Flying from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is nine hours 30 minutes ahead of Ottawa, where Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located. Colombo follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
To avoid rushing for your YOW to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're flying during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
YOW is around 7 miles from central Ottawa. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near YOW:
58.21% of flights departing from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport make it to their destination on time.
YOW's address is 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Colombo
£447 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo flight. Return plane tickets start from £853. These prices may change depending on availability.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to land cheap flights from YOW to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
Finding cheap tickets from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo is more likely if you're flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to access the lowest prices across each month and snap up a sweet deal.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from YOW to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 10 miles from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 20 miles from the centre of Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Following your YOW to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel near CMB. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Visit Colombo during the high season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Lock in an Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from YOW to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
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 options once you've booked your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Colombo:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to discover other parts of Sri Lanka. Travel about 190 miles north to Jaffna to tick off its must-visit sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 150 miles north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
