Flying from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Colombo: what you need to know
Around 3 hours 35 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo.
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as New Delhi (the location of Indira Gandhi International Airport).
With 21 weekly flights between the two airports, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the busiest route. SriLankan Airlines operates the earliest flight at 05:10. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the latest departure from DEL to CMB is with SriLankan Airlines at 18:45.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your DEL to Colombo flight.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
Start your trip at DEL and travel nonstop to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). That will be your arrival point when searching for Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo tickets.
SriLankan Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo.
We make it simple to book plane tickets from DEL to Colombo with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Located around 10 kilometres from the centre of New Delhi, DEL can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
In search of a hotel near DEL? If you're boarding an early flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of all flights leaving Indira Gandhi International Airport, 67.17% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo flight is Rs34,345. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs71,001. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book four months before you want to travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from DEL to Colombo.
The best month for finding cheap Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo tickets is August. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from DEL to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a new discount appears.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo. Settle into one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your DEL to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Score the best price by booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo during peak season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book an Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from DEL to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Travel about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its leading attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another major stop in Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among its highlights.
