Travelling from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne and you'll be in the air for around 10 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Colombo, where Bandaranaike International Airport is located.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the most traveled route, with seven flights a week to pick from. You can fly from CMB to MEL at 00:25 with SriLankan Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your CMB to Melbourne flight.
Heading off during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Direct Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne tickets are available for booking. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is where you'll disembark.
Keep your eyes peeled for deals with SriLankan Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from CMB to Melbourne, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
CMB is around 27 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 40 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 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near CMB. Whether you've booked an early flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
75.71% of flights taking off from Bandaranaike International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Melbourne
R 4,687 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne flight. A return flight ticket starts at R 9,497. These fares can change based on demand.
To secure cheap flights from CMB to Melbourne, book your journey two months before your departure date.
Organise your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring an epic deal on Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across every month.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from CMB to Melbourne.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne takes about 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 24 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes around 40 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Travel at your own speed with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and see more of Melbourne and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from CMB to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is about 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. Following your flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
You'll find a few fantastic places to stay within a quick drive of AVV. Ease into relaxation mode at Corio Bay Motel after your CMB to Melbourne flight.
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long cab queues. Pick up an Avalon Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare availability and rates from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at AVV can help you lock in a better rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne has touched down. Central Melbourne is about 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to get to by car.
If you use public transport, the journey time is around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your trip by choosing a hotel near MEB after your CMB to Melbourne flight. Recharge after a day of travel or simply give yourself time to get your footing in a new city at:
Whether you're looking for a compact for a solo adventure or a roomy SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the perfect Essendon Airport rental car for you. Check out the range of wheels available here from companies such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Booking a couple of weeks in advance of your flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne is always smart. Along with better deals, you'll likely have a better variety of makes and models to choose from at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne. The city comes alive during peak season, but rates are usually higher and attractions can be busy. Visit Melbourne in the low season for a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in a Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket with a departure in January to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
July sees average temperatures of between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from CMB to Melbourne around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Melbourne, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are essential stops on your Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be explored after you've seen Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, its best attractions include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
If you're looking to explore another well-known destination in Australia, head for Launceston, about 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience are key reasons to visit.
