Flying from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Colombo: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo is 3 hours 35 minutes.
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as New Delhi (the location of Indira Gandhi International Airport).
The most popular route is from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). There are 21 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get on your way as soon as you can, the earliest flight from DEL to CMB is the 05:10 SriLankan Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the last departure is at 18:45 with SriLankan Airlines.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your DEL to Colombo flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Taking off during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Direct Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll complete your journey.
Book your favourite seat with SriLankan Airlines. This leading carrier operates direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even explore another city. When searching for flight tickets from DEL to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Located around 10 kilometres from the centre of New Delhi, DEL can be reached in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Travelling on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near DEL. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
67.17% of flights taking off from Indira Gandhi International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo flight is R 2,148. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 3,987. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book four months before you want to travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from DEL to Colombo.
The best month for finding cheap Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo tickets is August. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from DEL to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a new discount appears.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is located around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your DEL to Colombo flight:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo during peak season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book an Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from DEL to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Travel about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its leading attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another major stop in Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among its highlights.