Travelling from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to Colombo: what you need to know
Julius Nyerere International Airport is located in Dar Es Salaam. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of Dar Es Salaam.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your flight from DAR to Colombo.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even explore another city. When browsing flights from DAR to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
To travel to Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you will require an e-visa if you hold a passport from Tanzania. However, visa rules can change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and length of your stay. Always check the most recent guidelines before booking your cheap ticket from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo.
To get to DAR from central Dar Es Salaam, it'll take around 28 minutes if you're going by car. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 11 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Catching an early flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo? Avoid rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels close to DAR:
How to find the cheapest flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo is $500. The cheapest price for a return flight is $1,660. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
It's a good idea to book in advance if you're looking for flight tickets from DAR to Colombo. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo across each month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Set up a Price Alert for flight tickets from DAR to Colombo. There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped. We'll notify you when the price changes.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes around 39 minutes by car. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 16 minutes to get there by public transport.
Reserve a hotel near RML if you're taking a late flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. After your flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 39 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from DAR to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during peak season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Or, schedule your flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book your flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo for March to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Look for cheap flights from DAR to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo, browse our range of hotels including:
Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall are just the start of the big attractions to add to your Colombo must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Colombo isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Colombo and travel at your own pace. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.