Flying from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Manchester Airport is located in Manchester. Following the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Manchester.
For a relaxed start to your MAN to Colombo flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight ticket from MAN to Colombo. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
MAN is around 14 kilometres from central Manchester. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Searching for a hotel close to MAN? If you're boarding an early flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
Of the departures from Manchester Airport, 59.39% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Colombo
$392 is currently the best price for a one-way Manchester Airport to Colombo flight. Return flight tickets start from $814. These fares can change based on availability.
To find cheap flights from MAN to Colombo, book early. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across each month when searching for a Manchester Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's an extra saving on cheap flights from MAN to Colombo.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Manchester Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Travelling by public transport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Book a hotel near RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo. Choose one of these options and make your first night all about rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is located around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 40 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your MAN to Colombo flight:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in high season, but prices are often higher and major attractions can get crowded. Visit Colombo in the low season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Manchester Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from MAN to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are a couple of popular attractions to add to your Colombo travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to explore more of Sri Lanka. Journey about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.