Flying from Nairobi to Colombo: what you need to know
Nairobi is home to two main airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Nairobi to Colombo flying out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL).
Hop off the plane at Colombo's chief entry point, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
To ensure you catch your flight from Nairobi to Colombo, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
If you have a passport from Kenya, you'll need an e-visa to enter Sri Lanka. This applies if you're booking a cheap flight from Nairobi to Colombo for tourism purposes. Requirements may change if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always check the visa rules before you book and definitely before flying.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Nairobi to Colombo. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi, NBO can be reached in approximately 22 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour and 11 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Nairobi to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Nairobi to Colombo. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever your plans, check out these stops between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Colombo:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
On public transport, you can travel from central Nairobi to WIL in about 46 minutes. The terminal is roughly 3 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 15 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away from home? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Wilson Airport the day before your flight from Nairobi to Colombo:
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is about 39 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Nairobi to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Nairobi to Colombo, expect a drive time of approximately 39 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour and 31 minutes.
After your flight from Nairobi to Colombo, kick back at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Colombo
Right now, Rs63,099 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Nairobi to Colombo. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs127,743. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap tickets from Nairobi to Colombo, book as early as you can. Airlines tend to offer the most competitive fares when flights are first made available.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Nairobi to Colombo throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you time looking for cheap tickets from Nairobi to Colombo every day.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Nairobi to Colombo. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Best time to go to Colombo
Have a think about your dates before locking in your flight from Nairobi to Colombo. The city buzzes in peak season, but rates are generally higher and attractions can be crowded. Go to Colombo in the low season for a quieter vibe.
Lock in your flight from Nairobi to Colombo for March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Nairobi to Colombo around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Colombo right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Colombo:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should be on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Nairobi to Colombo to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Colombo, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.