Flying from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport (JAF): What you need to know
Jaffna (where Jaffna International Airport is located) and Colombo share the UTC+5:30 timezone. Same timezone means no confusion when scheduling your trip.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from Colombo to JAF.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like February and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Travelling from central Colombo to CMB takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kms (20 miles) in 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport or prefer not to rush, these hotels are the answer:
Of all flights departing from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, 74% touch down on time at their destination.
About Jaffna International Airport (JAF)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near JAF instead:
Getting from Jaffna International Airport (JAF) to central Jaffna
Central Jaffna is around 16 kms (10 miles) from Jaffna International Airport and takes about 25 minutes to reach by car. See what your options are for getting into town, whether that's with a car hire, taxi or ride-share.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport (JAF)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport is £151. For a return flight on this route, the best price is £303. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from Colombo to JAF. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Colombo to Jaffna International Airport tickets across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your trip dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Colombo to JAF is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a lower fare pops up.
Filters make it easier to find a bargain for your flight from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport. Choose the flight times, carriers and stops that work for you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to find the lowest price right away.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport (JAF)
October is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport (JAF), while January is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to visit Jaffna based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Colombo to JAF plane ticket departing in April if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Jaffna to range from 27ºC to 32ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport in January when temperatures are between 24ºC and 28ºC.
More about Jaffna
After booking your flight from Colombo to Jaffna International Airport, find a hotel that's got location and comfort covered. Make one of these options your base for exploring Jaffna:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Nallur Sivan Kovil, Nallur Kovil and Jaffna Public Library are must-visits when exploring Jaffna.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Negombo is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Jaffna. Around 290 kms (180 miles) away to the south, its best attractions include Negombo Beach, Ettukala Beach and Virgin Mary Lagoon Boat Safari.
Around 290 kms (180 miles) south of Jaffna, Kandy is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Sri Dalada Maligawa, Royal Botanical Gardens and Sri Lanka Knuckles Hiking.
