Travelling from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Athens, where Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located. Colombo runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your ATH to Colombo flight.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper plane ticket from ATH to Colombo. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Travelling from central Athens to ATH takes about 1 hour on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near ATH. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
77.19% of flights taking off from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Colombo
ج.م. 14,945 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo flight. A return flight ticket right now is ج.م. 30,110. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To pick up cheap flights from ATH to Colombo, book as early as you can. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo across each month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
There's no need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from ATH to Colombo.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're getting a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in around 40 minutes by car. Central Colombo is roughly 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your ATH to Colombo flight, kick back at a hotel near CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid potential price surges. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will save you money.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during the high season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before locking in your Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo plane ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. March is the warmest month in Colombo, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC to 33ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from ATH to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Colombo, browse our range of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are must-visits when exploring Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered after you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, well-known attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
