Overview
Sri Lanka packs astonishing variety into one tropical island — golden beaches, misty tea plantations, ancient temples, wildlife safaris and warm hospitality. Popular with UK holidaymakers and those visiting family alike, it's an easy country to fall for. Comparing every fare in one place makes finding the right flight quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best weather depends on where you're heading: the west and south coasts and the hill country are driest from December to March, while the east coast is best from May to September. This means there's good weather somewhere most of the year. Fares peak around Christmas and New Year, so travelling either side helps. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateway is Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), near the capital, with Mattala (HRI) in the south occasionally used.
Airlines and routes
SriLankan Airlines flies direct from London to Colombo in around 11 hours. For connecting options — often better value — Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines all serve Colombo via their hubs. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Popular places to visit in Sri Lanka
- Kandy: the sacred Temple of the Tooth and lake.
- Sigiriya: the dramatic ancient rock fortress.
- Ella & the hill country: tea estates and scenic train rides.
- Galle: a charming colonial fort town by the sea.
- Yala & Udawalawe: safaris for leopards and elephants.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Sri Lanka
- Book a few months ahead, especially for the December–March high season.
- Avoid the Christmas and New Year peak for lower fares.
- Compare direct flights against one-stop routes via the Gulf.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), arranged online before travel.
- Currency: the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
