Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is 12 hours 30 minutes ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located.
To avoid missing your SFO to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're jetting off during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
We make it simple to book plane tickets from SFO to Colombo with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
The journey from central San Francisco to SFO takes around 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near SFO. Whether you're taking an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Colombo or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to San Francisco International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 77.36% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Colombo flight is 323 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 699 €. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from SFO to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often have some excellent early bird discounts.
If you have flexibility with your trip dates, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when searching for a San Francisco International Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to check in daily to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from SFO to Colombo.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Colombo by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
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 takes roughly 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can get to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near CMB. Kick back and get cosy after your SFO to Colombo flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid potential price surges. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo during high season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from San Francisco International Airport to Colombo in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your San Francisco International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Look for cheap tickets from SFO 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
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Colombo right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Colombo:
All great journeys should 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 more of Sri Lanka. Travel around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, your itinerary will be busy.
Trincomalee is another favourite 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.
