Flying from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Bhubaneswar (the location of Biju Patnaik International Airport).
To avoid rushing for your BBI to Colombo flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like August, it's wise to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even tick a new city off your list. When browsing for plane tickets from BBI to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Central Bhubaneswar to BBI is around 5 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 15 minutes to reach there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Searching for a hotel near BBI? If you're boarding an early flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
68.08% of flights that take off from Biju Patnaik International Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) to Colombo
R 2,081 is currently the best price for a one-way Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket starts at R 4,654. These fares can change based on availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from BBI to Colombo. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Finding cheap tickets from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo is more likely if you're flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to get the best prices across the month and pick up an awesome deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from BBI to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel near RML if you have a late flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo. Select one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Biju Patnaik International 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're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to drop your things at near CMB. Kick back and get cosy after your BBI to Colombo flight at one of these well-located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
Search for cheap tickets from BBI to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be explored. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another must-experience destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without visiting Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
