Travelling from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Zurich Airport is located in Zurich. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is 4 hours 30 minutes ahead of Zurich.
To ensure you get on your flight from ZRH to Colombo, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find 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 a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during high season in general.
Direct flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Colombo are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll arrive.
Take to the skies with edelweiss air. This popular carrier operates direct flights from Zurich Airport to Colombo.
To enter Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you'll need an e-visa if you have a passport from Switzerland. However, visa rules are subject to change and you may need further documentation depending on the purpose and length of your visit. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines before booking your cheap ticket from Zurich Airport to Colombo.
Travelling from central Zurich to ZRH takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 19 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near ZRH:
How to find the cheapest flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Zurich Airport to Colombo is $525. The cheapest price for a return flight is $890. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap tickets from ZRH to Colombo, reserve your trip 9 months before your departure date.
Plan your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Zurich Airport to Colombo. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Set up a Price Alert for flight tickets from ZRH to Colombo. You don't need to check every day to see if prices have fallen. We'll tell you as soon as there's a change in price.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Zurich Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and journey duration.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is around 39 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes if you're using public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 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.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your flight from ZRH to Colombo at one of these perfectly located options:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes during peak season, but hotel prices are generally higher and attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Colombo in the low season if you like a quieter vibe.
Book your flight from Zurich 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 ZRH to Colombo in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Zurich Airport to Colombo to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need on car rentals in Colombo, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.