Travelling from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Varanasi (the location of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport).
To ensure you catch your flight from VNS to Colombo, allow 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 rule.
Travelling over a peak time like July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
To enter Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you'll need a visa if you hold a passport from India. However, visa rules are subject to change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines before reserving your cheap ticket from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo.
To get to VNS from central Varanasi, it'll take about 36 minutes if you're going by car. This depends on traffic though. It's approximately 24 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Need a handy hotel near VNS? If you've booked an early flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
How to find the cheapest flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo is Rs36,435. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs80,688. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from VNS to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some great early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, make the most of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the lowest price across the month when looking for a ticket from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo.
Getting a cheap ticket from VNS to Colombo is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Take advantage of the filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by departure and arrival times, airline, and journey duration.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes about 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 16 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to RML if you're taking a late flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 39 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from VNS to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes during high season, but hotel prices are typically higher and major attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Before you book a flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from VNS to Colombo in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your Colombo to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Viharamahadevi Park.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Pick one of our car rentals in Colombo and see the sights at your leisure. Easily compare companies in one go to find the ideal ride after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo.