About Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's executive and judicial capital, as well as the country's most populous city. It is also the financial centre of the island and a tourist destination. The Colombo metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 within the municipal limits. It is located on the west coast of the island. It is also the administrative capital of the Western Province and the district capital of Colombo District.
Cheap flights to Colombo
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,255 from Toronto, travelling 22 Apr – 30 Jun. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: SriLankan Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Emirates, Lufthansa.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to ColomboThings to do in Colombo by type
6 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Explore Udawalawe National Park - Full-Day Tour -
City tours 2 experiences Discover Colombo City - Private Tour
- Over 6 hours 3
- Senior 3
- Youth 3
- Couples 3
- Families 2
Top experiences in Colombo
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Discover Colombo City - Private Tour
From $44 per adult
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Full-DayTour
From $167 per adult
Discover Kandy City - Full-Day Tour
From $190 per adult
Explore Udawalawe National Park - Full-Day Tour
From $196 per adult
Full Day Galle Day With Balapitiya Rivera
From $129 per adult
Madhu River Safari - Full-Day Tour
From $111 per adult
Where to stay in Colombo
Popular hotels in Colombo, out of 145 properties you can book.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo
From $139 per night
Mount Lavinia Hotel
From $70 per night
Ramada Colombo
From $76 per night
Cinnamon Red Colombo
From $77 per night
Renuka City Hotel
From $56 per night
Jetwing Colombo Seven
From $84 per night
Hilton Colombo
From $111 per night
Galle Face
From $92 per night
The Kingsbury
From $84 per night
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo
From $95 per night
Cinnamon Life At City Of Dreams - Colombo
From $168 per night
Grand Oriental Hotel
From $61 per night
Best time to visit Colombo
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Colombo is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 84–90°F and rain falls on about 24 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Colombo weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 83° 75° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 82° 76° 100%
- Fri 23 Oct 82° 76° 100%
- Sat 24 Oct 84° 76° 94%
- Sun 25 Oct 83° 76° 98%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 75° 94%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)1 US dollar ≈ Rs331
- Languages
- Sinhalese, Tamil
- Calling code
- +94
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/ColomboUTC+5:30
- Capital
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Getting to Colombo
These are the airports closest to central Colombo. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RML Ratmalana Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
- CMB Bandaranaike International Airport18 mi (28 km) from the city centre
Getting around Colombo
Getting around by Tri-shaw (Three wheeler, tuk-tuk) is most convenient. Some three-wheelers have built in meters or the drive uses a phone app that does the same. Drivers hanging out in tourist areas often will not have or not allow meters as an option. Ask if there is a meter and if there is not a meter to use, always negotiate and agree on a price before you take a trip.
By bus
Colombo has an extensive network of buses going around the city/region. Bus stops have no timetable or route map as such. Fares depend on the type of bus and distance. Fares are per trip: no free connections. Prices start at Rs 30 (as of 2024), buy from onboard conductor. The Ceylonlanka.info and Routemaster websites have partial, incomplete information on routes. Google Maps navigation via public transport works well.
By taxi
Taxis are safer and much more comfortable than tuk-tuks. There are 'Tata Nano' cars in service nowadays and the charges start from Rs 40 per kilometre with air-conditioning. The tuk-tuks also offer their service for a fee of Rs 30 per km but only those with the "Metered Taxi" name board in front. Others may not have the meters running. Ride-hailing apps have largely replaced traditional street hail taxis in major urban centers.
By car
It is also possible for travelers to hire car with or without a driver. Many companies based in Colombo offer such services. Contact the Ceylon Taxi team for vehicle arrangements.
Colombo travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Colombo is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 84–90°F and rain falls on about 24 days a month.
What is the weather like in Colombo?
February is usually the warmest month in Colombo, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). August is the coolest, with average lows of 77°F (25°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 466 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Colombo?
Ratmalana Airport (RML) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (12 km) from the centre of Colombo. Other nearby airports include Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB, 18 mi).
How much are flights to Colombo?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Colombo in the last 30 days was $1,255 from Toronto, travelling 22 Apr – 30 Jun. April is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $1,255.
What currency is used in Colombo?
Colombo uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ Rs331.
What time zone is Colombo in?
Colombo uses the Asia/Colombo time zone (currently UTC+5:30). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Colombo?
Getting around by Tri-shaw (Three wheeler, tuk-tuk) is most convenient. Some three-wheelers have built in meters or the drive uses a phone app that does the same. Drivers hanging out in tourist areas often will not have or not allow meters as an option.
What are the top things to do in Colombo?
Popular experiences you can book in Colombo include Discover Colombo City - Private Tour, Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Full-DayTour and Discover Kandy City - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 6 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Colombo?
The most popular types of experiences in Colombo are outdoor activities & adventure (3), city tours (2), day trips & excursions (1) and zoo, aquarium & nature (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Colombo?
Popular areas for hotels in Colombo include Colombo City. Well-reviewed options include Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Mount Lavinia Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Colombo?
Destina Holidays currently lists 145 properties in and around Colombo, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
