Flying from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Varanasi (the location of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport).
Give yourself enough time to catch your VNS to Colombo flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
VNS is about 19 kilometres from central Varanasi. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
Searching for a hotel near VNS? If you're boarding an early flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
55.22% of flights that take off from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) to Colombo
$262 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket right now is $568. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from VNS to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from VNS to Colombo.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes about 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near CMB. Unwind and get cosy after your VNS to Colombo flight at one of these well-located options:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying extra. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will help you save.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel prices are typically higher and top attractions can be busy. Plan your trip to Colombo in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Book a Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from VNS to Colombo in January if you want to travel 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 perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, browse our selection of hotels including:
All great holidays should 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 discover more of Sri Lanka. Travel around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its popular sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you want to check out another great destination in Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.