Travelling from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of Helsinki, where Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your flight from HEL to Colombo.
Travelling during a popular month such as June? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for flights from HEL to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
If you have a passport from Finland, you will need an e-visa to enter Sri Lanka. This applies if you're booking a cheap ticket from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo for tourism purposes. The rules may be different if you're travelling for work or other reasons. Always check the visa rules before you make travel plans and definitely before flying.
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Helsinki, HEL can be reached in approximately 29 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 44 minutes.
Need a convenient hotel close to HEL? If you've booked an early flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from check-in:
How to find the cheapest flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Colombo
C$406 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$743. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from HEL to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often have some excellent early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, check out the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when searching for a ticket from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you time checking for cheap tickets from HEL to Colombo every day.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 39 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take about 1 hour and 31 minutes.
After your flight from HEL to Colombo, kick back at a hotel near CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before scheduling your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel prices are often higher and top attractions can be crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the off-season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Before booking a flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from HEL to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, browse our range of hotels including:
All great vacations should include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are essential stops on your Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find all the info on car rentals in Colombo, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.