Flying from Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Colombo: what you need to know
The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30. The city is four hours 30 minutes ahead of Zagreb, where Franjo Tudman Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your ZAG to Colombo flight.
Heading away during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
ZAG is around 11 kilometres from central Zagreb. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near ZAG. Whether you've booked an early flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are worth a look:
When it comes to Franjo Tudman Airport's on-time performance, data shows 67.18% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Colombo
$539 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is $980. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.
Booking early is often the key to securing a cheap flight from ZAG to Colombo. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo across the entire month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Picking up a cheap flight from ZAG to Colombo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when a better deal is available.
Save on your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
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 around 40 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to get there by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Following your ZAG to Colombo flight, unwind at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Pick up a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the availability and rates from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during peak season, but rates are often higher and top attractions can be crowded. Visit Colombo in the low season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Before booking a Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from ZAG to Colombo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Franjo Tudman Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've done Colombo, now it's time to discover other parts of Sri Lanka. Journey around 306 kilometres north to Jaffna to tick off its must-visit sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If there's time to check out another corner of Sri Lanka, consider Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are among the biggest draws.
