Flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Colombo: what you need to know
O.R. Tambo International Airport is located in Johannesburg. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Johannesburg.
To avoid rushing for your JNB to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing for plane tickets from JNB to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Located around 23 kilometres from central Johannesburg, JNB can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Searching for a hotel close to JNB? If you're boarding an early flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo, these stays set you up for a seamless send-off:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O.R. Tambo International Airport, 77.1% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Colombo
407 € is currently the lowest price for a one-way O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo flight. A return plane ticket starts at 729 €. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
Booking in advance is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from JNB to Colombo. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you have flexibility with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when looking for an O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from JNB to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Look into staying at a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo. Select one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
There are some great places to park your luggage (and yourself) near CMB. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your JNB to Colombo flight at one of these well-located options:
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. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in peak season, but rates are generally higher and top attractions can get crowded. Visit Colombo in the off-season if you like a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Search for cheap tickets from JNB to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored after you've experienced Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, popular attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.