Travelling from Dabolim Airport (GOI) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo and Marmagao (where Dabolim Airport is located) share the UTC+5:30 timezone. That means you won't have to change your watch when you arrive.
Leave plenty of time to catch your GOI to Colombo flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. A good general rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for plane tickets from GOI to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
GOI is about 2 kilometres from central Marmagao. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Catching an early flight from Dabolim Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near GOI:
When it comes to Dabolim Airport's on-time performance, data shows 62.76% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dabolim Airport (GOI) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Dabolim Airport to Colombo flight is 87 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 176 €. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from GOI to Colombo, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer lower fares when flights first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Dabolim Airport to Colombo ticket.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from GOI to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Dabolim Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Dabolim Airport to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. After your flight from Dabolim Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your GOI to Colombo flight:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Dabolim Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes during peak season, but prices are often higher and top attractions can get crowded. Go to Colombo in the off-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 Dabolim Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap tickets from GOI to Colombo in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Dabolim Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to discover other parts of Sri Lanka. Travel about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Trincomalee is another must-experience destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No trip is complete without visiting Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.