Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Colombo

Compare Melbourne to Colombo flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Colombo

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Flight deals from Melbourne to Colombo

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Melbourne to Colombo? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from R 9,174. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Colombo

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Melbourne to Colombo flights are currently cheapest in October.

Direct flights from Melbourne to Colombo

Melbourne to Colombo: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundR 3,911
Cheapest month to flyOctober
Average flight time10 hrs, 31 mins
Most popular airlineEthiopian Airlines
Average flights per week16

Finding cheap flights from Melbourne to Colombo: Frequently asked questions

There are 5 airports in Colombo: Kelaniya, Colombo Ratmalana, Colombo Bandaranayake, Bentota River, and Katugastota.
The best price we found for a return flight from Melbourne to Colombo is R 7,436. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
10 hours and 31 minutes is the average flight time from Melbourne to Colombo.
Ethiopian Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and Air Seychelles fly direct from Melbourne to Colombo.
As of March 2026, there are 16 flights per week flying from Melbourne to Colombo.
The cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Colombo is usually June.
If you're flying from Melbourne, the cheapest airport near Colombo is Colombo Bandaranayake – which is 27.5 km away from the centre of Colombo. We've found flights into this airport from R 7,436.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Melbourne to Colombo on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 10 hours and 31 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Colombo but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Colombo is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In March, the average temperature is usually around 28°C. May is typically the warmest month in Colombo, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in February. The coldest month is July, with temperatures averaging 25°C. The rainiest month is November.
The cheapest airline that flies to Colombo is AirAsia X. And the cheapest airline that flies to Colombo Ratmalana Airport is Jetstar.

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.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.