Traveling from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Colombo: what you need to know
London Gatwick Airport is located in London. Following the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is five hours 30 minutes ahead of London.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your LGW to Colombo flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
We make it a breeze to book flight tickets from LGW to Colombo with a stopover. To see all your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Located around 40 kilometers from the center of London, LGW can be reached in about 1 hour 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 30 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near LGW. Whether you're catching an early flight from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
When it comes to London Gatwick Airport's on-time performance, 69.26% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Colombo
$238 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way London Gatwick Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket right now is $543. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from LGW to Colombo, book as early as you can. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo across the month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Locking in a cheap flight from LGW to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a deal gets even better.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo.
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.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes when traveling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Central Colombo is around 32 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your LGW to Colombo flight:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty to do, while the low season brings cheaper deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
Book a London Gatwick Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from LGW to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Colombo, browse our selection of hotels including:
All great adventures should 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 loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka you'll want to see. About 306 kilometers north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you busy. Don't miss top attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another standout destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometers north-east of Colombo. No trip is complete without experiencing Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.