Travelling from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Cape Town, where Cape Town International Airport is located.
Leave enough time to get on your CPT to Colombo flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper flight ticket from CPT to Colombo. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular options:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Central Cape Town to CPT is around 18 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 20 minutes to reach there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
Planning to catch an early flight from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near CPT:
81.65% of flights leaving Cape Town International Airport touch down at their destination according to schedule. Given its strong on-time performance, you're unlikely to experience delays when flying out of CPT.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Colombo
Rs120,302 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Cape Town International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is Rs229,774. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from CPT to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo across the entire month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Finding a cheap flight from CPT to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as a deal gets even better.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
The trip will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your CPT to Colombo flight:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes in high season, but hotel rates are generally higher and attractions can be crowded. Visit Colombo in the off-season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in a Cape Town 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.
Look for cheap tickets from CPT to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Explore these hotels after locking in your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions which should feature 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 waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep you on the move. Start with popular sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. Experience major highlights starting with Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
