Find cheap flights to Sri Lanka from $481

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 10/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
Economy
0 bags
Sat 10/28
Sat 11/4
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Good to know

Low season

October

High season

June

Cheapest flight

$481
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 7% increase in price.
Flight from Los Angeles to Colombo

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Sri Lanka

  • Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price.
  • High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is April.
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Sri Lanka flight deals.
  • Foreign visitors traveling to Sri Lanka are required to either have a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to be allowed into the country. Citizens of the Republic of Seychelles, the Republic of Maldives, and the Republic of Singapore are exempt from having to apply for an ETA prior to traveling to Sri Lanka.
  • The choice of your arrival city when reserving a flight to Sri Lanka depends on the part of the country you’re intending to visit, whether it’s the Buddhist Temples in the north or the parks in the south. Nevertheless, most of Sri Lanka’s international air traffic comes through its capital city, Colombo (CMB).
  • If traveling to several locations in Sri Lanka, the best airport to arrive at is Bandaranaike International Airport as it is the largest and most centrally located.
  • Suppose your adventures are more focused on western Sri Lanka, it might be best to fly into Batticaloa International Airport (BTC) in Batticaloa. Still, you can choose a flight from any of the U.S. cities that lands at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), (in Colombo), then take ground transportation to this region.
  • If traveling to the south of Sri Lanka, it is advised to arrive at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as it is located in the south of the country and is less congested than Bandaranaike International Airport.
  • Travelers seeking to take in the breathtaking sights in the north central plain of Sri Lanka will find Anuradhapura as the most convenient town to stay in. Once you land in Colombo from the U.S., you can book a domestic flight to Anuradhapura Airport (ADP), which serves both civilians and the military.
  • There are few domestic flight options in Sri Lanka, and the best airline selection for domestic flights within Sri Lanka would be Cinnamon Air. A necessity before boarding domestic flights in Sri Lanka is proof of identification, which for international visitors is a valid passport.
  • Southeast Sri Lanka is famous for its numerous national parks and diverse wildlife species. If you are planning to explore Yala National Park or watch the whales as they leap in and out of water in Mirissa, book a flight from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI),
  • Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s cities that exudes unimaginable beauty, is a common day trip for tourists coming to Sri Lanka. Galle is served by Koggala (KCT) Airport, which lies about 8.4 miles (13.5 km) away. You can catch a taxi to this place in about 18 minutes.

FAQs - booking Sri Lanka flights

  • What are the visa requirements in Sri Lanka?

    International visitors to Sri Lanka hoping to attend symposiums, art, music and dance events, religious events, short-term training projects, seminars, workshops and conferences, and business meetings are required to obtain business visas. Short term business visas offered in Sri Lanka are only valid for 30 days with multiple entries. Long term business visas are valid for 90 days with single, double, and multiple entries.

  • Which airport should I fly to if I want to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka?

    One of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka is Sigiriya, which is nestled in the central Matale district. As you plan your itinerary in Sri Lanka, remember that Sigiriya Airport (GIU) is the closest domestic airport that serves this area. You get here via a connecting flight from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Huge, sculpted lion paws, palace ruins, and gardens await.

  • What is the best airport to fly to in Sri Lanka?

    The most accessible airport in Sri Lanka is Bandaranaike Airport as it is Sri Lanka’s main international airport. It is located in the capital city, which offers easy access to other destinations within Sri Lanka. Popular sites, such as Sigiriya and Galle, are easily accessible from the airport through domestic flights. Do not be worried if you happen to come across military flights while at the Bandaranaike Airport as it is used as both a public and military airport.

  • Which airport should I fly into if I want to transit to New Delhi when I leave Colombo?

    Those planning to travel to New Delhi after their excursions in Colombo should remember that CMB is the major getaway in and out of Colombo, hence the best departure port to India’s capital city. You will land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) after about 5h 45min.

  • What documents are needed before boarding a flight to Sri Lanka?

    Most airlines will require a visa and valid passports, all of which have to contain expiry dates according to the expected stay in the country. A boarding pass is offered at the check-in counter upon providing either a physical ticket or an e-ticket.

  • Which Airport in Sri Lanka is closest to Pasikudah Beach?

    A vacation in Sri Lanka won’t be complete without exploring the beautiful Pasikudah Beach. This must-see attraction lies in the Batticaloa region, which is served by the Batticaloa International Airport (BTC). The land lies about 22 miles (35.8 km) away and can conveniently be accessed by a taxi in under 45 minutes.

  • Are there direct flights to Sri Lanka?

    Most airline providers do not provide nonstop flights from the US to Sri Lanka, meaning a changeover will be required. Changeovers on flights to Sri Lanka are made at either major EU transport hubs, such as Frankfurt, London, or Paris, or in Asia.

  • Are there hotels near Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)?

    Travelers planning to arrive late at Bandaranaike International Airport from the U.S. or leave early back home via the same establishment will be glad to note that there are many idyllic hotels nearby. Typically, these hotels offer complimentary transportation to and from the airport to make your trip easier, especially if you have heavy luggage.

  • Do I need to use a child car seat while in Sri Lanka?

    There are no national child restraint laws in Sri Lanka, and visitors are not required by law to use child seats for children when leaving the airport. There are also no front seat restrictions, and car seats are not required to be installed in taxis for children of any age. Therefore, if you need a car seat it is advisable to travel with your own as accessing one upon arrival in Sri Lanka may be troublesome.

  • How long is the flight to Sri Lanka?

    An average nonstop flight from the United States to Sri Lanka takes 24h 34m, covering a distance of 9133 miles. The most popular route is New York - Colombo with an average flight time of 19h 35m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to Sri Lanka?

    The cheapest ticket to Sri Lanka from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $924. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Colombo Bandaranaike Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $926.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top 5 airlines flying to Sri Lanka

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from the United States to Sri Lanka? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to KAYAK reviews.
8.6
Singapore AirlinesOverall score based on 3932 reviews
85comfort
86entertainment
87overall
89crew
83food
88boarding
Airline reviews

There’s a reason SIN is on of the BEST airline in the world.

Read more about Singapore Airlines

There’s a reason SIN is on of the BEST airline in the world.

Pros: "The whole business class experience"
Cons: "During the same trip I discovered 2 different arrangements of the Business Class cabin on Singapore Airlines A350, SQ469 CMB-SIN, and SQ036 SIN-LAX. On the SQ469, I occupied seat 12 A (mono, aisle-window): A lot of plastic curved walls etc. For larger persons, the result is not quit comfortable."
Pros: "I always like Singapore Airlines. They should continue to be the best."
Cons: "Some flexibility to select food choices even if we book the flight in short notice."
Pros: "Crew was okay"
Cons: "Did not get the food I chose. Seats were not clean and clumsy"
Cons: "For business class SQ, the crew service was severely sub-par. Seat arrangement same as in bigger 777, so actual space is much shorter and therefore uncomfortable for sleeping and lounging."
Pros: "Average flight"
Cons: "Seats on this aircraft have very upright seats. Not very comfy"
Pros: "everything..Singapore airlines is a amazing airline !!! there is a reason why they are no 1 for so many years..."
Cons: "Singapore airlines use their antique aged flights for services to chc.unconfortable and a poor in-flight entertainment system"
Pros: "Being one of the best airlines in the world, you can really go wrong with these guys. Always a good experience."
Cons: "As always, economy class is getting tighter. But economy here is still better than the western airlines."
Pros: "As a frequent flyer, I have found out that the few dollars i spend more on SQ is well worth it"
Cons: "The crew at check in was really inconsiderate and has given us false information! Despite of what documents were required and submitted I was not allowed to board the plane."
Cons: "Wearing a face vizor on top of the face mask is silly"
Pros: "Crew was nice. Seat was broken for recliner."
Cons: "Having parents with infants board with or after those needing assistance. It was an inconvenience having a fussy infant wait in a long line. We had bassinet seats so boarding first would not have slowed the seating process."
Pros: "I like that they deliver me safe and sound to Vietnam"
Cons: "I would prefer no interruptions while I am watching my movie"
Pros: "Seat was sufficiently comfortable to get some rest and I was very ready to be done with the flight when the plane landed."
Cons: "Breakfast option - eggs and a sausage had much to be desired. Other meals were fine."
Pros: "Nothing"
Cons: "The food was not served well. There were no snacks on the flight. The service was not even prompt. If I request for juice/water it was served to me after 30-40 minutes . I was travelling with a baby and the staff was not even considerate about it and attending fast. I requested for a mineral water bottle as I ran out of baby water for making milk for the baby and the staff was so reluctant and told "they are done" and just left.I am really dissapointed with this. I doubt if I would travel with qatar again"
Pros: "The friendly and helpful service."
Cons: "There was a long line by my seat to use the restrooms."
Pros: "Food was great."
Cons: "Passengers in the back seat kept shaking my seat. I told them to stop, but they kept doing that."
Pros: "Helpful Qatar Airways passenger assistant at check-in."
Cons: "Security check chaos. Obnoxious security woman. BHX strict single bag, 7kg cabin baggage"
Pros: "Thank you for a very good flight experience both from Philadelphia to Doha and Doha to Johannesburg."
Cons: "The breakfast options could have been better, but I was fed and happy, and the flight attendant was kind enough to bring me green tea when it wasn’t readily available on the cart."

Boarding took forever! Was disappointed at checkin that they did not let me pay for an upgrade for my mother who has bad legs ! There was a seat available but they kept saying you need points ! I think that’s total BS! I had the money to pay and they made it so so difficult! Mean while onboard there’s a video showing pay upgrades available!!!!! The exit row seats we are were ok but super narrow ! Staff is wonderful

Pros: "This leg was generally worse than Boston to Dubai. The airline staff were less polite, borderline rude."
Cons: "As above"
Pros: "Great entertainment, great seating and space comfort. Overall a great experience. But, Etihad airways is still better than Emirates."
Cons: "Longer wait for boarding. The assigned zones were the last possible ones. Zone F or something similar. Flight attendants were okay, cared less for economy class. Also, Bluetooth headphones pairing did not work."
Pros: "Movies entertainment"
Cons: "Food selection available was not good in my opinion - pretty much tailored to Indian appetite and stomachs. Very pour options for juices and alternate foods."
Pros: "Good flight"
Cons: "Crew was not very friendly. Had argument with a old man in the next row over serving glass of water"
Pros: "In all the flight was good, except for the food."
Cons: "They didn't have any option (not even fruits) for those who dislike spicy food. My colleague and I had nothing but bread and butter to dine."
Pros: "The food was great, the in flight entertainment was great, and as a tall person I appreciate that Emirates still provides a decent amount of legroom, even in Economy."
Cons: "Being sandwiched between 2 large men for a 12 hour cuddle."
Cons: "Boarding in Luanda is horrible!!! Service on board not good.. to slow and food not good as well."
Pros: "The food was great. Don't be scared of giving vegetarians dairy though unless they specify vegan."
Pros: "Terrific food, not the same old stuff! Professional staff with a great attitude! A little extra legroom never hurts!"
Cons: "Nothing."
Pros: "Crew was amazing good friendly and seats was also very comfortable"
Cons: "The airline should make food better to make travelers satisfied thanks"
Pros: "The seat 21A was absolutely horrid inducing claustrophobia due to limited space all around on a full flight long delayed on ground after taxiing for departure."
Cons: "Etihad needs to be more sensitive of passenger comfort and avoid being so stingy with economy class seats (21A)"
Cons: "Etihad staff for borading at Toronto (YYZ) airport was rude and unpleasent. Always long lineups to get boarding card, they treat passengers like cattles and sheeps. Etihad airlines ground staff was very rude! Seats in the economy class of Etihad airlines are getting congested more and more every year."
Pros: "I liked my seat and the food"
Cons: "I did not like the cleanliness of the bathroom I did not like their entertainment I did not like that the flight attendants were bickering at each other not professional at all"
Pros: "The flight attendants."
Cons: "There was a medical emergency on board, so bathrooms did not get the necessary attention. Had to ask for toilet paper for two different bathrooms. Transferring to this flight as a NIGHTMARE. The boarding gate was a long way from the arrival gate. Went through an endless maze. Went through two security check points. At both check points I was sent for pat down. At the first there were five other women who were waiting for pat down. All white women. Discrimination???? At the second security, I had not even passed through the detector and the officer was waving me to get a pat down. At that point I started laughing. Next automated preclearance for immigration, then had to wait in line to talk to immigration officer. It is a miracle that I made it to the flight on time. Passport and boarding pass checked minimum of 6 times in this process. On arrival in Los Angeles, there was a bus ride to the terminal for luggage pick up. My husband was at the terminal I normally come to, I had no way to contact him (Indian sim), no change for pay phone. A fellow passenger was merciful and let me use her phone send husband messages and eventually we met up. I would not use Eithad for India to USA for this reason only. The security and immigration preclearance sucks."
Pros: "Great cabin staff"
Cons: "Uncomfortable. Entertainment was unwatchable. In physical pain from poor seating."
Cons: "Lied to me about my seat assignment. I was teady to pay for extra leg room bufor they declined and said they assigned extra leg room seat. But later I found that it is Norma seat. Liers"
Pros: "Not much. Free shower at the airport was welcome."
Cons: "Abu Dhabi airport is poorly designed, crowded and confusing. For some bizarre reason, we had to exit the boarding area (we had arrived very early), and then re-enter at the end of a VERY long line, then dispose of the water we had bought AFTER we had already gone through one set of security checks, to have another bag search inside the boarding area. (???) For a 14 hour flight, you might expect a bit more in the line of amenities (like the Singapore Airlines pamper kit). It’s also nice to know on a long haul what you might be eating (a la Singapore Airlines menu card), but not on Etihad. Also the movies on offer through the entertainment system were a bit stale and dated. They also had no arrivals cards in English, and finding them at Sydney Airport is a nightmare. (Why do we still do the stupid things, anyway?) Then, to top it all off, after a tiring flight, Sydney Airport put on their best demonstration of appalling and confusing crowd control at the baggage carousels and getting through customs. Used to think Etihad was a quality experience, but it doesn’t seem so any more."
Pros: "Crew was helpful mostly. They at least tried to be helpful but we always had to ask for water even though it was a 12hour flight"
Cons: "Bad food, no proper boarding process at Abu Dhabi and rarely bring water."
Pros: "Nothing"
Cons: "I missed the flight in the airport and when I went to the office in the airport to put me on the next flight they denied help. They asked me to pay the difference. I had to agree but I had not a credit card so they refused to take cash. Spend very frustrating two hours trying to convince the rude employee to put me on the flight... Do not use that airport or that company."

The entire airline industry seems to be a total disaster these days, and this flight was no different. They never posted the gate until boarding time, then bused us to the plane, a 777! We then sat on the plane for over two hours, with almost no information as to why. When they did give us information, it was an obvious lie, like saying we would be underway in 10 minutes, while being number 5 in line for deicing. I worked in the airline industry for 20 years, it takes longer than that for each plane, and a pilot would certainly know that. All in all, a 6 1/2 hour flight was 9 1/2 hours on the plane, just ridiculous! The entire time we were given little to no information as to why things weren't happening as they should. And to top it off, the pilot had the nerve to joke upon arrival into Boston that he was glad we had joined them for the short flight from London. Just what you want after 9 1/2 hours on a rock-hard seat, someone minimizing the agony you've been feeling for hours! Oh yeah, and the added time was just enough to allow the snow to start flying in Boston, which lead to multiple accidents, which made our 1 1/2-hour drive home, 3 hours, icing on the cake!

Cons: "Staff gave us a hard time with our 15 month old sons luggage. Almost missed our flight as a result"
Pros: "The crew was very nice and accommodating. Snacks, meals and drinks were provided, as well as onboard entertainment and plugins."
Cons: "Nothing. Great trip!"
Cons: "The entire thing was delayed the entire time. I spent 30-45 minutes just on the runway. They only offered biscotti and pretzels as snacks. I’ve gotten cheaper or same priced flights with full entertainment and faster arrival times on other airlines. This was a last resort this time around but I would never take it if I didn’t have to."
Pros: "Crew was awesome...love AA crew! Always and this time superb!"
Cons: "Leg room gets worse and worse...boarding sucked since they took our bags and we felt like it was only us that were singled out!!!"
Cons: "No wifi, drinks came in the last 5 minutes flight was 1.5 hours late"
Cons: "No seat power, poor connection for movies and they kept freezing"
Pros: "Nothing"
Cons: "The plane boarded early. Was not called over intercom. Got to gate 45 mins before plane take off and crew refused to let me board the plane and was unable to exchange my ticket so had to buy a whole new ticket home. Very dissatisfied."
Cons: "Requested special meal online. When meal time came they said they never got the request. Wasnt able to eat. They should keep special meals on the plan in case this happens s"
Pros: "Crew was personable and proactive in settling families in and helping with luggage. Funny and helpful. Movie choices were great! We were early to gate."
Cons: "It was a very long check in process in Madrid, and 45 minutes more to gate. I think it may just be layout of Madrid airport, but I would suggest to anyone getting to airport a minimum of 3.5 hours before flight."

Book Cheap Sri Lanka Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals

3/9Sat
1 stopTurkish Airlines
19h 20mEWR-CMB
3/25Mon
1 stopTurkish Airlines
25h 25mCMB-EWR
$926
3/10Sun
1 stopTurkish Airlines
23h 40mJFK-CMB
3/25Mon
1 stopTurkish Airlines
24h 50mCMB-JFK
$926
11/6Mon
1 stopQatar Airways
29h 00mJFK-CMB
11/16Thu
1 stopQatar Airways
22h 30mCMB-JFK
$1,071
10/8Sun
1 stopQatar Airways
19h 55mIAD-CMB
11/7Tue
1 stopQatar Airways
22h 50mCMB-IAD
$1,080
1/31Wed
1 stopSingapore Airlines
45h 15mLAX-CMB
2/25Sun
1 stopSingapore Airlines
32h 40mCMB-LAX
$1,096
1/24Wed
1 stopSingapore Airlines
45h 15mLAX-CMB
2/13Tue
1 stopSingapore Airlines
30h 45mCMB-LAX
$1,100
1/23Tue
1 stopEtihad Airways
36h 05mJFK-CMB
2/19Mon
1 stopEtihad Airways
22h 00mCMB-JFK
$1,140
10/10Tue
2 stopsEtihad Airways
27h 20mIAD-CMB
11/9Thu
2 stopsEtihad Airways
33h 35mCMB-IAD
$1,147
1/15Mon
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
25h 31mDCA-CMB
2/12Mon
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
29h 12mCMB-DCA
$1,172
3/21Thu
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
23h 25mDCA-CMB
3/29Fri
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
25h 20mCMB-DCA
$1,198

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10/21Sat
2 stopsMultiple Airlines
47h 00mLAX-CMB
$481
2/26Mon
2 stopsMultiple Airlines
34h 35mLAX-CMB
$490
10/3Tue
3 stopsMultiple Airlines
49h 55mIAD-CMB
$497
1/21Sun
1 stopEtihad Airways
36h 05mJFK-CMB
$628
3/17Sun
1 stopEtihad Airways
18h 45mJFK-CMB
$633
2/1Thu
1 stopSingapore Airlines
45h 15mLAX-CMB
$675
2/26Mon
1 stopSingapore Airlines
45h 15mLAX-CMB
$679
10/11Wed
1 stopEmirates
36h 10mIAD-CMB
$753
10/3Tue
1 stopEmirates
37h 20mIAD-CMB
$770
10/3Tue
1 stopQatar Airways
19h 35mIAD-CMB
$831

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Last minute flights to Sri Lanka

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

10/2Mon
multi-stopSriLankan Airlines
28h 52mJFK-CMB
11/27Mon
multi-stopSriLankan Airlines
25h 10mCMB-JFK
$1,142
10/2Mon
multi-stopMultiple Airlines
28h 15mJFK-CMB
10/24Tue
multi-stopMultiple Airlines
37h 55mCMB-JFK
$1,180
10/2Mon
multi-stopQatar Airways
27h 25mJFK-CMB
11/26Sun
multi-stopQatar Airways
29h 25mCMB-JFK
$1,216
10/2Mon
multi-stopQatar Airways
20h 05mJFK-CMB
10/23Mon
multi-stopQatar Airways
28h 25mCMB-JFK
$1,226
10/2Mon
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
27h 40mJFK-CMB
10/23Mon
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
24h 55mCMB-JFK
$1,333
10/1Sun
multi-stopEmirates
38h 20mJFK-CMB
12/20Wed
multi-stopEmirates
38h 30mCMB-JFK
$1,379
10/2Mon
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
33h 26mJFK-CMB
11/26Sun
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
21h 10mCMB-JFK
$1,389
10/1Sun
multi-stopEmirates
34h 40mJFK-CMB
12/20Wed
multi-stopEmirates
57h 10mCMB-JFK
$1,408
10/3Tue
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
44h 45mLAX-CMB
11/14Tue
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
30h 45mCMB-LAX
$1,618
9/29Fri
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
28h 05mEWR-CMB
10/5Thu
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
38h 40mCMB-EWR
$3,332

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