Flying from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Cardiff, where Cardiff Airport is located.
To avoid rushing for your CWL to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Taking off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
The journey from central Cardiff to CWL takes around 1 hour 5 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 14 kilometers in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Cardiff Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near CWL:
66.16% of flights taking off from Cardiff Airport touch down at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Colombo
$371 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Cardiff Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is $963. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from CWL to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when searching for a Cardiff Airport to Colombo ticket.
Save time looking for cheap flights from CWL to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Find an affordable flight from Cardiff Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometers. It takes around 40 minutes to get to the center driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Cardiff Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is about 32 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Cardiff Airport to Colombo has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Following your CWL to Colombo flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel near CMB. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Cardiff Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the low season brings cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Cardiff Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from CWL to Colombo around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Cardiff Airport to Colombo:
Every great vacation has to include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometers north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the move. Start with leading sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometers north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.