Flying from Colombo to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Johannesburg jetting off from here.
Disembark at Johannesburg's chief entry point, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
To ensure you board your Colombo to Johannesburg flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Johannesburg
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Colombo to Johannesburg flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Colombo to Johannesburg across the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Colombo to Johannesburg by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Colombo to Johannesburg flights.
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even tour another city. When searching for Colombo to Johannesburg flights leaving from Bandaranaike International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
The journey from central Colombo to CMB takes about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Bandaranaike International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Colombo to Johannesburg or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Bandaranaike International Airport, 75.71% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is approximately 21 kilometres. It'll take you about 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there on public transport typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Colombo to Johannesburg. Reserve one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Travel at your own pace with an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and find adventure across Johannesburg and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, book your vehicle from O.R. Tambo International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Colombo to Johannesburg flight.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Central Johannesburg is around 32 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). After your flight from Colombo to Johannesburg has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 50 minutes.
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Lanseria International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire and Firefly powered by Hertz.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from HLA four weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
July is the most popular month for flights from Colombo to Johannesburg. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Johannesburg in February.
Book a Colombo to Johannesburg ticket departing in January if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Johannesburg to range from 15ºC to 30ºC.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Colombo to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 20ºC.
More about Johannesburg
Start your Johannesburg trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Colombo to Johannesburg, browse our range of hotels including:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are attractions you won't want to skip in Johannesburg.
Explore more of South Africa
You've done Johannesburg, now it's time to explore other corners of South Africa. Journey about 18 kilometres west to Soweto to check off its top attractions. From Mjebha Park to Tutu House - Soweto tours and Go Green Go Clean, your itinerary will be busy.
If you want to check out another corner of South Africa, consider Pretoria, about 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg. 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, Wonderpark and Viscount Memorial Wall are key highlights.
