Flying from Nairobi to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Nairobi. Check out your options departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) when searching for a flight from Nairobi to Colombo.
Disembark at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the primary gateway of Colombo.
Colombo is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Nairobi and follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Nairobi to Colombo flight.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Colombo
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Nairobi to Colombo flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some excellent early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across each month when searching for your plane ticket from Nairobi to Colombo.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Nairobi to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Find an affordable Nairobi to Colombo flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even tour another city. When browsing Nairobi to Colombo flights departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Nairobi, NBO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
After an easy start to your break? Stay near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Nairobi to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, data shows 67.1% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 13 kilometres. It'll take you about 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Nairobi to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Nairobi to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Forget about public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Nairobi to Nairobi. The city comes alive during high season, but hotel rates are often higher and attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Nairobi in the off-season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your Nairobi to Colombo ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Colombo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are leading attractions which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Moratuwa is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered once you've seen Colombo. Around 18 kilometres to the south, top sights here include Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, Jaffna is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
