Flying from Colombo to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Explore your options for booking a flight from Colombo to Johannesburg departing from here.
Come in for landing at Johannesburg's major arrival point, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Leave enough time to make your flight from Colombo to Johannesburg. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
You'll need an embassy visa for South Africa if you have a passport from Sri Lanka and are travelling for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements are subject to change. So before booking your cheap flights from Colombo to Johannesburg, check with your airline as well as the destination country's local embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even tour another city. When searching for flights from Colombo to Johannesburg departing from Bandaranaike International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
CMB is around 32 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 39 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Colombo to Johannesburg? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these hotels near Bandaranaike International Airport:
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is approximately 29 kilometres. It'll take you around 29 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour and 12 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Colombo to Johannesburg, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near JNB:
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Johannesburg. Once you've hopped off your flight from Colombo to Johannesburg, expect a drive time of approximately 51 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
There are some comfortable hotels where you can rest ahead of your adventure near HLA. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Colombo to Johannesburg at any of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Johannesburg
392 € is the best price for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Johannesburg. Return flights start at 716 €. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
To get your hands on cheap tickets from Colombo to Johannesburg, book early. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first made available.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in each month when searching for your ticket from Colombo to Johannesburg.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Colombo to Johannesburg. You don't need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll tell you the moment there's a change in price.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Colombo to Johannesburg.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
February is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Johannesburg, while July is the busiest. Work out the best time to go to Johannesburg based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
The warmest month in Johannesburg is January, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 30ºC. Book your flights from Colombo to Johannesburg in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap tickets from Colombo to Johannesburg in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 4ºC and 20ºC on average.
More about Johannesburg
Start your Johannesburg trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Colombo to Johannesburg, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are must-visits when exploring Johannesburg.
Complete your Johannesburg trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Colombo to Johannesburg to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Johannesburg, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.