Flying from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Heraklion, where Heraklion Airport is located.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your HER to Colombo flight.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from HER to Colombo with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. The most sought-after stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
The journey from central Heraklion to HER takes around 15 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 3 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near HER. Whether you have an early flight from Heraklion Airport to Colombo or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels have you covered:
80.18% of flights departing from Heraklion Airport reach their destination on schedule. Given its strong performance rating, you're unlikely to be delayed when jetting out of HER.
How to find the cheapest flights from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Colombo
R 6,012 is currently the best price for a one-way Heraklion Airport to Colombo flight. Return flight tickets start at R 11,890. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from HER to Colombo. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Heraklion Airport to Colombo throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from HER to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Find a cheap flight from Heraklion Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Heraklion Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from central Colombo. After your flight from Heraklion Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your HER to Colombo flight:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and make a speedy getaway.
Avoid paying extra. Booking your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB will save you money.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in peak season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Heraklion Airport to Colombo in the low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Before booking a Heraklion Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from HER to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Heraklion Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, popular attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another favourite 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.