Travelling from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Colombo: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo is 3 hours 40 minutes.
Colombo is 17 minutes behind Kathmandu, where Tribhuvan International Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most traveled route, with four weekly departures to choose from. You can travel from KTM to CMB at 12:50 with SriLankan Airlines.
To avoid missing your KTM to Colombo flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as October, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.
Start your trip at KTM and travel nonstop to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo tickets.
Look out for promotions from SriLankan Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper plane ticket from KTM to Colombo. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Central Kathmandu to KTM is around 3 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 15 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
Have an early flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near KTM:
How to find the cheapest flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo flight is R 3,445. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 6,670. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from KTM to Colombo, reserve your journey nine months ahead of your planned departure.
January is the best month for landing an amazing deal on Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
You don't need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an updated deal for cheap flights from KTM to Colombo.
Find an affordable flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for 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 getting a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Following your flight from Tribhuvan International 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 the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your KTM to Colombo flight:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or long cab queues. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid paying extra. Booking your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes during high season, but prices are typically higher and attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the low season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Book a Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from KTM to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Colombo right here. Check out these options once you've locked in your flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka you'll want to see. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the move. Check out popular attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.