Flying from Seoul to Colombo: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Seoul. Check out your options departing from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP) when booking your flight from Seoul to Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary gateway where you can disembark in Colombo.
A direct flight from Seoul to Colombo takes on average 8 hours 19 minutes. The timezone in Colombo is UTC+5:30, meaning it's 3 hours 30 minutes behind Seoul.
With 4 flights a week between the two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the busiest route. Hop on the first flight from Seoul to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines at 11:35. If you'd like to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from ICN to CMB is with SriLankan Airlines at 12:15.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your flight from Seoul to Colombo. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months like July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
You will need an e-visa for Sri Lanka if you have a passport from South Korea and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to change. So before booking your cheap flights from Seoul to Colombo, check with your airline as well as the destination country's local embassy or consulate for the most recent updates.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Seoul to Colombo, you can board one at Incheon International Airport (ICN). Get from ICN to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in one seamless journey.
You can travel on a direct flight from Seoul to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines. This popular airline offers services from ICN.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for flights from Seoul to Colombo departing from Incheon International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Booked an early flight from Seoul to Colombo? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to Incheon International Airport:
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Maximise your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Seoul to Colombo. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your bucket list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these options between Incheon International Airport and Colombo:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
You're off on holiday, so why not book an extra night away? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to Colombo:
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 39 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Seoul to Colombo, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near RML:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is around 32 kilometres from central Colombo. Following your flight from Seoul to Colombo, allow for a drive time of approximately 39 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
You can also travel by public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 31 minutes.
After your flight from Seoul to Colombo, kick back at a hotel near CMB. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Colombo
ر.ق. 428 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Colombo. Return flights start from ر.ق. 1,074. These prices can change depending on availability and demand.
Book 1 month before you want to travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from Seoul to Colombo.
September is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Seoul to Colombo. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Seoul to Colombo. You don't need to search every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll let you know the moment there's a change in price.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Seoul to Colombo.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo during high season if you prefer a vibrant atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Or, schedule your flights from Seoul to Colombo in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book your flight from Seoul to Colombo for March if you'd like to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Seoul to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Colombo right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Seoul to Colombo:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Seoul to Colombo isn't our only party trick. Check out our car rentals in Colombo and explore the city on your own terms. We search for deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.