Flying from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): What you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your journey from in Dubai. Explore your options departing from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when searching for a flight from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Take off on a direct Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport flight and you'll be travelling for around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Colombo is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Dubai. Bandaranaike International Airport is located in Colombo, which runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
With 59 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Dubai Airport (DXB) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the busiest route. flydubai operates the earliest flight at 1:55am. If you'd like to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from DXB to CMB is with FitsAir at 11:40pm.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to board your flight from Dubai to CMB.
During peak travel periods, allow for longer queues and show up earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international trips.
Airports in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) is a convenient option for travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) depart from this terminal.
You'll have your pick of carriers offering direct flights from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport departing from DXB. Reserve your trip with one of these:
The majority of passengers choose to book seats with flydubai from DXB to CMB.
The carrier with the top on-time arrival rate on this route is flydubai.
Think about adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Dubai to CMB. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Dubai Airport (DXB). Make a stop (and maybe make your fare cheaper) by passing through one of these popular options:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Dubai, DXB can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 50 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near Dubai Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport or prefer not to feel hurried, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Dubai Airport, 74.31% of flights complete their journey on time.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
You can reach DWC from the centre of Dubai in approximately 45 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey by public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes to cover the 56 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your Dubai to CMB flight, stay in one of these hotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 56.64%.
About Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Have a late flight from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport? Don't let it steal your sleep. Stay at one of these hotels near CMB and turn out the lights sooner:
Go where the road takes you with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and discover more of Colombo and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around two weeks in advance of your Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport flight can help you get a cheaper deal.
Getting from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to central Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport to central Colombo is around 27 kilometres. If you're renting a car or getting a cab, do a little research to make your trip as easy as possible. Journey times can vary depending on traffic and the time of day.
It'll take around 1 hour 30 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
ج.م. 6,132 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport. Return flights start at ج.م. 12,908. These prices may change depending on demand.
To pick up cheap flights from Dubai to CMB, book early. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when tickets first go on sale.
Affordable Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport tickets are easier to find if your travel dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' search function to compare fares across every month and then choose the cheapest day.
Snapping up a cheap flight ticket from Dubai to CMB is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when prices go down.
Save on your flight from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport by using the search filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
It's time to work out when to book your flight from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). August is the peak month for travel to Colombo. If you're all about a more relaxed kind of trip, go in April.
Lock in a Dubai to CMB flight ticket departing in March if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport in January when temperatures are between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Dubai to Bandaranaike International Airport, explore our range of hotels including:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Mt Lavinia Beach, Elephant House and Sri Gangaramaya are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered. Around 209 kilometres north-east of Colombo, a visit to Trincomalee will fill your itinerary to the brim. Check out popular attractions like Nilaveli Beach, Sea View Point and Uppuveli.
Kalmunai is another sought-after destination in Sri Lanka and is around 209 kilometres east of Colombo. No trip is complete without experiencing Jamia Jummah Masjid (Kalmunai Town Red Mosque), Green Field Aasath Park and Iyanar Kovil.
