Flying from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Colombo: what you need to know
Approximately 4 hours 40 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo.
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Dubai, where Dubai Airport is located. Colombo follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Dubai Airport (DXB) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route, with 59 weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from DXB to CMB is with FitsAir at 23:40. Go for the first departure operated by flydubai at 01:55 if you want to fly out earlier.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your DXB to Colombo flight.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Begin your trip at DXB and travel nonstop to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). That will be your arrival point when searching for Dubai Airport to Colombo tickets.
Top carriers that offer direct flights from Dubai Airport to Colombo include:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for plane tickets from DXB to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Located around 10 kms (6 miles) from the centre of Dubai, DXB can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Travelling on public transport takes roughly 50 minutes.
Looking for a hotel close to DXB? If you're boarding an early flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
74.31% of flights that leave from Dubai Airport arrive at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Colombo
£116 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Dubai Airport to Colombo flight. A return plane ticket right now is £222. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares can change.
To score cheap flights from DXB to Colombo, reserve your journey one month ahead of your departure date.
May is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on Dubai Airport to Colombo tickets. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from DXB to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as a cheaper option becomes available.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kms (10 miles). It'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there by public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is located around 32 kms (20 miles) from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 40 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your DXB to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel close to CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Snap up the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes in high season, but rates are usually higher and major attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Colombo in low season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
Book a Dubai Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from DXB to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Dubai Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should be on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be explored. About 190 miles north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're eager to discover another side of Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, roughly 150 miles north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.
