Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 8 hours 55 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo.
Colombo is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route, with nine weekly departures to pick from. You can fly from IST to CMB at 02:00 with Turkish Airlines.
For stress-free travel, 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 catch your IST to Colombo flight.
Heading off during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll step off the plane.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your plane ticket from IST to Colombo. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Located around 20 miles from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near IST:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Colombo
£144 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo flight. A return ticket right now is £312. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.
To snag cheap flights from IST to Colombo, reserve your trip one month ahead of your planned departure.
May is the best month for landing a fantastic deal on Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo tickets. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from IST to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 10 miles from the centre of Colombo. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 20 miles from the centre of Colombo. Following your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the journey to take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your IST to Colombo flight:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Snap up the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes in high season, but prices are typically higher and attractions can be crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the off-season if you want a quieter vibe.
Before booking an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from IST to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are a couple of popular attractions to put on your Colombo to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've visited Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Journey around 190 miles north to Jaffna to tick off its top sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Trincomalee is another well-known destination in Sri Lanka and is around 150 miles north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without seeing Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
