Flying from Washington DC to Colombo: what you need to know
Organising your flight from Washington DC to Colombo begins with finding the most convenient airport to start your journey. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are the main departure points in Washington DC.
Touch down at Colombo's major hub, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
To ensure you catch your flight from Washington DC to Colombo, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
To enter Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you'll need an e-visa if you hold a passport from United States. However, visa rules can change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and length of your visit. Always check the most recent guidelines before you book your cheap flight from Washington DC to Colombo.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Travelling from central Washington DC to DCA takes about 43 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 16 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Washington DC to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Break up your flight from Washington DC to Colombo with a stop at Dubai Airport (DXB). A main stopover between Washington Dulles International Airport and Colombo, it's a good opportunity to unwind before your onward flight.
IAD is about 56 kilometres from central Washington DC. It takes 51 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Washington DC to Colombo, take it easy in one of these hotels near Washington Dulles International Airport:
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.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you're taking a late flight from Washington DC to Colombo. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Colombo has hit the runway, you can get to the city centre in around 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable stays to drop your things at near CMB. Kick back after your flight from Washington DC to Colombo at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Colombo
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Colombo is R 8,105. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 15,336. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
It's often best to book ahead of time if you're looking for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Colombo. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to increase closer to departure.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across the month when searching for a ticket from Washington DC to Colombo.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll get in touch right away if there's a better deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from checking for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Colombo every day.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Washington DC to Colombo. Simply select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Best time to go to Colombo
Have a think about your travel dates before booking your flight from Washington DC to Colombo. The city is vibrant during peak season, but prices are usually higher and major attractions can get crowded. Go to Colombo in low season for a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your flight from Washington DC to Colombo, consider the type of weather you like. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Colombo in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Browse these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Washington DC to Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are major attractions which should feature on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Explore our lineup of car rentals once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flight from Washington DC to Colombo. Whether you want an SUV, a compact ride or something in between, you can compare companies in one go to find the best deal.