Flying from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes behind Ho Chi Minh City, where Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located. Colombo observes the UTC+5:30 timezone.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your SGN to Colombo flight.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
We make it simple to book plane tickets from SGN to Colombo with a stopover. To see all the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
SGN is around 5 kilometres from central Ho Chi Minh City. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
In search of a hotel near SGN? If you've booked an early flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, data shows 66.42% of flights complete their journey on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Colombo
$152 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is $342. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To pick up cheap flights from SGN to Colombo, book in advance. Airlines typically offer lower prices when flights are first released.
Finding cheap tickets from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to get the best prices throughout the month and score an incredible deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from SGN to Colombo by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo. Reserve 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). Once your flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your SGN to Colombo flight, rest your head at a hotel close to CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Visit Colombo in peak season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Book a Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SGN to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are top sights which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka waiting to be explored. About 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a visit to Jaffna will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
