Fly to Colombo

Begin your Sri Lankan adventure with a flight to Colombo. The waterfront capital is perfectly placed to start your travels around the island. flydubai’s flights arrive into the city’s international airport from destinations around the world.

A range of travel options make planning your trip to Colombo easy. Economy and Business Class fares make budgeting a breeze.

Once you’re in the air, our friendly crew will ensure your flight to Colombo is as comfortable as possible. Settle into your seat and get stuck into your personal touchscreen, filled with Hollywood blockbusters, all-time favourite TV shows, thrilling games, and the latest music. We’ve also rolled out our award-winning WiFi across most of our aircrafts, so you can browse social media and check your emails while you fly.

Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you cruise towards Sri Lanka. Long haul passengers can pre-order a meal from our menu inspired by the locations we fly to. No matter how long your flight, a delicious collection of snacks are available to purchase throughout.

Indulge at the Ministry of Crab

Sri Lanka takes its food seriously, none more so than in Colombo. Enjoy a taste of seafood at the Ministry of Crab, one of the best eateries in the city. Housed in the beautiful 17th century Old Dutch Hospital, the restaurant celebrates the island’s crustaceans. Dishes range from traditional crab curry to their signature dish, garlic chilli crab.

Take a ride aboard a tuk tuk

Colourful three-wheeled chariots are the best way to travel around Colombo. Hop on for a ride around the city, spotting the pretty colonial architecture that makes the capital so special.

Stroll along Galle Face Green

Colombo’s coastal location means there’s no shortage of places to enjoy spectacular sunsets. Head to the city’s water-side stretch, and enjoy the cool sea breeze as the sky transforms with colour and the sun disappears into the Indian Ocean.

Nudging the glittering Indian Ocean, the energetic capital of Sri Lanka has become a magnet for those wanting a taste of cosmopolitan island life. Gleaming skyscrapers and contemporary bridges are side by side with Colombo’s palm trees and beautiful colonial buildings. Enjoy the gateway to Sri Lanka before exploring what the rest of this gorgeous country has to offer.

Dine like a king

Set sail on a culinary adventure across Colombo, beginning at Galle Face Green where you can sample the best street food on the island. Spicy lentil cakes topped with prawns, dhal-filled pancake bowls, and samosas packed with spice are all on the menu. Rice and curry are the true staples of the city, laced with coconut, chillies and vegetables. For a taste of this authentic Sri Lankan gastronomy, head into any of Colombo’s lively local cafes or stop by a pavement stall.

Get your culture fix

Stand in front of the beautiful Gangarama Vihara temple and marvel at the impressive brass work, carvings and Buddhist art that embellishes the building. Venture round the corner and you’ll find the equally breathtaking Seema Malaka temple jutting into the emerald waters of Beira Lake, decorated with a series of Buddha statues. Once you’ve ticked off the city’s religious sights, enjoy a serene stroll around Viharamahadevi Park. Walk through the lush green space and enjoy the beautiful flowering trees, impressive fountains and playgrounds for the little ones. If it’s a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s past you seek, visit the country’s National Museum. You’ll be greeted by the site of a giant 9th century Buddha, before wandering through galleries bursting with colonial paraphernalia, antique demon masks and intriguing carvings.

Indulge in a shopping spree

Get lost in a maze of shops in Pettah, the capital’s vibrant bazaar district. Each street is dedicated to different goods. You’ll find whole streets packed with vendors selling bags, fabrics, hardware, jewellery, and spices. For a combination of both old and new, head to Arcade Independence Square. The shopping hotspot is housed in a complex of renovated colonial-style buildings, complete with designer outlets, restaurants and cinemas.

Visa

Depending on where you’re flying in from, you may need a visa to visit Colombo. It’s best to check before you fly.

Currency

While you’re in Colombo, you’ll use the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Frequently used notes include: ₨10, ₨20, ₨50, ₨100, ₨500, ₨1000, ₨2000, ₨5000.

Language

Sinhalese and Tamil are the principal languages used in Colombo, with English also widely spoken.

Weather

Enjoy warm weather whenever you visit Colombo – temperatures only reach average lows of 24°C in winter months, whereas they can hit 35°C in the summer. If you visit the capital between May and June, you may experience the south-west monsoon.

Getting around

There are plenty of ways to travel throughout Colombo. Yellow-topped taxis are readily available, as are tuk tuks. Buses also operate within the city, with trains available to take you out into the rest of Sri Lanka.

Airport information

flydubai operates out of Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), a 35-minute journey from the capital’s centre.