Cheap flights London to Colombo

September is the cheapest month on this route, and the weeks either side of it in autumn often stay reasonable. December and the New Year are the busiest stretch, when families travel in both directions and fares climb. Midweek departures out of London are lighter than Friday and Sunday, and flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually gives you more connections to choose from. Book well ahead for December, for the summer school holidays and for travel around Easter. If your dates are open, watch the price calendar and let it pick the week for you.

The airline mix here is wide. British Airways and Srilankan Airlines are the full-service names, with checked baggage and meals part of the fare. Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Gulf Air route you through their Gulf hubs, while Air India and Indigo go by way of India — all of those mean a change of plane. Carriers such as Air Arabia and Aer Lingus sell leaner tickets with fewer extras, so read what is included before you compare. China Eastern Airlines takes a longer way round. On any connecting booking, ask whether your bags are checked through to Colombo or you collect them on the way.

Bandaranayike International is Sri Lanka's main gateway and the only airport you are likely to use for Colombo. It sits north of the city, and the drive in can be slow once you reach the built-up area. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the usual way in, and ride-hailing apps work at the terminal; some hotels run their own shuttle. Allow more time than you think on a weekday evening, and keep your onward address handy for the driver. If you land after dark, arrange the transfer before you fly rather than haggling at the kerb.

Currency

LKR (Rs)

Power sockets

Type D, G · 230 V

Language

Sinhala, Tamil

Emergency number

110, 119

Calling code

+94

Internet domain

.lk, .இலங்கை

Population of Colombo

648 k (2025)

Time zone

UTC+05:30 (Asia/Colombo)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Check which London airport your fare uses — Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and London City are far apart, and moving between them takes time.
• On a connecting ticket, confirm whether your bags are checked through to Colombo or you pick them up and check in again.
• Low-cost carriers such as Air Arabia and Indigo charge extra for bags, seat choice and food, so add those to the fare before you compare.
• Check Sri Lanka's entry rules and passport validity well before you fly, and make sure your ticket meets any onward travel requirement.
• September is the cheapest month here, so if your dates fall in December or the summer holidays, book as early as you can.