Flying from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) to Colombo: what you need to know
Bhubaneswar (the location of Biju Patnaik International Airport) and Colombo share the same timezone — UTC+5:30.
To avoid missing your BBI to Colombo flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your plane ticket from BBI to Colombo. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Chennai Airport (MAA)
BBI is about 5 kilometres from central Bhubaneswar. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Want an easy start to your holiday? Stay near BBI. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
68.08% of flights that take off from Biju Patnaik International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) to Colombo
$159 is currently the best price for a one-way Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo flight. A return plane ticket starts at $356. These fares can change based on availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from BBI to Colombo. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Finding cheap tickets from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo is more likely if you're flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to get the best prices across the month and pick up an awesome deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from BBI to Colombo by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your BBI to Colombo flight:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo plane ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
Search for cheap tickets from BBI to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Colombo:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be explored. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another must-experience destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without visiting Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
