Flying from Dubai to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Dubai. Explore your options departing from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when booking your flight from Dubai to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary gateway where you can disembark in Colombo.
The average duration of a direct flight from Dubai to Colombo is 4 hours 33 minutes. Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which makes Colombo 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of Dubai.
Dubai Airport (DXB) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 79 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Dubai to Colombo is with FitsAir at 23:40. Opt for the first DXB to CMB departure operated by flydubai at 01:55 to maximize your time in Colombo.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Dubai to Colombo.
Be prepared for bigger queues during popular months like July and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
If you hold a passport from United Arab Emirates, you will need an e-visa to visit Sri Lanka. This applies when booking a cheap flight from Dubai to Colombo for tourism purposes. The rules may differ if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always check official visa guidelines before you make travel plans and certainly before flying.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
You can catch a direct flight from Dubai to Colombo taking off from Dubai Airport (DXB). Start your journey at DXB and land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Top carriers that have direct flights from Dubai to Colombo departing DXB include:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing flights from Dubai to Colombo departing from Dubai Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Velana International Airport (MLE)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
The journey from central Dubai to DXB takes approximately 49 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 14 kilometres in 16 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Dubai to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels near Dubai Airport:
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to freshen up with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Dubai to Colombo, browse these options when leaving from Dubai Airport:
Velana International Airport (MLE)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
DWC is around 56 kilometres from central Dubai. It'll take 45 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.
It's your vacation, so why not extend it with another night away? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport the day before your flight from Dubai to Colombo:
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 16 kilometres. It'll take you around 39 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling on public transport takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you're taking a late flight from Dubai to Colombo. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. After your flight from Dubai to Colombo, expect a drive time of approximately 39 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
You can also opt for public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Dubai to Colombo:
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Colombo
C$219 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Colombo. A return flight starts from C$414. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
To snag cheap flights from Dubai to Colombo, book your journey 9 months ahead of your departure date.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Dubai to Colombo. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Dubai to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Take advantage of filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Dubai to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during high season if you prefer a vibrant atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Dubai to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Dubai to Colombo in this month if you like this kind of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, book a cheap ticket from Dubai to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Colombo right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Dubai to Colombo:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Colombo must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Dubai to Colombo to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Colombo, from the most popular car rental to the best time to book.