Singapore to Colombo is the quick way into Sri Lanka — beaches, tea country and ancient cities under four hours away. Two full-service carriers fly it non-stop, and a handful of one-stop options fill in when you want a cheaper fare or a different time. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return costs in Singapore dollars, and when to book.
Route: Singapore Changi (SIN) → Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB)
Distance: approximately 3,400 km (2,110 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 3h 50m westbound, closer to 4h 10m on the return
Direct flights: Yes — Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines both fly non-stop, most days on Boeing 787s. One-stop itineraries (usually via India or Kuala Lumpur) can be cheaper.
Fares from Singapore to Colombo (SGD)
Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts are at their best in the December–March dry season, which is also the priciest window for flights, along with the Christmas/New Year peak. The southwest monsoon (May–September) brings cheaper fares and quieter beaches, while the east coast actually dries out over those same months. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | high |
| February | — | high |
| March | — | medium-high |
| April | — | medium (New Year) |
| May | — | low |
| June | — | low |
| July | — | medium (school holidays) |
| August | — | medium |
| September | — | low |
| October | — | low-medium |
| November | — | medium-high |
| December | — | very high |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 4 hours):
- Singapore Airlines — non-stop from Changi Terminal 3 on the Boeing 787; full-service with checked baggage included.
- SriLankan Airlines — the flag carrier’s non-stop, also on the 787; a natural pick if you are connecting onward within Sri Lanka.
One-stop (sometimes cheaper, about 8–14 hours total):
- Indian carriers (IndiGo and others) via Chennai or Bangalore — frequent budget connections, often the lowest headline fare.
- AirAsia / Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur — a short backtrack west with competitive fares.
- Full-service one-stops via Gulf or Indian hubs — worth a look if the non-stops are pricey on your dates.
With only two non-stop carriers, fares hold firm around holidays, so it pays to compare against the one-stops. If time matters, the non-stop is a comfortable half-day trip; if price is the priority, a single stop through India or Kuala Lumpur can undercut it.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–3 months ahead for the dry-season and Christmas peaks; short-notice fares to Colombo rarely improve.
- Travel in the shoulder or low season (May–September) for the cheapest fares — the southwest coast is wetter then, but the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is at its best.
- Avoid Christmas/New Year and the mid-April Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the busiest and dearest windows.
- Check the baggage: Singapore Airlines and SriLankan include a generous checked allowance; the cheapest one-stop “light” fares may not, so compare the all-in price.
- Have your ETA ready: Sri Lanka requires an Electronic Travel Authorization for most visitors — sort it before you fly to avoid airport queues.
Arriving in Colombo
Flights land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), near Katunayake, about 35 km north of central Colombo. A metered or fixed-fare airport taxi to the city costs roughly LKR 4,000–7,000 (around S$ 20–30) and takes 45–60 minutes via the expressway. Airport shuttle buses and the ordinary bus into Colombo are far cheaper, and many hotels arrange a pickup for a set fare.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Singapore to Colombo?
The non-stop flight takes about 3 hours 50 minutes westbound to Colombo, and closer to 4 hours 10 minutes on the way back against the winds. One-stop itineraries through India or Kuala Lumpur typically take 8 to 14 hours in total, depending on the connection.
Are there direct flights from Singapore to Colombo?
Yes. Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines both fly non-stop between Changi and Colombo, most days of the week on Boeing 787s. If you want a cheaper fare, one-stop flights via Indian cities or Kuala Lumpur are usually available too.
How much does it cost to fly from Singapore to Colombo?
A typical economy return runs about S$ 330–S$ 700 depending on the season. The best low-season deals dip to around S$ 320–S$ 380 (May, June and September), while the December peak and the dry-season high season sit toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Singapore to Colombo?
May, June and September are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid December and the December–February dry-season high season, plus mid-April’s New Year, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from Singapore to Colombo?
Non-stop: Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines. For one-stop options, Indian carriers such as IndiGo (via Chennai or Bangalore) and connections via Kuala Lumpur are common and can be cheaper than the non-stops.
Which airport do I fly into in Colombo?
All flights use Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo’s main international airport near Katunayake, about 35 km north of the city. A newer domestic terminal at Ratmalana is closer to town but is not used for these international services.
How far in advance should I book Singapore to Colombo flights?
Aim to book 2 to 3 months ahead, especially for the December–March dry season and the Christmas peak. With only two non-stop carriers, the best-priced seats go early, so booking sooner almost always wins.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday, and flying out and back on weekdays can save S$ 30–S$ 70 on a return. Shifting your dates by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to trim the fare.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — check the live fare before booking.
