Flying from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is nine hours 30 minutes ahead of Washington DC, where Washington Dulles International Airport is located. Colombo runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your IAD to Colombo flight.
Heading off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
We make it easy to book flight tickets from IAD to Colombo with a stopover. To see your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
IAD is about 40 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to IAD? If you're boarding an early flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Washington Dulles International Airport, 74.39% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find IAD at 1 Saarinen Circle.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Colombo
ر.ق. 1,628 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket starts at ر.ق. 3,243. These fares may change depending on availability and demand.
To pick up cheap flights from IAD to Colombo, book ahead. Airlines usually offer lower fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo across the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from IAD to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Look into staying at a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your IAD to Colombo flight, settle in at a hotel near CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo in high season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Lock in a Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from IAD to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Check out these hotels after you've booked your flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, popular attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
