Flying from Stansted Airport (STN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Stansted Airport is located in London. Following the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is five hours 30 minutes ahead of London.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your STN to Colombo flight.
Flying during a popular month like August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Whether you're eager to discover a new city along the way or just have a break, we make it easy to book plane tickets from STN to Colombo with a stopover. To check out your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Dubai Airport (DXB) is a popular connection hub.
STN is around 48 kilometres from central London. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 1 hour or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near STN:
When it comes to Stansted Airport's on-time performance, 64.73% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Stansted Airport (STN) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Stansted Airport to Colombo flight is 290 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 518 €. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from STN to Colombo. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more it could cost you.
If you have flexibility with your trip dates, check out the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for a Stansted Airport to Colombo ticket.
You don't need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from STN to Colombo.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Stansted Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you about 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. After your flight from Stansted 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 travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to rest your head close to CMB. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your STN 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 companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from Stansted Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings better hotel deals and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Stansted Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from STN to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are essential stops on your Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to discover more of Sri Lanka. Journey around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its popular sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.