Flying from King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 5 hours 40 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Riyadh, where King Khaled International Airport is located.
King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route, with ten departures a week to choose from. You can travel from RUH to CMB at 12:30 with FitsAir.
Leave enough time to make your RUH to Colombo flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
Direct King Khaled International Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll arrive.
Book your favourite seat with SriLankan Airlines. This well-known carrier operates direct flights from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper plane ticket from RUH to Colombo. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Central Riyadh to RUH is around 27 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 35 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Booked an early flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo? Stay somewhere near RUH, like Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel. Makarem Riyadh Hotel will also put you moments from the check-in counter.
King Khaled International Airport scores top marks for on-time performance. 86.76% of flights that depart RUH land on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from King Khaled International Airport (RUH) to Colombo
$299 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way King Khaled International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is $567. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RUH to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird deals.
Finding cheap tickets from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo is easier if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest prices across every month and walk away with an awesome deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from RUH to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Find an affordable flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're getting a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Following your RUH to Colombo flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid potential price surges. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in peak season, but rates are often higher and top attractions can be crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the off-season if you like a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your King Khaled International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Look for cheap tickets from RUH to Colombo in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from King Khaled International Airport to Colombo, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, well-known attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.