Flying from Colombo to London: what you need to know
Planning your trip starts with working out where you'll leave from in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the city's main base, so explore your options for booking a flight from Colombo to London taking off from here.
London has a number of airports you can jet into. Come in for landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or Stansted Airport (STN). Alternatively, arrive at London Luton Airport (LTN) or London City Airport (LCY).
Take a direct Colombo to London flight and you'll be traveling for an average of 11 hours 35 minutes.
Colombo and London follow the same timezone, UTC+0.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Colombo to London flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or other peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to London
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to London is $255. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $504. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Book seven months before flying. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Colombo to London flights.
Schedule your trip for October. That's the best month for landing great bargains on plane tickets from Colombo to London. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across every month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Colombo to London couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Colombo to London flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Set out from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) on a nonstop flight from Colombo to London. From CMB, you can travel directly to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
SriLankan Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Colombo to London plane tickets leaving from CMB.
We make it easy to find a Colombo to London flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Bandaranaike International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The journey from central Colombo to CMB takes about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometers in 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After an easy start to your travels? Stay near Bandaranaike International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Colombo to London or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
75.71% of flights that leave from Bandaranaike International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London is roughly 26 kilometers. It'll take you around 55 minutes to reach the center driving.
Traveling to the center on public transport typically takes 1 hour.
Reserve a hotel near LHR if you're coming in on a late flight from Colombo to London. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a London Heathrow Airport rental car and discover London and beyond with your own set of wheels. Surprice, U-Save and Green Motion are well-known companies you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from London Heathrow Airport around one week in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is roughly 40 kilometers from the center of London. Once you've disembarked your flight from Colombo to London, it'll take you approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 30 minutes.
You'll find some great places to call home for the night near LGW. Tuck yourself in after your Colombo to London flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab lines. Grab a London Gatwick Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare availability and rates from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at LGW will help you stay within budget.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Hop off your flight from Colombo to London and go directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central London is around 48 kilometers from Stansted Airport (STN) and usually takes 1 hour to reach by car.
If you're traveling on public transport, the journey takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your trip by staying at a hotel near STN after your Colombo to London flight. Recover from your travel day or simply take a moment to settle into a new destination at:
Whether you'd like a budget-friendly compact just for you or a full-size SUV to transport your group, you'll find the right Stansted Airport rental car for you. Check out the range of wheels available from providers such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
Plan ahead and put that extra money in your pocket. Book your vehicle from STN four weeks before your flight from Colombo to London for the best deals.
Best time to go to London
July is the busiest month for flights from Colombo to London. To avoid the crowds, head to London in February.
The warmest month in London is July, with temperatures ranging between 11ºC (52ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Lock in your Colombo to London ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Colombo to London in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF) on average.
More about London
After booking your flight from Colombo to London, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring London:
All great vacations should include some sightseeing. Big Ben, The British Museum and Buckingham Palace are essential stops on your London itinerary.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Birmingham is just one of the many places in United Kingdom waiting to be explored after you've seen London. Around 161 kilometers to the north-west, check out popular attractions including Cadbury World, The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre.
Around 177 kilometers west of London, Bristol is another favorite stop in United Kingdom. Experience major highlights starting with Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park.