Flying from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is nine hours 30 minutes ahead of Montreal, where Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave plenty of time to make your YUL to Colombo flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Planning to travel during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
YUL is around 16 kilometres from central Montreal. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to YUL:
Of the departures from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, 64.89% land on schedule at their destination.
The address for YUL is 975 Romeo Vachon Street North.
How to find the cheapest flights from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo flight is $1,120. The cheapest price for a return flight is $1,746. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from YUL to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines usually offer lower fares when tickets are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo across the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from YUL to Colombo by setting up 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. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places to park your luggage (and yourself) near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your YUL to Colombo flight at any of these well-located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will save you money.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before booking your flights from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the low season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and smaller crowds.
When booking your Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from YUL to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Colombo:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep you on the move. Start with leading attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.