Flying from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Penang International Airport is located in George Town. Following the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is two hours 30 minutes behind George Town.
Leave enough time to make your PEN to Colombo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading off during a peak period like a public holiday? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from traveling and maybe even tick a new city off your list. When browsing for plane tickets from PEN to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
To reach PEN from central George Town, it'll take around 25 minutes if you're going by car. It's roughly 9 miles from the airport to the city center.
Want an easy start to your vacation? Stay near PEN. Whether you've booked an early flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
69.54% of flights that leave from Penang International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Penang International Airport to Colombo flight is $99. The cheapest price for a return flight is $260. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from PEN to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Penang International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from PEN to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Snag an affordable flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo 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.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 10 miles away.
If you're traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 20 miles from central Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city center in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your PEN to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Compare offers from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Penang International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 75ºF and 91ºF. Lock in your Penang International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between 72ºF and 90ºF. Search for a cheap ticket from PEN to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Every great vacation has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. About 190 miles north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 150 miles north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favorite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience major highlights starting with Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.