Flights from London to Colombo from GBP560

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. Offering a luxury experience from dedicated check-in counters to attentive on-board care, every touchpoint is designed to feel straightforward and effortless. Settle into our premium cabins created for privacy and relaxation, where a wide range of entertainment keeps your journey engaging while our fleet keeps every flight smooth and safe. On selected connecting routes aboard our iconic A380, travel is redefined in our luxury First suites with a separate bed and lounge chair, alongside The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky featuring a private bedroom, living room, and ensuite shower for up to two guests. With our crew looking after the little details, you will find an experience like no other in the sky. Book flights with us to experience total luxury on your way to Sri Lanka. 

What are the schedules of Etihad’s London (LHR) to Colombo (CMB) flights?

• Flight time: Our fastest one-stop flight to Colombo from London takes about 12 hours and 25 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 08:40, 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 week: We operate four daily one-stop flights on our London to Colombo route.
• Return flight: The earliest one-stop flight from Colombo to London usually departs in the morning.
• Flight distance: The average air distance between London and Colombo is 5,417 miles (or 8,719km).
• Aircraft: You’ll experience both the Airbus A380 and Airbus A321 on your one-stop trip from London to Colombo, changing aircraft during your stopover in Abu Dhabi, depending on the schedule.

*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 The Residence, 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.
• Maximise your Etihad Guest Miles: Enjoy the most rewarding way to use your miles through Etihad Guest. Our members can easily redeem miles for flights and upgrades, ensuring you get the best value for your travel.
• 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.

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.

Visa, currency, language, and weather information

• 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.
• Weather information: 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.

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.

What are the origin and destination airports in London and Colombo?

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 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: As Sri Lanka’s primary gateway when you book flights to Colombo, 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. The IATA code for Bandaranaike International Airport is CMB.