Travelling from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): what you need to know
Melbourne's main base, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is where plenty of awesome adventures begin. Explore your departure options from here for your flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Book a direct flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport and you'll be travelling for around 10 hours 51 minutes.
Bandaranaike International Airport is located in Colombo. The city operates in the UTC+5:30 timezone and is 5 hours 30 minutes behind Melbourne.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route. There are 13 direct flights a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, take the last flight with SriLankan Airlines at 17:25. Go for the first MEL to CMB departure operated by SriLankan Airlines at 16:10 if you want to get going earlier.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Melbourne to CMB. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid any last-minute rush.
Popular months like July or other peak seasons mean longer waiting times and potential delays. Stay ahead of the crowds by getting to the airport even earlier. Aim for at least four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Take the express route from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Nonstop flights from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) can be booked from here.
You'll find a direct flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport with SriLankan Airlines. This leading airline offers services from MEL.
We make it a breeze to book a flight from Melbourne to CMB that includes a stopover. To see all your options departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers between MEL and CMB include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
The distance from central Melbourne to MEL is about 24 kilometres. Use Google Maps for the best way to get there, whether you plan to drive or take public transport.
Catching an early flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by picking one of these hotels close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport:
About Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport. Book one of these accommodation options near CMB instead:
Getting from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to central Colombo
From Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres away. It takes around 39 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 31 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
For a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport, Rs55,538 is the best price we've seen. You can also book a return flight starting from Rs116,840. These are the lowest fares right now but are subject to change depending on availability.
You're more likely to score cheap tickets from Melbourne to CMB if you book 8 months before takeoff. We crunched the flight price data and found that's when fares on this route are typically at their lowest.
The cheapest month for tickets from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your plans.
Finding a cheap ticket from Melbourne to CMB is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has fallen.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport. Simply select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
August is the most popular month for flights from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport. To steer clear of the crowds, travel to Colombo in April when it's quieter.
Before you book a flight from Melbourne to CMB, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with the temperature ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport, browse our range of accommodation options including:
One of the best ways to experience Colombo is to explore its most popular attractions. Highlights include Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Exit all those tabs and let us do the hard work for you. We've also got amazing deals on car rentals in Colombo once you've booked your cheap flight from Melbourne to Bandaranaike International Airport. Instantly compare prices all in one place and drive away with a bargain that fits your budget.
