Travelling from Colombo to New York: what you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with figuring out where you'll fly out of in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the city's main base, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to New York taking off from here.
Hop off the plane at one of New York's major gateways like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). You can also make your way to this city landing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Colombo to New York flight.
If you're flying during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to New York
Booking early is often the key to securing a cheap Colombo to New York flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Colombo to New York across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from Colombo to New York is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Colombo to New York flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even tour another city. When browsing Colombo to New York flights leaving from Bandaranaike International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The journey from central Colombo to CMB takes about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 17 miles in 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a handy hotel close to Bandaranaike International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Colombo to New York, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Bandaranaike International Airport, 75.71% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Arriving in New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to central New York takes around 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 12 miles away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Book a hotel near JFK if you're coming in on a late flight from Colombo to New York. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a John F. Kennedy International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Budget, Dollar or Sixt and explore beyond New York's main sights.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from John F. Kennedy International Airport around two weeks before your departure date.
The address for JFK is JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Once your flight from Colombo to New York has arrived, you can get to the city centre in about 30 minutes by car. Central New York is approximately 9 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The trip will take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near EWR. Tuck yourself in after your Colombo to New York flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Grab a Newark Liberty International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the rates and availability from Dollar, Budget and Thrifty.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from EWR three weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Newark Liberty International Airport is located at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Hop off your flight from Colombo to New York and travel to your hotel or start taking in the sights right away. The centre of New York is around 8 miles from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and typically takes 25 minutes to reach driving.
If you use public transport, the journey time is around 1 hour.
Book a hotel close to LGA and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're catching a late Colombo to New York flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Stay in control of the next part of your trip with a LaGuardia Airport rental car. Dollar, Ace Rent a Car and Thrifty are reliable rental providers.
If you're searching for a specific kind of vehicle, lock in your ride from LGA about two weeks before your flight from Colombo to New York. This gives you a better chance of getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
LaGuardia Airport can be found at Hangar 7 Centre.
Best time to go to New York
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Colombo to New York. July is the busiest month to travel to New York. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in May.
Lock in a Colombo to New York ticket departing in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in New York to range from 18ºC (64ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Colombo to New York in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 8ºC (46ºF) on average.
More about New York
After booking your flight from Colombo to New York, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring New York:
Statue of Liberty and Central Park are a couple of top attractions to put on your New York must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Empire State Building.
Explore more of United States
New York has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be explored. Around 80 miles south-west of New York, a visit to Philadelphia will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Boston is another favourite destination in United States and is around 190 miles north-east of New York. No trip is complete without dropping by Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.