Travel advice for Sri Lanka
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Sri Lanka
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Getting to Sri Lanka is more accessible than ever, with plenty of flight options connecting it to major cities across the globe. Whether you're jetting off to this Southeast Asian island on a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, here’s our guide to how to get to Sri Lanka.
If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka, flying is the only way to get there. Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) receives direct flights from major cities worldwide, though many travelers arrive via connecting hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Singapore. Whether you opt for a nonstop flight or a layover, Colombo serves as the gateway to exploring the rest of the island.
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo is the main gateway to Sri Lanka. It serves as the primary hub for international flights and is located approximately 35 kilometers (21 miles) north of Colombo, the capital city. Some common airlines include:
Air fares remain fairly constant year-round – in general, the further ahead you book your flight, the better chance you have of getting a good deal. Another possibility is to pick up a package deal. For a more in depth look at when to time your holiday, see our guide to when to go to Sri Lanka.
Rickshaw in Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Travelling from the US to Sri Lanka often entails a connecting flight. Some popular options include Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways through Doha, or Singapore Airlines with a layover in Singapore.
From the east coast, the most straightforward option is to fly to London and then pick up one of the onward connections described above.
Travelling from the west coast, the most direct routes go via east or Southeast Asia, stopping in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai or Guangzhou, all of which have non stop connections on to Colombo.
If you’re coming from the UK, direct flights to Sri Lanka are available from several airports. Carriers like SriLankan Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates operate frequent flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Dublin, and other major airports to Colombo. Connecting flights are commonly found through hubs like Dubai, Doha, or even Abu Dhabi.
Sri Lanka Trains © Sotnikov Misha/Shutterstock
There are plenty of options for those based in Europe:
Travellers from Canada can reach Sri Lanka with connecting flights via major international hubs such as London, Dubai, or Doha. Airlines like Air Canada, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer convenient routes to Colombo.
Lord Ganesh Temple at Sella kataragama Sri Lanka © Lihil Sankalpa/Shutterstock
For Aussies looking to jet off to Sri Lanka, you've got some solid options. Direct flights from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will take you straight to Colombo Airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines offer direct services.
If you're planning your Sri Lankan adventure from New Zealand, you'll likely be catching connecting flights through major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Dubai. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Emirates offer connecting services from cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch to Sri Lanka.
View on Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo, Sri Lanka © streetflash/Shutterstock
Sri Lanka is a destination that can easily fill an entire itinerary on its own. That said, if you're planning to include it as part of a larger trip across Asia, you'll find plenty of convenient connections.
Most travellers visiting Sri Lanka require a visa. This can be obtained online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system before arrival or upon arrival at the airport. The ETA allows for a short stay of up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Sri Lanka
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