Flying from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Queenstown Airport is located in Queenstown. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is seven hours 30 minutes behind Queenstown.
To avoid missing your ZQN to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Planning to travel during a peak period 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 ahead of domestic departures.
Travelling from central Queenstown to ZQN takes about 20 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels near ZQN:
Of the flights that depart from Queenstown Airport, 79.18% land on time at their destination.
You'll find ZQN at P.O. Box 64.
How to find the cheapest flights from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Colombo
R 6,887 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Queenstown Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is R 18,931. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to securing a cheap flight from ZQN to Colombo. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer your departure date, the more it could cost you.
If you have flexibility with your travel plans, check out the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when searching for your Queenstown Airport to Colombo ticket.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from ZQN to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Queenstown 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.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 40 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your ZQN to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab queues. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Score the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Queenstown 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 the low season means you'll get better deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
Book a Queenstown Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from ZQN to Colombo around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are leading attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're eager to discover another side of Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, about 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.