Traveling from Dubai to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Dubai. Explore your options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when booking your flight from Dubai to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where your flight will arrive in Colombo.
Around 4 hours 30 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Dubai to Colombo flight.
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Dubai and follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
The busiest route for flights from Dubai to Colombo is from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Choose from 59 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from DXB to CMB is the 01:55 flydubai service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 23:40 with FitsAir.
To ensure you catch your Dubai to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a popular month such as July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Colombo
To secure cheap Dubai to Colombo flights, reserve your trip two months before your departure date.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Dubai to Colombo. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Dubai to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Save money on your Dubai to Colombo flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Dubai to Colombo, you can leave from Dubai Airport (DXB). Fly from DXB to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in one seamless journey.
Top airlines that offer direct Dubai to Colombo plane tickets from DXB include:
We make it a cinch to book a Dubai to Colombo flight with a stopover. To see all your options leaving from Dubai Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Located around 6 miles from central Dubai, DXB can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 50 minutes.
Need a convenient hotel close to Dubai Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Dubai to Colombo, these stays will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
Of the flights that depart from Dubai Airport, 74.31% land on schedule at their destination.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
DWC is about 30 miles from central Dubai. It'll take you 45 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes.
You're off on vacation, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport the day before your flight from Dubai to Colombo:
57% of flights departing Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport arrive according to schedule.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 8 miles. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the center driving.
Traveling to the center by public transport typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Dubai to Colombo. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 17 miles from the center of Colombo. Following your flight from Dubai to Colombo, it'll take you approximately 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Traveling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab queues. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Dubai to Dubai. The city buzzes during high season, but prices are often higher and attractions can be busy. Go to Dubai in the low season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 75ºF and 91ºF. Book your Dubai to Colombo ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
January sees average temperatures of between 72ºF and 90ºF. Look for cheap flights from Dubai to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to Colombo, check out our selection of hotels including:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Colombo to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've visited Colombo, now it's time to discover other corners of Sri Lanka. Journey around 11 miles south to Moratuwa to tick off its top attractions. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Jaffna is another well-known destination in Sri Lanka and is around 190 miles north of Colombo. No trip is complete without dropping by Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.