Traveling from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be traveling for 11 hours. That's the average duration of a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo.
Zurich Airport is located in Zurich. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is four hours 30 minutes ahead of Zurich.
Leave plenty of time to get on your ZRH to Colombo flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra wiggle room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Begin your journey at ZRH and travel straight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Zurich Airport to Colombo tickets.
Look out for promotions from Edelweiss Air. This airline operates direct flights from Zurich Airport to Colombo.
ZRH is around 6 miles from central Zurich. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 35 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo? Avoid rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near ZRH:
Of the flights that depart from Zurich Airport, 69.02% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Colombo
$203 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Zurich Airport to Colombo flight. Return plane tickets start at $464. These fares can change based on demand and availability.
To score cheap flights from ZRH to Colombo, reserve your trip one month ahead of your departure.
The best month for scoring cheap Zurich Airport to Colombo tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
You don't need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an even better deal on cheap flights from ZRH to Colombo.
Snag an affordable flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 10 miles. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the center driving.
It typically takes 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 landing late on a flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 20 miles from the center of Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your ZRH to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before securing your flights from Zurich Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 75ºF and 91ºF. Lock in your Zurich Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from ZRH to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 72ºF and 90ºF.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just two of the top attractions to add to your Colombo must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Journey around 190 miles north to Jaffna to check off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Trincomalee is another must-experience destination in Sri Lanka and is around 150 miles north-east of Colombo. No trip is complete without dropping by Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
