Flying from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is 7 hours 30 minutes behind Auckland, where Auckland Airport is located.
To ensure you catch your flight from AKL to Colombo, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months like July and other peak periods. Arriving up to fours hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing flights from AKL to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
You will need an e-visa for Sri Lanka if you have a passport from New Zealand and are travelling for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements change frequently. So before you book your cheap ticket from Auckland Airport to Colombo, check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the most recent updates.
Travelling from central Auckland to AKL takes about 1 hour and 24 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Need a convenient hotel near AKL? If you're boarding an early flight from Auckland Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Colombo
$494 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Auckland Airport to Colombo. A return flight starts at $1,219. These prices can change based on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap tickets from AKL to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines generally offer lower prices when flights are first made available.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Auckland Airport to Colombo across the month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Create a Price Alert for flight tickets from AKL to Colombo. You don't need to look every day to find out if prices have fallen. We'll update you as soon as the price changes.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Auckland Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by arrival and departure times, airline, and number of stops.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 39 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near RML if you have a late flight from Auckland Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
As soon as your flight from Auckland Airport to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in around 39 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
You can also opt for public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from AKL to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo in peak season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Or, schedule your flights from Auckland Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your flights from Auckland Airport to Colombo in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from AKL to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Auckland Airport to Colombo, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Colombo and see the sights on your own terms. Easily compare companies in one place to find your ideal ride after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Auckland Airport to Colombo.