Flying from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is four hours 30 minutes behind Brisbane, where Brisbane Airport is located.
To avoid missing your BNE to Colombo flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for flight tickets from BNE to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
BNE is about 10 kilometres from central Brisbane. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 30 minutes.
Have an early flight from Brisbane Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near BNE:
66.16% of flights that depart Brisbane Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Brisbane Airport to Colombo flight is $387. The cheapest price for a return flight is $775. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from BNE to Colombo. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Finding cheap tickets from Brisbane Airport to Colombo is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to access the lowest prices across every month and walk away with an epic deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from BNE to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a cheaper option becomes available.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Brisbane Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Brisbane Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Brisbane Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places to drop your things at near CMB. Kick back and get cosy after your BNE to Colombo flight at one of these well-located options:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during the high season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Brisbane Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Before locking in your Brisbane Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from BNE to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Colombo right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from Brisbane 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 visited Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Travel around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its top sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you want to check out another side of Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are key reasons to visit.