Traveling from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is five hours 30 minutes behind Canberra, where Canberra Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your CBR to Colombo flight.
Traveling during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to discover a new city or just have a break during your trip. When searching for a plane ticket from CBR to Colombo, deselect 'Direct flights only' to check out all potential stops. Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) is a great option.
The journey from central Canberra to CBR takes around 1 hour 5 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 4 miles in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a hotel close to CBR? If you're boarding an early flight from Canberra Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
72.61% of flights that take off from Canberra Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Colombo
$596 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Canberra Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip plane ticket right now is $863. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares can change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from CBR to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Canberra Airport to Colombo across every month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Snapping up a cheap flight from CBR 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 a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Canberra Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 10 miles. It'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the center driving.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to get there using public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Canberra Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 20 miles from central Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Canberra 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 trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your CBR to Colombo flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Canberra Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in high season, but prices are often higher and top attractions can be crowded. Go to Colombo in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 75ºF and 91ºF. Lock in your Canberra Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap tickets from CBR to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 72ºF and 90ºF on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Canberra Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've visited Colombo, now it's time to explore more of Sri Lanka. Travel about 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 busy.
If you're interested in discovering another side of Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 150 miles north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are key reasons to visit.
