Travelling from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Riga, where Riga International Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your RIX to Colombo flight.
Heading away during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and perhaps even explore another city. When searching for plane tickets from RIX to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Located around 10 kilometres from central Riga, RIX can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 50 minutes.
Searching for a hotel close to RIX? If you've booked an early flight from Riga International Airport to Colombo, these stays will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Riga International Airport, 71.03% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Colombo
226 € is currently the best price for a one-way Riga International Airport to Colombo flight. Return plane tickets start at 495 €. These fares may change depending on demand.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RIX to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Riga International Airport to Colombo throughout the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from RIX to Colombo.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Riga International Airport to Colombo by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Riga International Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Riga International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach 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.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your RIX to Colombo flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting forever for a cab. 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.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Riga International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during high season, but hotel prices are usually higher and attractions can get crowded. Visit Colombo in the off-season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Book a Riga International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from RIX to Colombo around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Riga International Airport to Colombo:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to discover other parts of Sri Lanka. Journey around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its leading attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Trincomalee is another standout destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without visiting Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.