Cheap flight tickets from Istanbul to Colombo

Travellers and cabin class

Compare Istanbul 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 Istanbul to Colombo

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Istanbul to Colombo? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul to Colombo

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Istanbul to Colombo flights are currently cheapest in June.

Direct flights from Istanbul to Colombo

Alternative Istanbul to Colombo routes

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

Istanbul to Colombo: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundRM1,901
Cheapest month to flyMay
Average flight time8 hrs, 4 mins
Most popular airlineTurkish Airlines
Average flights per week10

Finding cheap flights from Istanbul 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 Istanbul to Colombo is RM1,901. 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.
8 hours and 4 minutes is the average flight time from Istanbul to Colombo.
Turkish Airlines flies direct from Istanbul to Colombo.
As of May 2025, there are 10 flights per week flying from Istanbul to Colombo.
The cheapest month to fly from Istanbul to Colombo is usually May 2025.
If you're flying from Istanbul 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 RM1,901.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Istanbul Airport to Colombo on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
Yes – the average flight time is 8 hours and 4 minutes.
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, Air Arabia and Turkish Airlines offer the cheapest flight tickets to Colombo.

Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Colombo: what you need to know

  • Expect to be in the air for 8 hours 55 minutes. That's the average time for a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo.

  • Colombo is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.

  • Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route, with nine weekly departures to pick from. You can fly from IST to CMB at 02:00 with Turkish Airlines.

  • For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your IST to Colombo flight.

  • Heading off during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.

  • Direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll step off the plane.

  • Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo.

  • Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight ticket from IST to Colombo. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:

    • Dubai Airport (DXB)

    • Hamad International Airport (DOH)

    • Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

  • Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.

  • Catching an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near IST:

How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Colombo

  • RM873 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo flight. A return ticket right now is RM1,901. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.

  • To snag cheap flights from IST to Colombo, reserve your trip one month ahead of your planned departure.

  • May is the best month for landing a fantastic deal on Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo tickets. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.

  • Snapping up a cheap flight from IST to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.

  • Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo.

Airports in Colombo

Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)

  • Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 40 minutes.

  • If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.

  • Look into staying at a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

  • Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Following your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.

  • You can expect the journey to take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.

  • Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your IST to Colombo flight:

  • Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.

  • Snap up the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.

Best time to go to Colombo

  • Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes in high season, but prices are typically higher and attractions can be crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the off-season if you want a quieter vibe.

  • Before booking an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).

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

More about Colombo

  • After booking your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:

  • Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are a couple of popular attractions to put on your Colombo to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Viharamahadevi Park.

Explore more of Sri Lanka

  • You've visited Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Journey around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its top sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, there's plenty to keep you on the go.

  • Trincomalee is another well-known destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without seeing Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.

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