Travelling from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo and Varanasi (where Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located) are in the UTC+5:30 timezone. This means you won't have to adjust your watch after you land.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your VNS to Colombo flight.
During popular months such as July, it's wise to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
Central Varanasi to VNS is around 19 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 35 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
In search of a hotel near VNS? If you're boarding an early flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
55.22% of flights leaving from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) to Colombo
RM581 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket right now is RM1,204. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from VNS to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo ticket.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from VNS to Colombo.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When 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 arriving on a late flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your VNS to Colombo flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Get exactly what you want. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel prices are typically higher and top attractions can be busy. Plan your trip to Colombo in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Book a Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from VNS to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to discover more of Sri Lanka. Travel around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its popular sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you want to check out another great destination in Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.