Flying from Madurai Airport (IXM) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be traveling for 55 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from Madurai Airport to Colombo.
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Madurai (the location of Madurai Airport).
With six weekly flights between the two airports, Madurai Airport (IXM) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the busiest route. Hop on SriLankan Airlines's 10:15 flight to get your trip from IXM to CMB underway.
Leave plenty of time to catch your IXM to Colombo flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
You can book a direct Madurai Airport to Colombo ticket. Start your trip at IXM and arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Book your ticket with SriLankan Airlines. This well-known carrier operates direct flights from Madurai Airport to Colombo.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from traveling and possibly even tick a new city off your list. When searching for plane tickets from IXM to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Central Madurai to IXM is around 6 miles. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 30 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Booked an early flight from Madurai Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to IXM:
Of the flights that depart from Madurai Airport, 71.91% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Madurai Airport (IXM) to Colombo
$98 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Madurai Airport to Colombo flight. A return plane ticket right now is $189. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from IXM to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Madurai Airport to Colombo across each month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Save time searching for cheap flights from IXM to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Madurai Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 10 miles from central Colombo. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.
If you're traveling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Madurai Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The center of Colombo is located around 20 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Madurai Airport to Colombo has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your IXM to Colombo flight:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Get the pick of the lot. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during the high season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Madurai Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before booking a Madurai Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 75ºF to 91ºF.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from IXM to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 72ºF and 90ºF.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Madurai Airport to Colombo, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka you should also see. Around 190 miles north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Start with leading sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka and is around 150 miles north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
