Travelling from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes behind Phuket, where Phuket International Airport is located. Colombo runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave enough time to get on your HKT to Colombo flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for flight tickets from HKT to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Located around 27 kilometres from central Phuket, HKT can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Phuket International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to HKT:
Of the flights that depart from Phuket International Airport, 65.93% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Colombo
$160 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Phuket International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket right now is $393. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to securing a cheap flight from HKT to Colombo. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
Scoring cheap tickets from Phuket International Airport to Colombo is easier if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to get the lowest prices across each month and score an awesome deal.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from HKT to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Phuket International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Getting there on public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Phuket International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Phuket International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Following your HKT to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
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 be on your way in a flash.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before securing your flights from Phuket International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season brings better hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Phuket International Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap tickets from HKT to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Phuket International Airport to Colombo:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered after you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, its top attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another standout destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without visiting Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.