Travelling from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Istanbul, where Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located.
To avoid rushing for your SAW to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak time like August? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from SAW to Colombo. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Located around 31 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, SAW can be reached in about 55 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near SAW. Whether you have an early flight from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
Of the flights that depart from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, 76.93% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) to Colombo
$335 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo flight. A return plane ticket starts at $717. These prices may change based on availability and demand.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from SAW to Colombo if you book in advance. Airlines often have some amazing early bird discounts.
Landing cheap tickets from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo is easier if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to get the lowest fares across each month and land an incredible deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from SAW 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 as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is about 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 40 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your SAW to Colombo flight:
Forget about public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Visit Colombo in high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before locking in your Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SAW to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Colombo, browse our selection of hotels including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just two of the big attractions to put on your Colombo itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka just waiting to be discovered. Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep you on the go. Don't miss top attractions like 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. Start your sightseeing at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
