Flying from Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes behind Medan, where Kuala Namu International Airport is located. Colombo runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave enough time to get on your KNO to Colombo flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from KNO to Colombo. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Travelling from central Medan to KNO takes about 1 hour 15 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Have an early flight from Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to KNO:
Of all flights departing from Kuala Namu International Airport, 68.46% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo flight is $185. The cheapest price for a return flight is $440. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from KNO to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first released.
Scoring cheap tickets from Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo is easier if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to get the best prices across every month and land an epic deal.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an updated deal for cheap flights from KNO to Colombo.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Kuala Namu 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 around 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you're coming in on a late flight from Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo. Select one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your KNO to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo in peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Before locking in your Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from KNO 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 places to stay in Colombo right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Kuala Namu International Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are leading attractions which should feature on any good Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, popular attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
