Travelling from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is ten hours 30 minutes ahead of Chicago, where O'Hare International Airport is located.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your ORD to Colombo flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Taking off during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even explore another city. When browsing for flight tickets from ORD to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near ORD:
Of all flights leaving O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% arrive on time at their destination.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
How to find the cheapest flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Colombo
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way O'Hare International Airport to Colombo flight is R 7,619. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 14,497. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from ORD to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often have some great early bird deals.
Scoring cheap tickets from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo is more likely if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to get the best prices across the month and score an epic deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from ORD to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes about 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo. Select one of these options and make your first night all about rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is located around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 40 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your ORD to Colombo flight:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your O'Hare International Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from ORD to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, its best attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, about 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among the biggest draws.
