% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Consider adding a stop at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). It's a popular stopover on a Belfast to Colombo flight departing George Best Belfast City Airport. Use a longer layover to explore nearby, or take advantage of a short break to browse the airport stores.
You can reach BHD from central Belfast in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 20 minutes to travel the 5 kilometres or so.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Belfast to Colombo, take it easy in one of these hotels near George Best Belfast City Airport:
George Best Belfast City Airport has an on-time performance rate of 68.3%. This figure sheds light on how often flights that depart from this airport arrive on time.
Arriving in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 13 kilometres. It'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Book a hotel near CMB if you're coming in on a late flight from Belfast to Colombo. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Belfast to Colombo has arrived, you can reach the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and be off and running.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before booking your flight from Belfast to Belfast. The city comes alive during high season, but hotel prices are usually higher and major attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Belfast in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Belfast to Colombo ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for cheap flights from Belfast to Colombo around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Belfast to Colombo, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are highlights which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to discover other parts of Sri Lanka. Travel about 18 kilometres south to Moratuwa to tick off its top attractions. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in Sri Lanka, head for Jaffna, about 306 kilometres north of Colombo. Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library are the start of reasons to visit.