Flying from Southampton Airport (SOU) to Colombo: what you need to know
Southampton Airport is located in Southampton. Based in the UTC+5:30 timezone, Colombo is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Southampton.
To avoid missing your SOU to Colombo flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Heading away during a peak period like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
SOU is about 6 kilometres from central Southampton. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 25 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Southampton Airport to Colombo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to SOU:
Of the flights that depart from Southampton Airport, 55.7% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Southampton Airport (SOU) to Colombo
$759 is currently the best price for a one-way Southampton Airport to Colombo flight. Return plane tickets start at $1,656. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from SOU to Colombo. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Southampton Airport to Colombo throughout the month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Finding a cheap flight from SOU to Colombo is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Southampton Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo takes about 40 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Book a hotel near RML if you have a late flight from Southampton Airport to Colombo. Settle into one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly 32 kilometres from the centre of Colombo. Once you've hopped off your flight from Southampton Airport to Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CMB. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your SOU to Colombo flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Grab a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the rates and availability from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride two weeks before your arrival at CMB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Colombo
Plan your trip to Colombo during the high season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Southampton Airport to Colombo in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
Book a Southampton Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 22ºC (72ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from SOU to Colombo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Colombo
After booking your flight from Southampton Airport to Colombo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Colombo:
Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple are a couple of leading attractions to put on your Colombo itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Viharamahadevi Park.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Colombo has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered. Around 306 kilometres north of Colombo, a trip to Jaffna will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading attractions like Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
Around 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is another favourite stop in Sri Lanka. Experience major highlights starting with Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
