Flying from Melbourne to Colombo: what you need to know
Melbourne's main base, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is where plenty of awesome adventures begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Melbourne to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll be landing in Colombo.
The average time for a direct Melbourne to Colombo flight is 10 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30, which is five hours 30 minutes behind Melbourne.
The most popular route for flights from Melbourne to Colombo is from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). You can choose from seven weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from MEL to CMB is the 16:10 SriLankan Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the latest available service is at 17:25 with SriLankan Airlines.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your Melbourne to Colombo flight.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Colombo
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Colombo is R 3,911. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 7,436. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Score cheap Melbourne to Colombo flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for finding a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Melbourne to Colombo is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Melbourne to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Melbourne to Colombo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
If you're after a direct flight from Melbourne to Colombo, you can leave from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Travel from MEL to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in one continuous trip.
Reserve your Melbourne to Colombo plane tickets with SriLankan Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from MEL.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even tour another city. When searching for Melbourne to Colombo flights departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
MEL is around 19 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 40 minutes.
In search of a handy hotel near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Melbourne to Colombo, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure lounge:
67.71% of flights taking off from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport make it to their destination on time.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Book a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Melbourne to Colombo. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
As soon as your flight from Melbourne to Colombo has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going 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.
Get the pick of the lot. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Have a think about your dates before booking your flight from Melbourne to Melbourne. The city buzzes in peak season, but hotel prices are typically higher and attractions can be crowded. Visit Melbourne in low season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your Melbourne to Colombo tickets, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for cheap flights from Melbourne to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Colombo, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Moratuwa is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Colombo. Around 18 kilometres to the south, popular attractions include Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Jaffna is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 306 kilometres north of Colombo. No journey is complete without seeing Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.