Travelling from Birmingham International Airport (BHX) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Birmingham, where Birmingham International Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your BHX to Colombo flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even explore another city. When browsing for flight tickets from BHX to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Located around 11 kilometres from central Birmingham, BHX can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 50 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Birmingham International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to BHX:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Birmingham International Airport, data shows 65.48% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Birmingham International Airport (BHX) to Colombo
RM1,180 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Birmingham International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is RM2,491. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from BHX to Colombo, book early. Airlines tend to offer lower prices when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Birmingham International Airport to Colombo across each month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
There's no need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from BHX to Colombo.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Birmingham International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Birmingham International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Birmingham International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Following your BHX to Colombo flight, kick back at a hotel near CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during peak season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Birmingham International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Before locking in your Birmingham International Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from BHX to Colombo in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
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 Birmingham International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of hotels including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just two of the popular attractions to put on your Colombo travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep your itinerary packed. 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. Start your sightseeing at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.