Flying from Seattle to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Seattle. Check out your options departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE) when searching for a flight from Seattle to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where your flight will arrive in Colombo.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30, which is 12 hours 30 minutes ahead of Seattle.
To ensure you catch your Seattle to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Colombo
To pick up cheap Seattle to Colombo flights, book ahead. Airlines typically offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Seattle to Colombo across the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Seattle to Colombo.
Find a cheap Seattle to Colombo flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for Seattle to Colombo flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Located around 18 kilometres from central Seattle, SEA can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Seattle to Colombo, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport earns top marks for its on-time performance. 81.27% of flights that depart SEA arrive at their destination without delay.
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 get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Seattle to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 27 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Following your flight from Seattle to Colombo, it'll take you approximately 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Have a think about your trip dates before securing your flight from Seattle to Seattle. The city buzzes in peak season, but hotel prices are usually higher and major attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Seattle in the off-season for a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your Seattle to Colombo ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap flights from Seattle to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Seattle to Colombo:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to explore more of Sri Lanka. Journey around 18 kilometres south to Moratuwa to tick off its popular sights. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Jaffna is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 306 kilometres north of Colombo. No trip is complete without dropping by Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
