Flying from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 30 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from Velana International Airport to Colombo.
Velana International Airport is located in Malé. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is 30 minutes ahead of Malé.
Velana International Airport (MLE) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most traveled route, with 53 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from MLE to CMB is with China Eastern Airlines at 21:10. Choose the first departure with flydubai at 07:25 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Give yourself enough time to make your MLE to Colombo flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
Direct Velana International Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll arrive.
Direct flights from Velana International Airport to Colombo are offered by a good selection of airlines. Travel with one of these:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing for plane tickets from MLE to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
To get to MLE from central Malé, it'll take around 15 minutes if you're planning to drive. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near MLE. Whether you have an early flight from Velana International Airport to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
When it comes to Velana International Airport's on-time performance, 77.73% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Colombo
119 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Velana International Airport to Colombo flight. A return plane ticket right now is 204 €. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Get cheap flights from MLE to Colombo by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
June is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on Velana International Airport to Colombo tickets. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from MLE to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Velana International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Velana International Airport to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Velana International Airport to Colombo has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to rest your head close to CMB. Unwind and get cosy after your MLE to Colombo flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Compare availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before booking your flight from Velana International Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes in peak season, but prices are usually higher and attractions can be busy. Visit Colombo in low season for a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Velana International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap tickets from MLE to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Velana International Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.