Flying from Bangkok to Colombo: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Bangkok. Explore your options departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) when reserving your flight from Bangkok to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary hub where you can land in Colombo.
3 hours 31 minutes is the average journey time for a direct flight from Bangkok to Colombo. Following the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is 1 hour 30 minutes behind Bangkok.
With 29 weekly flights between the two airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Bangkok to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines at 07:45. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest departure from BKK to CMB is with Thai Airways International at 22:05.
To ensure you get on your flight from Bangkok to Colombo, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months like July and other peak periods. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
If you have a passport from Thailand, you'll need an e-visa to visit Sri Lanka. This applies when booking a cheap flight from Bangkok to Colombo for tourism purposes. Requirements may change if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always check the visa rules before you book and definitely before flying.
Flying from Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Set out from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) on a nonstop flight from Bangkok to Colombo. From BKK, you can fly straight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
SriLankan Airlines is a leading airline that offers direct flights from Bangkok to Colombo jetting out of BKK.
We make it simple to plan a flight from Bangkok to Colombo with a stopover. To see the options leaving from Suvarnabhumi Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
BKK is around 32 kilometres from central Bangkok. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel near Suvarnabhumi Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Bangkok to Colombo, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Prefer to fly from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)? This popular terminal also offers direct flights from Bangkok to Colombo — enjoy a seamless connection to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
From DMK, direct flights from Bangkok to Colombo can be booked with Thai AirAsia.
Split up your flight from Bangkok to Colombo with a stop so you can freshen up or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some great stopovers between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Colombo include:
Chennai Airport (MAA)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
On public transport, you can travel from central Bangkok to DMK in around 1 hour and 5 minutes. The terminal is roughly 27 kilometres away, and getting there by car takes approximately 30 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Bangkok to Colombo? Relax in a hotel near Don Mueang International Airport before your break officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is about 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 16 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Bangkok to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
As soon as your flight from Bangkok to Colombo has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in around 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The trip will take roughly 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Bangkok to Colombo, rest your head at a hotel near CMB. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Colombo
R 2,061 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Colombo. A return flight starts at R 4,852. These prices may change based on availability.
To snag cheap tickets from Bangkok to Colombo, book your journey 9 months before your planned departure.
Organise your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Bangkok to Colombo. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Finding a cheap ticket from Bangkok to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Play around with filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Bangkok to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by departure and arrival times, airline, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from Bangkok to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season means you'll get better deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Bangkok to Colombo in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
January sees average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Bangkok to Colombo sometime then if you like cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Bangkok to Colombo:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are must-do's during your Colombo adventure.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Discover our range of car rentals once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Bangkok to Colombo. Whether you're searching for a compact ride, spacious sedan or something in between, you can compare companies in one go to find the best deal.
