Flying from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Penang International Airport is located in George Town. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is two hours 30 minutes behind George Town.
To avoid missing your PEN to Colombo flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying over a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
We make it easy to book plane tickets from PEN to Colombo with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
To get to PEN from central George Town, it'll take around 25 minutes if you're going by car. It's roughly 14 kilometers from the airport to the city center.
Catching an early flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near PEN:
Of the flights that depart from Penang International Airport, 69.54% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Penang International Airport to Colombo flight is $130. The cheapest price for a return flight is $313. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from PEN to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your Penang International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from PEN to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Snag an affordable flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes about 40 minutes by car. The center is roughly 16 kilometers away.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're traveling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo. Settle into one of these options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The center of Colombo is around 32 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 40 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Following your PEN to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel near CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Penang International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Colombo offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Penang International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from PEN to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Penang International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of hotels including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just a couple of the top attractions to put on your Colombo must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. About 306 kilometers north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometers north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favorite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience major highlights starting with Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.