Travelling from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is one hour 30 minutes behind Koh Samui, where Koh Samui Airport is located.
For a relaxed start to your USM to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Taking off during a peak period like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
The distance from central Koh Samui to USM is roughly 3 kilometres. Use travel apps like Google Maps for the fastest route, whether you're driving or taking public transport.
Catching an early flight from Koh Samui Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near USM:
Of all flights leaving Koh Samui Airport, 69.38% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Colombo
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Koh Samui Airport to Colombo flight is $350. The cheapest price for a return flight is $785. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from USM to Colombo, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the lowest price across each month when searching for a Koh Samui Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from USM to Colombo.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Koh Samui Airport to Colombo by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of 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 Koh Samui Airport to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Koh Samui Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your USM to Colombo flight, unwind at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in peak season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book flights from Koh Samui Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book a Koh Samui Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from USM to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Koh Samui Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored after you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, popular attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another well-known destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No trip is complete without a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.