Travelling from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Colombo: what you need to know
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located in Cebu. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is two hours 30 minutes behind Cebu.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your CEB to Colombo flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from CEB to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
To get to CEB from central Cebu, it takes around 45 minutes if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 14 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Searching for a hotel close to CEB? If you're catching an early flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
Of the flights that depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, 69.4% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Colombo
Rs40,576 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is Rs96,500. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from CEB to Colombo. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo across every month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Save time looking for cheap flights from CEB to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your CEB to Colombo flight, kick back at a hotel near CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or cab lines. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Score the best price by booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Lock in a Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from CEB to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Colombo travel itinerary. 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, top sights here include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
