Flying from Colombo to London: what you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Check out your options for booking a flight from Colombo to London taking off from here.
Come in for landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW). You can also reach London through Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN) and London City Airport (LCY).
The average time for a direct Colombo to London flight is 11 hours 35 minutes.
London's timezone is UTC+0, which is the same as Colombo.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your Colombo to London flight.
Taking off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
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 $208. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $466. 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)
If you're after a direct flight from Colombo to London, you can depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Fly from CMB to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in one seamless journey.
SriLankan Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Colombo to London plane tickets from CMB.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Colombo to London flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Bandaranaike International Airport. Take a break from traveling at one of these popular airports:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located around 27 kilometers from central Colombo, CMB can be reached in about 40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Colombo to London? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Bandaranaike International Airport:
75.71% of flights leaving from Bandaranaike International Airport arrive at their destination on time.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is approximately 23 kilometers from central London. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 55 minutes.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you around 1 hour.
Book a hotel close to LHR if you're coming in on a late flight from Colombo to London. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and explore beyond London's usual tourist stops.
Reserving your ride from London Heathrow Airport about one week ahead can help you secure the lowest rate.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is roughly 40 kilometers from central London. Following 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.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Colombo to London, kick back at a hotel near LGW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a London Gatwick Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the availability and rates from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from LGW three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Travel to the center after your flight from Colombo to London has touched down. Central London is about 48 kilometers from Stansted Airport (STN) and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by car.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Find a hotel close to STN and quickly go from touchdown to tucked into your bed. Whether you have a late Colombo to London flight or just want a hassle-free arrival, these accommodation options are all about convenience:
Whether you want a zippy mini for a solo escape or an SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the ideal Stansted Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the range of wheels available here from companies such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
If you're looking for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from STN about four weeks ahead of your flight from Colombo to London. This gives you a better shot at getting your preferred car, as well as a better rate.
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
Start your London trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Colombo to London, check out our selection of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include a little 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.