Flying from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is four hours 30 minutes ahead of Valletta, where Malta International Airport is located.
Give yourself enough time to catch your MLA to Colombo flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight ticket from MLA to Colombo. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these popular options:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
To reach MLA from central Valletta, it'll take around 15 minutes by car. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Booked an early flight from Malta International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to MLA:
72.79% of flights that depart Malta International Airport land at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Malta International Airport to Colombo flight is ر.ق. 775. The cheapest price for a return flight is ر.ق. 2,040. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from MLA to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, make the most of the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when looking for a Malta International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from MLA to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Malta International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to the centre of Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Malta International Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Once your flight from Malta International Airport to Colombo has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your MLA to Colombo flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or long cab queues. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Snap up the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before booking your flights from Malta International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Book a Malta International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from MLA to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Malta International Airport to Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to put on your Colombo must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to discover other corners of Sri Lanka. Journey around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its top attractions. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
