Flying from Johannesburg to Colombo: what you need to know
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Johannesburg's main airport. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Johannesburg to Colombo taking off from here.
Hop off the plane at Colombo's primary gateway, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which makes Colombo three hours 30 minutes ahead of Johannesburg.
Allow plenty of time to get on your Johannesburg to Colombo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least 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 earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Colombo
To find cheap Johannesburg to Colombo flights, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Johannesburg to Colombo across each month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Johannesburg to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Johannesburg to Colombo flights.
Flying from Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
We make it a cinch to find a Johannesburg to Colombo flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from O.R. Tambo International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight that has a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Travelling from central Johannesburg to JNB takes about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a relaxed start to your vacation? Stay near O.R. Tambo International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Johannesburg to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
77.1% of flights taking off from O.R. Tambo International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Johannesburg to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near CMB:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is around 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Johannesburg to Colombo has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 40 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and make a speedy getaway.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Johannesburg in high season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Johannesburg to Johannesburg in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Johannesburg to Colombo ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for cheap flights from Johannesburg to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Johannesburg to Colombo, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to discover more of Sri Lanka. Travel about 18 kilometres south to Moratuwa to tick off its must-visit sights. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Jaffna is another favourite destination in Sri Lanka and is around 306 kilometres north of Colombo. No trip is complete without seeing Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.