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Cheap flight tickets from Cairns to Colombo

Compare Cairns to Colombo flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Colombo

Book the best Colombo fare with no extra fees

Flight deals from Cairns to Colombo

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Cairns Airport to Colombo? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from RM3,584. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.
Colombo.RM1,467 per passenger.Departing Sun, 5 Jul.One-way flight with Jetstar.Outbound indirect flight with Jetstar, departs from Cairns on Sun, 5 Jul, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM1,467, select.
Colombo.RM1,679 per passenger.Departing Wed, 10 Jun.One-way flight with Jetstar.Outbound indirect flight with Jetstar, departs from Cairns on Wed, 10 Jun, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM1,679, select.
Colombo.RM1,703 per passenger.Departing Fri, 28 Aug.One-way flight with Virgin Australia.Outbound indirect flight with Virgin Australia, departs from Cairns on Fri, 28 Aug, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM1,703, select.
Colombo.RM1,754 per passenger.Departing Tue, 1 Sep.One-way flight with Jetstar.Outbound indirect flight with Jetstar, departs from Cairns on Tue, 1 Sep, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM1,754, select.
Colombo.RM1,814 per passenger.Departing Mon, 9 Nov.One-way flight with Virgin Australia.Outbound indirect flight with Virgin Australia, departs from Cairns on Mon, 9 Nov, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM1,814, select.
Colombo.RM1,842 per passenger.Departing Mon, 18 May.One-way flight with Jetstar.Outbound indirect flight with Jetstar, departs from Cairns on Mon, 18 May, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM1,842, select.
Colombo.RM2,363 per passenger.Departing Thu, 25 Feb.One-way flight with Singapore Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Singapore Airlines, departs from Cairns on Thu, 25 Feb, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM2,363, select.
Colombo.RM2,367 per passenger.Departing Mon, 18 Jan.One-way flight with Singapore Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Singapore Airlines, departs from Cairns on Mon, 18 Jan, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM2,367, select.
Colombo.RM2,376 per passenger.Departing Wed, 21 Oct.One-way flight with Singapore Airlines.Outbound indirect flight with Singapore Airlines, departs from Cairns on Wed, 21 Oct, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM2,376, select.
Colombo.RM2,972 per passenger.Departing Thu, 1 Apr.One-way flight with Qantas.Outbound indirect flight with Qantas, departs from Cairns on Thu, 1 Apr, arriving in Colombo Bandaranayake.Price includes taxes and charges.From RM2,972, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Colombo

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Cairns to Colombo flights are currently cheapest in July.
May
from RM1,842
Jun
from RM1,679
Jul
from RM1,467
Aug
from RM1,703
Sep
from RM1,754
Oct
from RM2,376
Nov
from RM1,814
Dec
Find prices
Jan
from RM2,367
Feb
from RM2,363
Mar
Find prices
Apr
from RM2,972

Alternative Cairns to Colombo routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Cairns to Colombo? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Kelaniya

10km from central Colombo
Closest
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Colombo Ratmalana

13km from central Colombo
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Colombo Bandaranayake

27km from central Colombo
Cheapest
from RM1,467
Search flights

Bentota River

52km from central Colombo
Search flights

Katugastota

72km from central Colombo
Search flights

Cairns to Colombo: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundRM1,476
Cheapest month to flyJuly

Finding cheap flights from Cairns to Colombo: Frequently asked questions

There are 5 airports in Colombo: Kelaniya, Colombo Ratmalana, Colombo Bandaranayake, Bentota River, and Katugastota.
The best price we found for a return flight from Cairns to Colombo is RM2,980. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
Currently, there are no airlines that fly direct from Cairns to Colombo. But we found flights with one or more stops from RM2,980.
As of May 2026, there are no flights flying from Cairns to Colombo.
The cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Colombo is usually October.
If you're flying from Cairns Airport, the cheapest airport near Colombo is Colombo Bandaranayake – which is 27.5 km away from the centre of Colombo. We've found flights into this airport from RM2,980.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Cairns Airport to Colombo on Monday, 19 October 2026.
No airlines currently offer direct flights between Cairns Airport and Colombo. Most routes have one or more stops.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Colombo but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Colombo is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In May, the average temperature is usually around 28°C. May is typically the warmest month in Colombo, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in February. The coldest month is July, with temperatures averaging 25°C. The rainiest month is November.
Currently, Virgin Australia offers the cheapest flight tickets to Colombo.

Travelling from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Colombo: what you need to know

  • The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is four hours 30 minutes behind Cairns, where Cairns Airport is located.

  • To avoid rushing for your CNS to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.

  • During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.

  • Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even tick off a new city. When searching for plane tickets from CNS to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:

    • Changi International Airport (SIN)

    • Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)

    • Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

  • Travelling from central Cairns to CNS takes about 1 hour 25 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 5 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.

  • Want a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near CNS. Whether you're catching an early flight from Cairns Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels put convenience first:

  • 71.55% of flights leaving from Cairns Airport reach their destination on time.

How to find the cheapest flights from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Colombo

  • RM1,467 is currently the best price for a one-way Cairns Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket starts from RM2,963. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.

  • Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from CNS to Colombo. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer your departure date, the more it could cost you.

  • If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for a Cairns Airport to Colombo ticket.

  • Save time looking for cheap flights from CNS to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.

  • Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Cairns Airport to Colombo by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'

Airports in Colombo

Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)

  • The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.

  • It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.

  • If you're coming in on a late flight from Cairns Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near RML:

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

  • Central Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Cairns Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.

  • If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.

  • You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your CNS to Colombo flight at any of these perfectly located options:

  • The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and make a speedy getaway.

  • Get the pick of the lot. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.

Best time to go to Colombo

  • Before you book your flights from Cairns Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and smaller crowds.

  • The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Cairns Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.

  • If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from CNS to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).

More about Colombo

  • After booking your flight from Cairns Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:

  • There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are highlights which should be on every Colombo itinerary.

Explore more of Sri Lanka

  • Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, its top attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.

  • Trincomalee is another sought-after 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.

Plan the rest of your trip from Cairns to Colombo

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.