Flying from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is 7 hours 30 minutes behind Queenstown, where Queenstown Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave enough time to catch your flight from ZQN to Colombo. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during high season in general.
To visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you will need an e-visa if you hold a passport from New Zealand. However, visa rules can change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and duration of your trip. Always check the most recent guidelines before booking your cheap ticket from Queenstown Airport to Colombo.
ZQN is about 8 kilometres from central Queenstown. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 13 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 21 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels near ZQN:
How to find the cheapest flights from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Colombo
C$594 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Queenstown Airport to Colombo. Return flights start from C$1,636. These prices can change depending on demand.
To pick up cheap tickets from ZQN to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines usually offer their best fares when flights are first made available.
Finding cheap tickets from Queenstown Airport to Colombo is easy if you're flexible with your travel plans. Check out the 'Whole month' tool to show the lowest prices across every month and score a great deal.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from ZQN to Colombo. There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped. We'll let you know when there's a change in price.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Queenstown Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 39 minutes.
Travelling on public transport takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near RML if you're taking a late flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 39 minutes.
You can also travel by public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 31 minutes.
After your flight from ZQN to Colombo, kick back at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in peak season if you want a vibrant atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book flights from Queenstown Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Book your flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo for March to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for cheap flights from ZQN to Colombo sometime around then if you like cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
After locking in your flight from Queenstown Airport to Colombo, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are major attractions which should be on any good Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Queenstown 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 everything you need to know about car rentals in Colombo, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.
