Flying from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Manchester, where Manchester Airport is located.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your MAN to Colombo flight.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from MAN to Colombo. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
MAN is about 14 kilometres from central Manchester. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to MAN? If you've booked an early flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
59.39% of flights that depart Manchester Airport reach their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Colombo
$817 is currently the best price for a one-way Manchester Airport to Colombo flight. Return plane tickets start from $1,447. These fares can change based on availability.
To find cheap flights from MAN to Colombo, book early. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across each month when searching for a Manchester Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an extra saving on cheap flights from MAN to Colombo.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Manchester Airport to Colombo.
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.
Travelling by public transport typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
Book a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo. Choose one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can get to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The trip will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to park your luggage (and yourself) near CMB. Kick back and get cosy after your MAN to Colombo flight at one of these perfectly located options:
No time to waste? The fastest 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 hit the road in a heartbeat.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in high season, but prices are often higher and major attractions can get crowded. Visit Colombo in the low season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Manchester Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from MAN to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to explore more of Sri Lanka. Journey about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
