Travelling from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is 4 hours behind Darwin, where Darwin International Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from DRW to Colombo. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience longer queues in popular months such as July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
We make it easy to find a flight from DRW to Colombo with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight offering a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
If you have a passport from Australia, you'll need an e-visa to visit Sri Lanka. This applies if you're booking a cheap ticket from Darwin International Airport to Colombo for tourism purposes. The rules may be different if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines ahead of booking and definitely before flying.
DRW is around 13 kilometres from central Darwin. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel close to DRW? If you're catching an early flight from Darwin International Airport to Colombo, these stays will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
How to find the cheapest flights from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Colombo
C$469 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Darwin International Airport to Colombo. Return flights start at C$822. These prices can change depending on demand.
It's usually best to book as early as possible if you're looking for cheap tickets from DRW to Colombo. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to rise closer to the date of departure.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Darwin International Airport to Colombo across the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Finding a cheap ticket from DRW to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Darwin International Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and journey duration.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 16 kilometres. It takes about 39 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel near RML if you're catching a late flight from Darwin International Airport to Colombo. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Darwin International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near CMB. Settle in and get cozy after your flight from DRW to Colombo at one of these well-located options:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Darwin International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel rates are often higher and top attractions can get busy. Visit Colombo in the off-season if you want a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Darwin International Airport to Colombo in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from DRW to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Darwin International Airport to Colombo, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Darwin International Airport to Colombo to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to know about car rentals in Colombo, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.