Flying from Ottawa to Colombo: what you need to know
Planning your holiday begins with figuring out where you'll leave from in Ottawa. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the city's main airport, so explore your options for reserving a flight from Ottawa to Colombo departing from here.
Touch down at Colombo's major arrival point, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Give yourself enough time to make your Ottawa to Colombo flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Colombo
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Ottawa to Colombo flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in every month when searching for your plane ticket from Ottawa to Colombo.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Ottawa to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Ottawa to Colombo flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
The journey from central Ottawa to YOW takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Ottawa to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
58.21% of flights taking off from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport land at their destination on time.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 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.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Ottawa to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Ottawa to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and make a speedy getaway.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Ottawa during high season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Ottawa to Ottawa during the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Ottawa to Colombo ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Ottawa to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are highlights which should be on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Moratuwa is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Colombo. Around 18 kilometres to the south, its top attractions include Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Jaffna is another standout destination in Sri Lanka and is around 306 kilometres north of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.