Travelling from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 4 hours 42 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is located in Abu Dhabi. Operating on the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route, with 151 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from AUH to CMB is with SriLankan Airlines at 23:00. Go for the first departure with Etihad Airways at 02:20 if you want to get going early.
Leave enough time to make your flight from AUH to Colombo. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like August? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You can catch a nonstop flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo that touches down at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Popular carriers that operate direct flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo include:
We make it a cinch to plan a flight from AUH to Colombo with a stopover. To see your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
If you hold a passport from United Arab Emirates, you'll need an e-visa to visit Sri Lanka. This applies if you're booking a cheap ticket from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo for tourism purposes. Requirements may be different if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines before you book and certainly before you fly.
AUH is around 32 kilometres from central Abu Dhabi. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes.
After an easy start to your break? Stay near AUH. Whether you've booked an early flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
How to find the cheapest flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Colombo
Rs31,775 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo. Return flights start at Rs66,683. These fares can change based on availability.
Book 2 months before you travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap tickets from AUH to Colombo.
The cheapest month for tickets from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo is October. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Set up a Price Alert for flight tickets from AUH to Colombo. You don't need to look every day to see whether fares have dropped. We'll tell you as soon as the price changes.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo. Simply enter your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 16 kilometres. It'll take you about 39 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 16 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 39 minutes.
You can also opt for public transport, which will take around 1 hour and 31 minutes.
After your flight from AUH to Colombo, tuck yourself in at a hotel near CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during peak season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, schedule your flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Book your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo for March to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from AUH to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
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. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just a couple of the leading attractions to put on your Colombo itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need on car rentals in Colombo, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.