Travelling from Chicago to Colombo: what you need to know
Chicago is home to a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Colombo leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Come in for landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the chief entry point to Colombo.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30, which is ten hours 30 minutes ahead of Chicago.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Chicago to Colombo flight.
Travelling during a peak month like August? High seasons (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break) can easily add an hour at security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Colombo
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Chicago to Colombo flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across the month when looking for your plane ticket from Chicago to Colombo.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Chicago to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Colombo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for Chicago to Colombo flights departing from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a handy hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Colombo, these accommodation options will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
74.85% of flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
MDW is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you 20 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Colombo? Kick back in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your break officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77.88%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is approximately 13 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near CMB instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid potential price surges. Securing your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from Chicago to Chicago, think about which time of year is best for you. High season in Chicago offers a lively atmosphere and plenty to do, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Chicago to Colombo ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Colombo, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka just waiting to be explored. Around 18 kilometres south of Colombo, a visit to Moratuwa will keep you busy. Start with popular sights like Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Jaffna is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 306 kilometres north of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
