Flying from Dubai to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Dubai. Check out your options departing from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when organising your flight from Dubai to Colombo.
Come in for landing at Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB), the chief entry point to Colombo.
The average time for a direct Dubai to Colombo flight is 4 hours 30 minutes.
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Dubai and follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Dubai to Colombo is from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB). You can choose from 60 services every week between these two airports. If you want to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DXB to CMB is the 01:55 flydubai option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last scheduled departure is at 23:40 with FitsAir.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Dubai to Colombo flight.
During popular months such as December, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Colombo
Booking in advance is often the key to scoring a cheap Dubai to Colombo flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Dubai to Colombo across the month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Dubai to Colombo is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Dubai to Colombo flights.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Dubai to Colombo, you can depart from Dubai Airport (DXB). Travel from DXB to Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB) in one seamless trip.
You can choose from various carriers offering direct Dubai to Colombo plane tickets with departures from DXB, including:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing Dubai to Colombo flights departing from Dubai Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Hyderabad Airport (HYD)
Muscat Airport (MCT)
Kochi Airport (COK)
Located around 5 kilometres from central Dubai, DXB can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Dubai to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Dubai Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Dubai Airport, 71% of flights complete their journey on time.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
With public transport, you can travel from central Dubai to DWC in around 1 hour 20 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 40 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Dubai to Colombo? Check in to a hotel near Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
64% of all departures from Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport arrive according to schedule.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB)
Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB) is approximately 27 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 40 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 50 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near CMB if you're coming in on a late flight from Dubai to Colombo. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Colombo Bandaranayake Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt to explore Colombo and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Colombo Bandaranayake Airport about two weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
If you're staying in Colombo's centre (or just can't wait to start exploring), the city is around 13 kilometres from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML). Look for any information desks for help with directions after disembarking your flight from Dubai to Colombo.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to RML. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Dubai to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
August is the busiest month for flights from Dubai to Colombo. To skip the crowds, head to Colombo in March.
Book a Dubai to Colombo ticket departing in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for cheap flights from Dubai to Colombo around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Dubai to Colombo, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
Mount Lavinia Beach. And Sri Gangaramaya are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to add to your Colombo to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Independence Square.