Travelling from Singapore to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Singapore. Explore your options departing from Changi International Airport (SIN) or Seletar Airport (XSP) when planning your flight from Singapore to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where your flight will arrive in Colombo.
Take a direct Singapore to Colombo flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 3 hours 50 minutes.
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30, which is two hours 30 minutes behind Singapore.
The busiest route for flights from Singapore to Colombo is from Changi International Airport (SIN) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). There are 27 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SIN to CMB is the 08:30 Singapore Airlines service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 22:20 with Singapore Airlines.
For a smooth journey, 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 catch your Singapore to Colombo flight.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Singapore to Colombo
To secure cheap Singapore to Colombo flights, book your journey six months ahead of your departure.
September is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Singapore to Colombo. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Singapore to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Singapore to Colombo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Singapore
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Depart from Changi International Airport (SIN) on a nonstop flight from Singapore to Colombo. From SIN, you can travel directly to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Leading airlines that offer direct Singapore to Colombo plane tickets from SIN include:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore another city. When searching for Singapore to Colombo flights departing from Changi International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
SIN is about 18 kilometres from central Singapore. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour.
Booked an early flight from Singapore to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Changi International Airport:
Of the flights that depart from Changi International Airport, 68.95% land on schedule at their destination.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is approximately 13 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 40 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Singapore to Colombo. Reserve one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 27 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Singapore to Colombo, it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car easy and quick. These reliable suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Singapore in high season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Singapore to Singapore in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book a Singapore to Colombo ticket departing in March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Search for cheap flights from Singapore to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Singapore to Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions which should be on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Moratuwa is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored after you've experienced Colombo. Around 18 kilometres to the south, popular attractions include Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of Sri Lanka, head for Jaffna, about 306 kilometres north of Colombo. Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library are the start of reasons to visit.
