Flying from Beijing to Colombo: what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Beijing. Check out your options leaving from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX) when reserving your flight from Beijing to Colombo.
Come in for landing at Colombo's chief entry point, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Book a direct Beijing to Colombo flight and you'll be traveling for an average of 7 hours 45 minutes.
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which makes Colombo two hours 30 minutes behind Beijing.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are three departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Beijing to Colombo is with SriLankan Airlines at 00:50. Opt for the first PEK to CMB departure operated by SriLankan Airlines at 00:15 to make the most of your first day in Colombo.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Beijing to Colombo flight.
Traveling during a peak month such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing to Colombo
To pick up cheap Beijing to Colombo flights, book as early as possible. Airlines tend to offer lower fares when flights first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Beijing to Colombo.
Finding a cheap flight from Beijing to Colombo is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Beijing to Colombo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
If you're after a direct flight from Beijing to Colombo, you can depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Travel from PEK to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in one continuous trip.
Keep an eye out for promotions with SriLankan Airlines. This carrier offers direct Beijing to Colombo plane tickets out of PEK.
We make it a breeze to book a Beijing to Colombo flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
To reach PEK from central Beijing, it takes around 40 minutes if you're going by car. It's roughly 26 kilometers from the airport to the city center.
Need a handy hotel near Beijing Capital International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Beijing to Colombo, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
Of the departures from Beijing Capital International Airport, 79.67% land on time at their destination.
PEK is located at Capital Airport Rd.
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Beijing to Colombo flight, here's where you can stop when leaving from Daxing International Airport:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
PKX is about 48 kilometers from central Beijing. It'll take you 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Beijing to Colombo? Unwind in a hotel near Daxing International Airport before your trip officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
The majority of flights that leave Daxing International Airport land at their destination right on cue. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 89%.
Arriving in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes around 40 minutes by car. The center is roughly 13 kilometers away.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Beijing to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 27 kilometers from the center of Colombo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Beijing to Colombo, it takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city center in 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt make collecting a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride two weeks ahead of your arrival at CMB will save you money.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Beijing during peak season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Beijing to Beijing during the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Beijing to Colombo ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from Beijing to Colombo in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Colombo
Once you've booked your flight from Beijing to Colombo, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Moratuwa is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Colombo. Around 18 kilometers to the south, its top attractions include Boat House, Angulana Beach and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Around 306 kilometers north of Colombo, Jaffna is another essential stop in Sri Lanka. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
