Travelling from Toronto to Colombo: what you need to know
You can choose from a range of airports when organising your flight from Toronto to Colombo. Check out your options for flying out of Toronto from Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).
Disembark at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the primary gateway of Colombo.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30, which is nine hours 30 minutes ahead of Toronto.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Toronto to Colombo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Toronto to Colombo
To pick up cheap Toronto to Colombo flights, book as early as possible. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Toronto to Colombo across every month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
There's no need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Toronto to Colombo.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Toronto to Colombo flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Toronto
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
YYZ is around 19 kilometres from central Toronto. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near Pearson International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Toronto to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to Pearson International Airport's on-time performance, 63.97% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
With public transport, you can travel from central Toronto to YTZ in around 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 3 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 35 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Toronto to Colombo? Relax in a hotel near Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport before your trip officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
62% of flights taking off from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
The journey to YKF from central Toronto is around 4 hours 5 minutes by public transport. If you're in a car, it'll take you about 1 hour 15 minutes to cover the 80 kilometres or so.
Make departure day worry-free — stay close to Region of Waterloo International Airport and know you'll be at your boarding gate with time to spare. Get comfy at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early Toronto to Colombo flight:
The on-time performance record of YKF is 63.64%. In other words, that's how often flights departing this airport arrive at their final stop as planned.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is approximately 13 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 40 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Toronto to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Toronto to Colombo has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 27 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before scheduling your flights from Toronto to Toronto, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Toronto offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season brings better hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Toronto to Colombo ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Toronto to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
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 booked your flight from Toronto to Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've visited Colombo, now it's time to explore other parts of Sri Lanka. Travel around 18 kilometres south to Moratuwa to tick off its leading sights. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, Jaffna is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.