Travelling from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport (JAF): What you need to know
Jaffna's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Colombo. Kankesanturai Airport is located in Jaffna.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably board your flight from Colombo to JAF.
With more people on the move during peak seasons, plan to be at your terminal even earlier. Two hours for domestic flights and up to four for international journeys will help you deal with longer queues.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Located around 16 kms (10 miles) from the centre of Colombo, RML can be reached in about 40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your journey? Stay near Colombo Ratmalana Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport or prefer not to rush, these hotels are the ideal choice:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Colombo to CMB in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 32 kms (20 miles) away, and getting there by car takes approximately 40 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your Colombo to JAF flight? Relax in a hotel near Bandaranaike International Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
75.71% of flights out of Bandaranaike International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
About Kankesanturai Airport (JAF)
Book a hotel near JAF if you're catching a late flight from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport (JAF)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport is £143. For a return flight on this route, the best price is £240. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Colombo to JAF if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport tickets throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Colombo to JAF is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Lock in a cheap flight from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport by using filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport (JAF)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when picking your flight dates. February is the quietest month to visit Jaffna. May is when most people book flights from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport (JAF), which may be ideal if you're chasing more action.
The warmest month in Jaffna is April, with temperatures ranging between 27ºC (81ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Colombo to JAF plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap tickets from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF).
More about Jaffna
Once you've booked your flight from Colombo to Kankesanturai Airport, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Jaffna:
Nallur Sivan Kovil and Nallur Kovil are just a couple of the major attractions to put on your Jaffna itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Jaffna Public Library.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Negombo is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Jaffna. Around 290 kms (180 miles) away to the south, well-known attractions include Negombo Beach, Ettukala Beach and Virgin Mary Lagoon Boat Safari.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of Sri Lanka, consider Kandy, roughly 290 kms (180 miles) south of Jaffna. Sri Dalada Maligawa, Royal Botanical Gardens and Sri Lanka Knuckles Hiking are key reasons to visit.