Flying from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Manchester, where Manchester Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave plenty of time to catch your flight from MAN to Colombo. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time like August? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for flights from MAN to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
You'll need an e-visa for Sri Lanka if you hold a passport from United Kingdom and are travelling for tourism purposes. Travel documentation and visa requirements can be subject to change. So before booking your cheap ticket from Manchester Airport to Colombo, check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
The journey from central Manchester to MAN takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 29 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near MAN. Whether you've booked an early flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
How to find the cheapest flights from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Colombo
234 € is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Manchester Airport to Colombo. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 542 €. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
It's usually best to book as early as possible if you want to find cheap tickets from MAN to Colombo. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to increase closer to the date of departure.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, make the most of the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in every month when looking for your ticket from Manchester Airport to Colombo.
Finding a cheap ticket from MAN to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Manchester Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 39 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 39 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour and 31 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from MAN to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during the high season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Manchester Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Manchester Airport to Colombo in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from MAN to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Colombo
After locking in your flight from Manchester Airport to Colombo, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring 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 leading attractions which should feature on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Pick one of our car rentals in Colombo and explore the city in your own time. Easily compare rates in one place to find your perfect ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Manchester Airport to Colombo.