Flying from Stansted Airport (STN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of London, where Stansted Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
To ensure you catch your flight from STN to Colombo, leave plenty of 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 rule.
Flying over a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Whether you'd prefer to visit a new place on the way or just have a break, we make it a breeze to book a flight with a stopover. To compare your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Dubai Airport (DXB) is a stop you can make on your flight from STN to Colombo.
You'll need an e-visa for Sri Lanka if you hold a passport from United Kingdom and are travelling for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements can change. So before you book your cheap ticket from Stansted Airport to Colombo, check with your airline as well as the destination country's local embassy or consulate for the latest updates.
Located around 64 kilometres from central London, STN can be reached in about 1 hour by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near STN. Whether you have an early flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
How to find the cheapest flights from Stansted Airport (STN) to Colombo
$353 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Stansted Airport to Colombo. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $765. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap tickets from STN to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across the month when searching for your ticket from Stansted Airport to Colombo.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you right away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you the hassle of checking for flight tickets from STN to Colombo every day.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Stansted Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you around 39 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Stansted 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 accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo has landed, you can reach the city centre in around 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
You can expect the trip to take approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near CMB. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your flight from STN to Colombo at one of these well-located options:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo. The city is vibrant during peak season, but hotel rates are typically higher and major attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Stansted Airport to Colombo in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you want cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from STN to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
After locking in your flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are major attractions which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Stansted Airport to Colombo to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find everything you need to know about car rentals in Colombo, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.