Travelling from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is two hours 30 minutes behind Cebu, where Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your CEB to Colombo flight.
During popular months like July, it's wise to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you travel during high season in general.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from CEB to Colombo. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
CEB is about 14 kilometres from central Cebu. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near CEB. Whether you're catching an early flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of the flights that depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, 69.4% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Colombo
$289 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is $678. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from CEB to Colombo. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo across every month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Save time looking for cheap flights from CEB to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is located around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your CEB to Colombo flight:
The fastest 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.
Avoid paying extra. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Lock in a Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from CEB to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just a couple of the big attractions to add to your Colombo must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered after you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, top sights here include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.