Flying from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Colombo: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo and you'll be in the air for around 10 hours 7 minutes.
Colombo is 5 hours 30 minutes behind Sydney, where Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
The most popular route is from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). You can select from 7 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SYD to CMB is the 16:10 SriLankan Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 17:10 with SriLankan Airlines.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from SYD to Colombo.
Travelling during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
You can book a nonstop flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo that touches down at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Check out the deals with SriLankan Airlines. This airline has direct flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo.
We make it a cinch to book a flight from SYD to Colombo that includes a stopover. To see all your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
To visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you'll need an e-visa if you have a passport from Australia. However, visa rules are subject to change and you may need further documentation depending on the length and purpose of your stay. Always check the most recent guidelines before reserving your cheap ticket from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo.
SYD is about 18 kilometres from central Sydney. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 21 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 27 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your holiday? Stay near SYD. Whether you have an early flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
How to find the cheapest flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Colombo
Rs62,207 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo. Return flights start at Rs132,751. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
To score cheap tickets from SYD to Colombo, book your trip 9 months ahead of your planned departure.
Plan your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Getting a cheap ticket from SYD to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes around 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from SYD to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Lock in your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo for March to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from SYD to Colombo in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
After locking in your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Pick one of our car rentals in Colombo and see the sights in your own time. Easily compare rates in one place to find the perfect set of wheels once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Colombo.