Flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of Johannesburg, where O.R. Tambo International Airport is located.
Give yourself enough time to catch your flight from JNB to Colombo. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even tour another city. When searching for flights from JNB to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
When travelling to Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you will require an e-visa if you have a passport from South Africa. However, visa rules can change and you may need additional documents depending on the purpose and length of your visit. Always check the most recent guidelines before reserving your cheap ticket from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo.
Travelling from central Johannesburg to JNB takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 29 kilometres in 29 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a handy hotel close to JNB? If you're catching an early flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
How to find the cheapest flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Colombo
R 6,823 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo. Return flights start from R 12,412. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from JNB to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest tickets from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo across the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from JNB to Colombo. You don't need to search every day to see if prices have fallen. We'll notify you when the price changes.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is around 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The journey will take about 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your flight from JNB to Colombo at one of these well-located options:
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in peak season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Or, schedule your flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Book your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo for March to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Look for cheap flights from JNB to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just two of the big attractions to put on your Colombo travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Colombo isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Colombo and explore the city on your own terms. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
