Quick answer
Delhi to Colombo is a non-stop flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes over roughly 2,400 km. SriLankan Airlines, Air India and IndiGo fly it daily. One-way economy fares start around ₹11,000 booked 3–6 weeks ahead in a quiet month. Indian passport holders need an online ETA, which has been issued free under Sri Lanka's free-visa scheme.
Route facts
- Flight time
- 3h 40m
- Distance
- ≈ 2,400 km
- Starting fare
- ₹11,000 one-way
- Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines, Air India, IndiGo
- Cheapest months
- Feb and Jul–Sep
- Entry
- Online ETA required before travel; it has been issued free to Indian passport holders under Sri Lanka's free-visa scheme — confirm when applying.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Fares are typical starting one-way economy prices booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak dates — live prices vary by the hour.
Which airlines fly Delhi to Colombo non-stop?
SriLankan Airlines, Air India and IndiGo all fly the route daily from Terminal 3 at Delhi. SriLankan is the full-service national airline and offers the widest range of onward connections from Colombo.
What are the best flight timings?
Sri Lanka uses the same time as India, so there is no jet lag. Morning departures land by early afternoon, leaving time to drive to Negombo, Colombo or even Kandy the same day. Late-evening arrivals are best followed by a night near the airport.
Baggage on full-service and low-cost airlines
SriLankan and Air India include meals and checked baggage, with allowances that depend on the fare brand. IndiGo includes a checked bag on most international fares but charges for food and seats. Families shopping for tea and spices should prebook extra kilos online for the return.
Getting from the airport to Colombo
Bandaranaike International is at Katunayake, about 32 km north of Colombo. The expressway brings you into the city in 40–60 minutes; a taxi costs about LKR 6,000–9,000 (₹1,750–2,600). Negombo, a beach town, is only 15–20 minutes away and makes an easy first or last night. Ride-hailing apps such as PickMe and Uber operate.
When to book, and connecting options
Book 3–6 weeks ahead. Fares rise in May–June, around Diwali and from mid-December to early January. February and July–September are usually cheapest. SriLankan connects Colombo to the Maldives, making a Sri Lanka–Maldives combination easy on one ticket.
Tips for families and seniors
- Apply for the ETA online before you fly, even when it is free.
- Sri Lanka's road journeys are slow — Colombo to Kandy is 3–4 hours, so do not plan a long drive after a late arrival.
- Many senior travellers take the Ramayana trail; a driver-guided car is far easier than trains.
- Request wheelchair assistance at booking for parents who cannot manage long walks.
See our Sri Lanka visa guide, Sri Lanka trip cost, things to do in Sri Lanka and more flight routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Delhi to Colombo?
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Which airlines fly direct from Delhi to Colombo?
How far is Colombo airport from the city?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
