Travelling from Tehran to Colombo: what you need to know
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is Tehran's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Tehran to Colombo departing from here.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary arrival point in Colombo.
Colombo is two hours ahead of Tehran and follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Tehran to Colombo flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like July? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tehran to Colombo
To pick up cheap Tehran to Colombo flights, book ahead. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when flights first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price in every month when looking for your plane ticket from Tehran to Colombo.
Locking in a cheap flight from Tehran to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Tehran to Colombo flights.
Flying from Tehran
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing Tehran to Colombo flights departing from Imam Khomeini International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Central Tehran to IKA is around 40 kms (25 miles). Depending on traffic, it'll take about 1 hour to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Booked an early flight from Tehran to Colombo? Stay at a hotel close to Imam Khomeini International Airport, such as Remis Hotel. Rexan Hotel will also have you moments from the check-in counter.
Of all flights leaving Imam Khomeini International Airport, 69.19% land on schedule at their destination.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 13 kms (8 miles) away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to RML if you have a late flight from Tehran to Colombo. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 27 kms (17 miles) from central Colombo. After your flight from Tehran to Colombo, it takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Have a think about your travel dates before booking your flight from Tehran to Tehran. The city buzzes during peak season, but rates are usually higher and top attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Tehran in the low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Book a Tehran to Colombo ticket departing in March if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Colombo to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Tehran to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Tehran to Colombo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are leading attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've visited Colombo, now it's time to discover other parts of Sri Lanka. Travel around 11 miles south to Moratuwa to tick off its must-visit sights. From Boat House to Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 190 miles north of Colombo, Jaffna is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. No visit is complete without checking out Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.