Flying from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes behind Vientiane, where Wattay International Airport is located. Colombo follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave plenty of time to get on your VTE to Colombo flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
Central Vientiane to VTE is around 6 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 20 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
In search of a hotel near VTE? If you're catching an early flight from Wattay International Airport to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
73.92% of flights leaving from Wattay International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Colombo
R 3,548 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Wattay International Airport to Colombo flight. A return ticket right now is R 8,470. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To find cheap flights from VTE to Colombo, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Wattay International Airport to Colombo across every month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an extra saving on cheap flights from VTE to Colombo.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Wattay International Airport to Colombo by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Wattay International Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Wattay International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your VTE to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab queues. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during peak season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices may be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Wattay International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Lock in a Wattay International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from VTE to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Wattay International Airport to Colombo:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the move. Start with attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, about 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are key reasons to visit.
