Flying from Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is four hours 30 minutes ahead of Bologna, where Guglielmo Marconi Airport is located. Colombo follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
To avoid missing your BLQ to Colombo flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper flight ticket from BLQ to Colombo. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
BLQ is about 5 kilometres from central Bologna. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 30 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to BLQ:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Guglielmo Marconi Airport, data shows 74.23% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo flight is C$328. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$751. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from BLQ to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines generally offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first released.
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when looking for a Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an updated deal for cheap flights from BLQ to Colombo.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you about 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you have a late flight from Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your BLQ to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab queues. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Visit Colombo during peak season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book a Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from BLQ to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Guglielmo Marconi Airport to Colombo, explore our selection of hotels including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are a couple of top attractions to add to your Colombo itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, top sights here include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among the biggest draws.
