Travelling from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Abu Dhabi, where Abu Dhabi International Airport is located.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most traveled route, with 37 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from AUH to CMB is with SriLankan Airlines at 23:00. Choose the first departure operated by Etihad Airways at 02:20 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Allow plenty of time to make your AUH to Colombo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Start your trip at AUH and fly straight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo tickets.
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo. Book your seat with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight ticket from AUH to Colombo. All you need to do is uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
The journey from central Abu Dhabi to AUH takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near AUH. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are worth a look:
Of all flights leaving Abu Dhabi International Airport, 78.54% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo flight is $174. The cheapest price for a return flight is $447. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from AUH to Colombo by booking six months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo tickets is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Save time searching for cheap flights from AUH to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to drop your things at near CMB. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your AUH to Colombo flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab queues. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. 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'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel rates are typically higher and attractions can be crowded. Go to Colombo in the low season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from AUH to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Colombo, browse our range of accommodation options including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka waiting to be explored. Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Don't miss top attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're looking to explore another corner of Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among the biggest draws.
