Flying from Colombo to Melbourne: what you need to know
Planning your getaway starts with figuring out where you'll fly out of in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the city's main base, so check out your options for booking a flight from Colombo to Melbourne departing from here.
Hop off the plane at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), the primary gateway of Melbourne.
Around 9 hours 45 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Colombo to Melbourne flight.
To ensure you get on your Colombo to Melbourne flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Taking off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Melbourne
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Melbourne is 218 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 484 €. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Get cheap Colombo to Melbourne flights by booking three months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for landing a bargain.
June is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Colombo to Melbourne. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Colombo to Melbourne by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Colombo to Melbourne flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
You can get a direct flight from Colombo to Melbourne departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Begin your trip at CMB and arrive at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
SriLankan Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Colombo to Melbourne plane tickets leaving from CMB.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Colombo to Melbourne flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Bandaranaike International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Located around 27 kilometres from the centre of Colombo, CMB can be reached in about 40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Bandaranaike International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Colombo to Melbourne or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
75.71% of flights that depart Bandaranaike International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is approximately 19 kilometres. It'll take you about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 40 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Colombo to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt to explore Melbourne and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks in advance of your Colombo to Melbourne flight.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
The centre of Melbourne is approximately 48 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV). Once your flight from Colombo to Melbourne has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 2 hours 5 minutes.
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and be off and running.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Step off your flight from Colombo to Melbourne and head straight for your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central Melbourne is around 11 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to drive there.
If you go by public transport, the journey will take you about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Take control of the next part of your journey with an Essendon Airport rental car. East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar will get you on the road.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Colombo to Melbourne is always smart. As well as better deals, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
April is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Melbourne, while January is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Melbourne based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Colombo to Melbourne ticket departing in January if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Melbourne to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Colombo to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF).
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Colombo to Melbourne, explore our selection of hotels including:
Federation Square and National Gallery of Victoria are a couple of popular attractions to put on your Melbourne must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Eureka Skydeck 88.
Explore more of Australia
You've done Melbourne, now it's time to discover other corners of Australia. Travel around 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to check off its top sights. From Australian War Memorial to National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Geelong is another sought-after destination in Australia and is around 64 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. No trip is complete without seeing Ford Motor Company, Roraima Nursery and RTC Resource Centre.