Flying from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of Athens, where Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located. Colombo operates on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight from ATH to Colombo. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's wise to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're traveling during high season in general.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from traveling — and maybe even explore another city. When browsing flights from ATH to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
If you hold a passport from Greece, you'll need an e-visa to enter Sri Lanka. This applies if you're booking a cheap ticket from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo for tourism purposes. Requirements may change if you're traveling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines before you make travel plans and certainly before you fly.
ATH is around 40 kilometers from central Athens. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the center, it'll take 37 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be approximately 59 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to ATH:
How to find the cheapest flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Colombo
$219 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $492. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from ATH to Colombo if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird rates.
Finding cheap tickets from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo is easy if you can be flexible with your dates. Check out the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest prices across each month and bag a great deal.
Locking in a cheap ticket from ATH to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and number of stops.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is approximately 16 kilometers. It takes about 39 minutes to reach the center driving.
Traveling by public transport will take you around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Book a hotel near RML if you're catching a late flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometers from central Colombo. After your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 39 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from ATH to Colombo:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive during high season, but rates are often higher and top attractions can be crowded. Go to Colombo in the off-season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
When booking your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo, think about the type of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with the temperature ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC and 32ºC. Search for cheap flights from ATH to Colombo sometime around then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo, check out our selection of hotels including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Choose one of our car rentals in Colombo and explore the city at your own pace. Easily compare options in one go to find your ideal ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo.