Flying from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is seven hours 30 minutes behind Christchurch, where Christchurch International Airport is located.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your CHC to Colombo flight.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and perhaps even tick a new city off your list. When browsing for plane tickets from CHC 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)
To get to CHC from central Christchurch, it takes around 1 hour if you're going by car. It's roughly 32 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Planning to catch an early flight from Christchurch International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near CHC:
Of all flights leaving Christchurch International Airport, 74.2% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Colombo
$444 is currently the best price for a one-way Christchurch International Airport to Colombo flight. Return plane tickets start from $985. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from CHC to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
Finding cheap tickets from Christchurch International Airport to Colombo is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' function to get the best prices across the month and score a fantastic deal.
Save time looking for cheap flights from CHC to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Christchurch International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Christchurch 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 relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Christchurch International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 40 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near CMB. Kick back and get cosy after your CHC to Colombo flight at one of these well-located options:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before booking your flights from Christchurch International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Lock in a Christchurch International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CHC to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Christchurch International Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are essential stops on your Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered once you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, its best attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If there's time to check out another major destination in Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are the start of reasons to visit.