Travelling from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is nine hours 30 minutes ahead of Durham, where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your RDU to Colombo flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Whether you're eager to visit a new place along the way or just take a break, we make it easy to find plane tickets from RDU to Colombo with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a go-to stop on this route.
Located around 16 kilometres from the centre of Durham, RDU can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Looking for a hotel close to RDU? If you're catching an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport scores high marks for on-time performance. 80.09% of flights that depart RDU arrive at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Colombo
403 € is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo flight. A return ticket right now is 896 €. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from RDU to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, make the most of the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the lowest price across every month when looking for a Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo ticket.
You don't need to check back constantly to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an extra saving on cheap flights from RDU to Colombo.
Find a cheap flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
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 get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there using public transport.
If you have a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. After your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your RDU to Colombo flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or long cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Book a Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from RDU 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
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered. Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another standout destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without experiencing Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
