Flying from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Athens, where Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.
For a smooth journey, 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 ATH to Colombo flight.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight ticket from ATH to Colombo. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these popular options:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Athens, ATH can be reached in about 35 minutes by car. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Planning to catch an early flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near ATH:
Of the flights that depart from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, 77.19% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Colombo
Rs55,794 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket right now is Rs114,666. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To pick up cheap flights from ATH to Colombo, book as early as you can. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo across each month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
There's no need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from ATH to Colombo.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Travelling by public transport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo. Settle into one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 40 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Following your ATH to Colombo flight, rest your head at a hotel near CMB. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during the high season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before locking in your Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from ATH to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of hotels including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just two of the popular attractions to put on your Colombo to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered after you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, well-known attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
