Airports Near Colombo
Looking for the nearest airport to Colombo? Colombo is served by a couple of airports located in different directions around the city. With two airports within a 50-mile radius, you still have solid options to choose from. Here's a quick guide to help you find the one that best suits your travel plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to Colombo?
The closest airport to Colombo is Ratmalana Airport (RML), a medium-sized airport located approximately 8.3 miles (13.3 km) south of the city center. The driving distance is about 10.3 miles (16.6 km), which typically takes around 24 minutes by car.
If you're looking for better connectivity, the nearest major airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located about 17.1 miles (27.6 km) north of Colombo in a straight line. The driving distance is around 20.2 miles (32.5 km), with an average travel time of about 32 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Ratmalana Airport (RML)
IATA: RML · ICAO: VCCC
Direct Distance 📏
8.3 miles
13.3 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
10.3 miles
16.6 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
24 min
Direction ➤
South
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Located 17.1 miles (27.6 km) north of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
17.1 miles
27.6 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
20.2 miles
32.5 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
32 min
Direction ➤
North
Nearby airports to Colombo
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratmalana Airport | RML | Colombo | 8.3 mi (13.3 km) | 10.3 mi (16.6 km) | 24 min | Medium-sized |
| Bandaranaike International Airport | CMB | Colombo | 17.1 mi (27.6 km) | 20.2 mi (32.5 km) | 32 min | Large |
| Koggala Airport | KCT | Galle | 72.7 mi (117 km) | 81.9 mi (131.9 km) | 2 h | Medium-sized |
| Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport | HRI | Hambantota | 98.4 mi (158.4 km) | 144.4 mi (232.4 km) | 3 h 35 min | Large |
| Weerawila Airport | WRZ | Weerawila | 106.2 mi (170.9 km) | 155.4 mi (250.1 km) | 3 h 36 min | Small |
| Batticaloa International Airport | BTC | Batticaloa | 136.2 mi (219.3 km) | 195 mi (313.8 km) | 5 h 40 min | Medium-sized |
| China Bay Airport | TRR | Trincomalee | 143.5 mi (231 km) | 161 mi (259 km) | 4 h 34 min | Medium-sized |
Closest Airports to Other Cities Near Colombo
Planning to travel somewhere else in the region? Find the closest airport to these nearby cities:
- Closest airport to Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
- Closest airport to Maharagama
- Closest airport to Moratuwa
- Closest airport to Negombo
- Closest airport to Pita Kotte
- Closest airport to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
- Closest airport to Kandy
- Closest airport to Galle
- Closest airport to Katunayaka
- Closest airport to Battaramulla South
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to Colombo, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.