Flying from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Helsinki, where Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located.
For a relaxed start to your HEL to Colombo flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months such as June. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper plane ticket from HEL to Colombo. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Located around 16 kilometres from central Helsinki, HEL can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near HEL. Whether you're taking an early flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport's on-time performance, 60.23% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo flight is $569. The cheapest price for a return flight is $993. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from HEL to Colombo, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for your Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo ticket.
Finding a cheap flight from HEL to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a new discount appears.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Helsinki-Vantaa 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.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near CMB. Settle in and get cosy after your HEL to Colombo flight at any 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 set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid potential price surges. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will help you save.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo during peak season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Lock in a Helsinki-Vantaa 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 HEL to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Travel around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to check off its must-visit sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Trincomalee is another favourite destination in Sri Lanka and is around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without seeing Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.