Travelling from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Sofia, where Sofia Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.
To avoid missing your SOF to Colombo flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Heading off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from SOF to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
SOF is about 6 kilometres from central Sofia. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 35 minutes.
Searching for a hotel near SOF? If you're boarding an early flight from Sofia Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
Of all flights leaving Sofia Airport, 66.73% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sofia Airport (SOF) to Colombo
R 4,033 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Sofia Airport to Colombo flight. Return flight tickets start from R 9,533. These fares can change depending on availability.
To find cheap flights from SOF to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines tend to offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Sofia Airport to Colombo throughout the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Picking up a cheap flight from SOF to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a cheaper option becomes available.
Snag an affordable flight from Sofia Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your ideal 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) to central Colombo takes about 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Sofia Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags 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. Once you've hopped off your flight from Sofia 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're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your SOF to Colombo flight:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Visit Colombo during peak season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Sofia Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Sofia Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SOF to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Sofia Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, well-known attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
