Flights from London to Colombo from GBP546

Book flights from London to Colombo and explore Sri Lanka’s capital

Searching for an exotic escape? Book London to Colombo flights and embrace Sri Lanka’s beautiful capital, offering sun-soaked beaches, lively streets, and stunning scenery. From thrilling activities to deep cultural visits, Colombo has activities for every traveller. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey through Sri Lanka.

Book flights from London to Colombo with Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, and travel in comfort from start to finish. On board, you’ll find an experience like no other in the sky, with a wide range of entertainment to keep your journey engaging. Our fleet keeps every flight smooth and safe, while our crew looks after the little details. With us, every part of your trip’s straightforward and effortless.

 

Any information to note about London (LHR) to Colombo (CMB) flights?

If you are planning to book London to Colombo flight tickets, here are our flight times and route details to make booking straightforward and stress-free for you:

• Flight distance: The average air distance between London and Colombo is 5,417 miles (or 8,719km).
• Flight time: Our fastest one-stop flight to Colombo from London takes about 12 hours and 30 minutes, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi.
• First flight: The earliest one-stop flight to Colombo from London usually departs in the morning, at around 08:50, depending on the schedule.
• Last flight: The latest one-stop flight from London to Colombo usually departs in the evening, at around 20:55.
• Flights per day: There are usually up to 12 one-stop flights per day from London to Colombo, depending on the schedule.
• Return flight: The earliest one-stop flight from Colombo to London usually departs after midnight, at around 04:00.
• Aircraft: We are flying from London to Abu Dhabi on the Airbus A380, and Airbus A320 or A321 from Abu Dhabi to Colombo.

*If you are planning to book flights with us, refer to etihad.com for the most up-to-date flight status and details, including flight times, schedules, and daily departures, as these are subject to change.

 

What are the benefits of flying with Etihad from London to Colombo?

When you book flights from London with us, we'll make your journey straightforward, easy, and calm. Here’s why flying with us is the right choice:

• Luxury with The Residence: Step on board our A380 flights from London and stay in our multi-room, advanced First cabin. Refresh in your private shower, relax in your separate living area, and sleep in your own bedroom. Discover a journey like no other in the sky.
• Saver Award: With this exclusive offer, you can claim seats at fixed mileage rates as a member of our Etihad Guest loyalty programme. It’s the smartest way to take advantage of your miles.
• Clear fares, no surprises: Know exactly what you’re paying with our upfront and simple prices. Skip the hidden fees and find honest costs from the start.
• Book fast, fly easy: Reserve your London to Colombo flight bookings through etihad.com or our mobile app. Use our user-friendly platforms to keep your booking fast, simple, and stress-free.

 

What can I expect at London and Colombo airports?

Get to know your airports before you fly to make your journey smoother and more relaxed. We've put together a quick guide on what to expect at London Heathrow and Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, so you can move through each terminal with ease.

Origin airport: London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest travel hubs in the United Kingdom. Its four terminals link London to cities all over the world, handling thousands of international flights every day. You can pick up travel essentials at the shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants while you wait. The IATA airport code for London Heathrow Airport is LHR.

Destination airport: Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport

As Sri Lanka’s primary gateway, Bandaranaike International Airport — also known as Colombo or Katunayake International Airport — welcomes over 11 million guests every year. You’ll find everything you need to start your trip, from duty-free shops and restaurants to relaxing lounges and a spa. Travel has become even smoother here thanks to recent upgrades like extra gates and aero-bridges. The airport – located at Airport and Aviation Services Limited, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka – also links to the city via a punctual, dedicated train. IATA code for Bandaranaike International Airport is CMB.

 

What are the visa requirements, currency, and language in Colombo?

• Visa guidelines: If you’re travelling from the United Kingdom, you can book flights to Sri Lanka and enter the country with an ETA or a visa on arrival, valid for up to 30 days.
• Currency: The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency across the island. When you land in Colombo, you'll find it easy to exchange your money right at the airport or use one of the many ATMs dotted around the city to withdraw cash.
• Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages you’ll hear throughout Sri Lanka. You’ll also find that English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. This makes it simple for you to find your way around without any trouble.

 

What is the weather like in Colombo?

Colombo has two main seasons — a dry period from December to March and a wet season from April to November. You'll get plenty of sun during the dry months, which is the best time for walking the streets or sitting by the coast. If you visit during the wet season, the rain usually comes in short bursts during the late afternoon.

 

Which experiences shouldn’t be missed in Colombo?

Colombo is the perfect escape if you're looking to swap the fast pace of London for something more tropical. Book flights to Colombo and dive into activities that are full of excitement and offer a real taste of Sri Lankan life.

• Explore Pettah Market and the Red Mosque: Navigate the busiest marketplace in Colombo, where you can find textiles, electronics, and local snacks. Visit the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque—built in 1909 and known as the Red Mosque of Colombo for its striking red-and-white stripes—and see the historic Khan Clock Tower.
• Discover Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture: Tour the urban home of this famous architect in Colombo, and see private courtyards and his 1934 Rolls-Royce. Visit the floating Seema Malaka temple on the Beira Lake or eat at the Gallery Cafe, Bawa’s former office turned into a fine-dining restaurant.
• Savour authentic Sri Lankan cuisine: Experience the diverse flavours of Colombo through its vibrant street food and traditional dishes. Taste famous buriyani, spicy Northern-style crab curry, or local favourites like puttu.
• Relax at Galle Face Green and Mount Lavinia Beach: Spend time at the largest open green space in Colombo for kite flying and street food by the Indian Ocean. Travel to Mount Lavinia Beach for seaside dining and swimming.

 

How can I save money on my flight from London to Colombo?

Cut your travel costs with these simple tips. You’ll find that smart planning, a bit of research, and the right choices make your flight from the United Kingdom cheaper and much easier to manage.

• Earn and spend miles: Join our loyalty programme to earn Etihad Guest Miles on flights, hotels, and shopping. Redeem your miles for flights, upgrades, and rewards to cut your travel costs in the long run.
• Book directly with us: Skip hidden fees and find the best value for your money when you book directly on etihad.com. Use our site or app to dodge unexpected costs.
• Book round trip flights: Reserve London to Colombo flight tickets as a round trip to save money. Take advantage of lower prices, as these often cost less than buying two one-way tickets.