Flying from Colombo to New York: what you need to know
Colombo's main base, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), is where plenty of awesome adventures begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Colombo to New York.
Hop off the plane at one of New York's major gateways like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). You can also come in for landing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Colombo to New York flight.
Taking off during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to New York
Booking early is often the key to securing a cheap Colombo to New York flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Colombo to New York across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from Colombo to New York is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Colombo to New York flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Colombo to New York flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Bandaranaike International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located around 27 kilometres from the centre of Colombo, CMB can be reached in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your break? Stay near Bandaranaike International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Colombo to New York or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the departures from Bandaranaike International Airport, 75.71% land on schedule at their destination.
Arriving in New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to central New York takes around 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near JFK if you have a late flight from Colombo to New York. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Travel at your own pace with a John F. Kennedy International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Budget, Dollar or Sixt and find adventure across New York and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from John F. Kennedy International Airport about two weeks before your departure date.
JFK is located at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is about 14 kilometres from central New York. Once you've disembarked your flight from Colombo to New York, it'll take you approximately 30 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near EWR. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Colombo to New York:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Newark Liberty International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and make a speedy getaway.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from EWR three weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater range of vehicles.
You'll find Newark Liberty International Airport at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is around 13 kilometres from the centre of New York. It'll take you about 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a ride-share or cab once you've hopped off your flight from Colombo to New York.
The journey will take you roughly 1 hour by public transport.
If you don't want to make your way into the centre, find a hotel close to LGA. Get settled at one of these options after your Colombo to New York flight:
Start your journey without stressing over how to reach your destination with a LaGuardia Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with reliable companies here like Dollar, Ace Rent a Car and Thrifty.
If you're looking for a specific type of vehicle, book your ride from LGA around two weeks ahead of your flight from Colombo to New York. This improves your chances of getting the car you want, along with a better deal.
The address for LaGuardia Airport is Hangar 7 Centre.
Best time to go to New York
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Colombo to New York. July is the busiest month to travel to New York. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in May.
Lock in a Colombo to New York ticket departing in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in New York to range from 18ºC to 30ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Colombo to New York in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC and 8ºC on average.
More about New York
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in New York right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Colombo to New York:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building are leading attractions which should be on any good New York itinerary.
Explore more of United States
New York has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be explored. Around 129 kilometres south-west of New York, a visit to Philadelphia will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Boston is another favourite destination in United States and is around 306 kilometres north-east of New York. No trip is complete without dropping by Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.