Cheapest Flights to Colombo
About Colombo
Colombo, the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, is a bustling coastal metropolis with a population of around 750,000 residents as of 2023. Known for its rich colonial heritage, vibrant markets, and stunning seaside views, Colombo serves as the gateway to Sri Lanka's diverse cultural and natural attractions.
Colombo experiences a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, accompanied by distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Colombo is from December to March, during the dry season, when the weather is ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and enjoying its beaches.
The city is served by Bandaranaike International Airport, located about 35 kilometers north of the city center. Major airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, SriLankan Airlines, and Flydubai operate direct and connected flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Colombo, making it easily accessible for travelers from the UAE.
Colombo’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and international cuisines. The city is famous for its rich curries, fresh seafood, and unique flavors like hoppers and kottu roti. Whether dining at a fine restaurant or sampling street food, visitors can enjoy a diverse and flavorful culinary experience.
Tourists in Colombo can explore a variety of cultural and historical landmarks. The Gangaramaya Temple, a mix of modern architecture and cultural heritage, is one of the city's most significant Buddhist temples. The National Museum of Colombo offers insights into the island's rich history, while the vibrant Pettah Market provides a bustling atmosphere for shopping and experiencing local life. The scenic Galle Face Green, a popular urban park along the coast, is perfect for an evening stroll with views of the Indian Ocean.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Colombo offers several green spaces and coastal attractions. Viharamahadevi Park, the city’s largest, is ideal for relaxation and leisure, with its beautiful gardens and fountains. The nearby Mount Lavinia Beach is a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset.
UAE nationals can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa to visit Colombo, which allows for stays of up to 30 days. The visa process is simple, making it convenient for UAE citizens to explore Colombo’s rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful coastline.
Transportation to Colombo City Center from Airport
Bandaranaike Intl. Airport
Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, located on the southern part of Asia, is known for its Colombo Harbor, which is frequented by many merchant ships. The rivers and canals in the city add a different beauty and naturalness to the city. Sri Lanka is starting to become a tourist center as a result of the renovated and newly opened buildings thanks to the urban transformation that started in the city.
Transportation in Colombo is provided by many different transportation means. The sympathetic three-wheeled vehicles, special to the city, known tuk-tuk serve at short distances. Other transport options include buses, trains and taxis as well as ferries linking India and the city. Bandaranayike Airport connects Colombo with all the cities in the world.
There are buses that travel at certain intervals during the day from Bandaranayike Airport to the city center. Taxis carry passengers to the city center on a busy pace all day.
Taxi
Taxis are very popular as transportation facilities at the airport are limited and buses, which do not work at night, have long intervals. You need to clearly tell the route you want to go to the driver of the taxi, which you can easily take at the airport exit.
Bus
There is an express route between the city of Colombo and the airport, which can only be used by buses. Thanks to this special road, bus number 187-E3 can reach the city center in half an hour. In order to take the buses in front of the terminal building you need to buy tickets in advance.
