Travelling from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Colombo: what you need to know
Ninoy Aquino International Airport is located in Manila. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is two hours 30 minutes behind Manila.
To avoid missing your MNL to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying during a popular month such as July? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from MNL to Colombo. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Manila, MNL can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to MNL:
70.07% of flights departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo flight is R 3,028. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 7,496. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from MNL to Colombo, book as early as possible. Airlines generally offer lower prices when flights are first released.
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the lowest price across each month when searching for your Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Picking up a cheap flight from MNL to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Snag an affordable flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. After your flight from Ninoy Aquino 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.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your MNL to Colombo flight, unwind at a hotel near CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare offers from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means lower prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before booking your flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season brings cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Book a Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from MNL to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Colombo, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be explored. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you want to check out another side of Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.