Flying from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) to Colombo: what you need to know
Islamabad International Airport is located in Islamabad. Operating on the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is 30 minutes ahead of Islamabad.
Leave plenty of time to make your flight from ISB to Colombo. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
We make it simple to find a flight from ISB to Colombo that includes a stopover. To see all the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Jinnah International Airport (KHI)
If you hold a passport from Pakistan, you will need an e-visa to enter Sri Lanka. This applies if you're booking a cheap ticket from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo for tourism purposes. Requirements may be different if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines ahead of booking and certainly before you fly.
ISB is about 31 kilometres from central Islamabad. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 33 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Have an early flight from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to ISB:
How to find the cheapest flights from Islamabad International Airport (ISB) to Colombo
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo is C$315. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$704. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from ISB to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird deals.
Getting cheap tickets from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo is easy if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares throughout the month and land a great deal.
Finding a cheap ticket from ISB to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is around 39 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Book a hotel near RML if you're taking a late flight from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is located around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 39 minutes.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take around 1 hour and 31 minutes.
There are some great places to rest your head close to CMB. Kick back and get cozy after your flight from ISB to Colombo at any of these perfectly located options:
Best time to go to Colombo
Before booking your flights from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Colombo offers a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season means you'll get better deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
Book your flight from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo for March to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from ISB to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo, check out our selection of hotels including:
Every great journey 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
Select one of our car rentals in Colombo and explore the city on your own terms. Easily compare rates in one place to find the perfect ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Islamabad International Airport to Colombo.