Travelling from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Beirut, where Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is located.
For a relaxed start to your BEY 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 standard rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even explore another city. When browsing for plane tickets from BEY to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
To get to BEY from central Beirut, it'll take about 10 minutes by car. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Looking for a hotel close to BEY? If you've booked an early flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo, these stays will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
76.7% of flights leaving from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport make it to their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to Colombo
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo flight is $339. The cheapest price for a return flight is $715. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from BEY to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often have some great early bird rates.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, make the most of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across every month when searching for your Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo ticket.
You don't need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an updated deal for cheap flights from BEY to Colombo.
Find an affordable flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is around 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to call home for the night near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your BEY to Colombo flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and be off and running.
Lock in the best price by securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before you book your flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while low season brings better deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
Before locking in your Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from BEY to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to Colombo, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top attractions which should be on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, its best attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're interested in discovering another major destination in Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among its highlights.
