Travelling from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS): What you need to know
The timezone in Cairns is UTC+10, which is four hours 30 minutes ahead of Colombo. Cairns Airport is located in Cairns.
To ensure you get on your flight from Colombo to CNS, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Head to the airport even earlier during popular months like February. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and as much as four hours for international flights. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to finalize your plans or simply relax.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for cheap flights from Colombo to CNS departing from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to get ideas for where to visit along the way. Top options include:
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo, CMB can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 50 minutes.
Want an easy start to your journey? Stay near Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
74% of flights that leave from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
About Cairns Airport (CNS)
If you're arriving on a late flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport, few things top the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near CNS:
Travel at your own pace with a Cairns Airport rental car. Book your wheels from simba car hire, Bargain Car Rentals or East Coast and find adventure across Cairns and beyond.
To get the best deal, reserve your ride around two weeks in advance of your Colombo to Cairns Airport flight.
Getting from Cairns Airport (CNS) to central Cairns
Cairns Airport is around 6 kilometres from central Cairns. It takes around 15 minutes or so to drive to the city.
Travelling on public transport will take you roughly 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS)
At the moment, RM1,463 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Cairns Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM3,434. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Colombo to CNS. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Colombo to Cairns Airport tickets throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Colombo to CNS is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as the price has dropped.
Find a cheap flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport by using filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS)
July is when most people book flights from Colombo to Cairns Airport (CNS). Plan your visit to Cairns in September if you prefer a quieter experience.
The warmest month in Cairns is January, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Lock in your Colombo to CNS plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap tickets from Colombo to Cairns Airport in August if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Cairns
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Cairns right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Colombo to Cairns Airport:
There are so many things to see and do in this city, it can be tricky to know where to start. Great Barrier Reef, Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Cairns itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Townsville is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Cairns. Around 290 kilometres away to the south, popular attractions include Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and Botanic Gardens.
North Ward is another must-experience destination in Australia and is around 290 kilometres southeast of Cairns. No trip is complete without dropping by The Strand Beach, The Strand Jetty and Ocean Siren Statue.