Flying from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Cairo, where Cairo International Airport is located.
To avoid rushing for your CAI to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling over a peak time such as August? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling and maybe even tick off a new city. When browsing for plane tickets from CAI to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Located around 18 kilometres from central Cairo, CAI can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes.
Looking for a hotel close to CAI? If you're boarding an early flight from Cairo International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
Of all flights departing from Cairo International Airport, 63.38% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Colombo
The best price we've found for a one-way Cairo International Airport to Colombo flight is $329. The cheapest price for a return flight is $604. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from CAI to Colombo if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll find the cheapest price across each month when looking for your Cairo International Airport to Colombo ticket.
Save time searching for cheap flights from CAI to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Cairo International Airport to Colombo by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you about 40 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Cairo International Airport to Colombo, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Cairo International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your CAI to Colombo flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make picking up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Before locking in your flights from Cairo International Airport to Colombo, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Colombo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season means you'll get cheaper deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
Lock in a Cairo International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from CAI 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
Once you've booked your flight from Cairo International Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are a couple of leading attractions to put on your Colombo must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered once you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, popular attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without dropping by Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.