Travelling from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) to Colombo: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo and you'll be in the air for an average of 3 hours 10 minutes.
Colombo is 30 minutes behind Dhaka, where Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is located. Colombo follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
With 11 weekly flights between the two airports, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the busiest route. FitsAir operates the earliest flight at 02:00. If you'd like to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest departure from DAC to CMB is with FitsAir at 23:59.
To avoid missing your DAC to Colombo flight, allow plenty of 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 security and check-in are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) will be where your journey ends.
Keep your eyes peeled for deals with SriLankan Airlines. This carrier has direct flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper flight ticket from DAC to Colombo. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Travelling from central Dhaka to DAC takes around 1 hour on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 16 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a hotel close to DAC? If you've booked an early flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 68.82% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) to Colombo
$203 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo flight. A return ticket right now is $379. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Book one month before travelling. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from DAC to Colombo.
The best month for finding cheap Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
There's no need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an updated deal for cheap flights from DAC to Colombo.
Save on your flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. After your flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your DAC to Colombo flight, kick back at a hotel close to CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in high season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Book a Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from DAC to Colombo around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Hazrat Shahjalal 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:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are essential stops on your Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka you'll want to see. Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Start with popular sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If there's time to check out another major stop 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.