Flying from Istanbul to Colombo: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Istanbul to Colombo. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary arrival point in Colombo.
Around 8 hours 5 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Istanbul to Colombo flight.
Colombo is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul and follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are nine flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Colombo is with Turkish Airlines at 19:35. Go for the first IST to CMB departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 02:00 to make the most of your arrival in Colombo.
To ensure you catch your Istanbul to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
You can expect longer queues during popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Colombo
To secure cheap Istanbul to Colombo flights, reserve your trip two months ahead of your departure.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Colombo is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from Istanbul to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Lock in a cheap Istanbul to Colombo flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Colombo, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Fly from IST to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) without any stops.
Be on the lookout for deals with Turkish Airlines. This carrier offers direct Istanbul to Colombo plane tickets out of IST.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Istanbul to Colombo flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular options:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Istanbul to Colombo flight. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these stops between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Colombo:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
SAW is about 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take 55 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not spend an extra night away? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Colombo:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 77%.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is approximately 13 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 40 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there on public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Colombo. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is around 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). As soon as your flight from Istanbul to Colombo has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and be on your way in a flash.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Istanbul to Istanbul. The city comes alive during high season, but hotel rates are usually higher and attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Istanbul in low season for a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in an Istanbul to Colombo ticket departing in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
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 as soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Colombo:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Colombo itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've visited Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Journey around 18 kilometres south to Moratuwa to tick off its leading sights. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another corner of Sri Lanka, consider Jaffna, about 306 kilometres north of Colombo. Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library are key highlights.
