Traveling from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Nairobi, where Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located. Colombo follows the UTC+5:30 timezone.
To avoid missing your NBO to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're traveling during high season, so give yourself even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even tick a new city off your list. When browsing for flight tickets from NBO to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
The journey from central Nairobi to NBO takes around 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometers in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a hotel near NBO? If you've booked an early flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 67.1% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Colombo
AED 757 is currently the best price for a one-way Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo flight. Return flight tickets start from AED 1,650. These fares can change depending on availability and demand.
Booking in advance is often the key to securing a cheap flight from NBO to Colombo. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Finding cheap tickets from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo is easier if you're flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to get the lowest prices throughout the month and bag a fantastic deal.
You don't need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from NBO to Colombo.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometers. It'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the center driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes when traveling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo. Book one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometers from central Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your NBO to Colombo flight:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks in advance often means better deals and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes during peak season, but prices are typically higher and top attractions can be crowded. Go to Colombo in the off-season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo flight ticket with a departure in March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like traveling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from NBO to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF).
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Colombo, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Colombo must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many places in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Colombo. Around 306 kilometers away to the north, its best attractions include Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you want to check out another corner of Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, about 241 kilometers north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are the start of reasons to visit.
