Travelling from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is 12 hours 30 minutes ahead of Seattle, where Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your SEA to Colombo flight.
Heading off during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for flight tickets from SEA to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
SEA is about 18 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Looking for a hotel near SEA? If you're boarding an early flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport maintains a solid on-time performance, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from SEA make it to their destination as scheduled 81.27% of the time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Colombo
$894 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is $1,585. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from SEA to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from SEA to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there on public transport takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Following your SEA to Colombo flight, unwind at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid potential price surges. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will save you money.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo in high season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
When booking your Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from SEA to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of hotels including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just the start of the popular attractions to put on your Colombo itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to discover more of Sri Lanka. Journey about 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its leading attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience major highlights starting with Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.